Bulldog Problems: Is It Housebreaking Or Separation Anxiety?

Dear Adam:

I adopted Sophie, a 3-year old 60-lb female English Bulldog, four months ago.

The problem is twofold--one, she pees in the house (and occasionally poops, too), and two, being an incredibly strong dog, she easily butts her way out of ANY crate, from airline-style to an all-metal crate (and I even wired the latches shut, and strapped the crate to slider door handles!). I've tried leaving her in an enclosed space, but she busts up everything in the room in an attempt to get to a window (not a door!). She does have a urinary tract infection, and is on her third week of antibiotics to cure it. She hardly drinks any water. She's taken out twice in the morning, a neighbor takes her out in the middle of the day, and she goes out twice in the evening. She has a very sweet nature, and is definitely insecure about being left alone.

Marilyn

P.S. Forgot to mention--evenings, weekends, or anytime I, or a friend, or any human being is with her, she's fine, and doesn't pee in the house.

Dear Marilyn:

Without knowing the dog, I can only take a shot in the dark. It sounds to me like your dog has separation anxiety.

Please read:
- My article on separation anxiety at http://www.dogproblems.com/articles.htm

- My article on housebreaking at http://www.dogproblems.com/housebreaking.htm

In the meantime, you're going to have to buy a stronger crate. I would recommend doing a search on the internet. There are private companies that make such crates out of metal/stainless steel. I would call them on the phone and see if they feel that their crates would keep your dog confined and prevent him from hurting himself.

Always buy with a credit card, in case the product is inferior and they try to refuse to stand behind it.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam
Dogproblems.com