toilet issue

Left Back on the Bench

We've had our staffy 18 months.he's house trained but in the last week he's gone to the toilet in the house every time we've been gone.he's been brought outside to go before we've left. Christmas eve we left him in the sitting room and he went in there.yesterday he went in the utility room.he's also chewing and wrecking things alot more than he used to.any help appreciated

DBB

Hi OP,
Normally when a dog has a sudden change in behaviour, there's often an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. So, that needs to be your first port of call before you try anything else.
Having said that, and bearing in mind that I can only go on what you've posted at this point, your dog appears to be exhibiting some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety. The toileting, the destructiveness, are both strongly indicative.
This hasn't just suddenly appeared though, in all likelihood. Most dogs who suffer from this problem have always shown some level of insecurity about being left alone.
Have you had him since he was a pup?
Has something changed in the routine? Something that has rocked his normal expectations?
Is he used to being left alone, in the place where you're leaving him?
Do you find that the destructiveness is aimed at areas around or near the door?
When you're home, does your dog tend to follow you from room to room?
When you get home, does he seem extraordinarily pleased to see you?
Do you see sweaty paw marks on wooden floors or lino on your return?
Does he have ridges etched on his face that aren't normally there when he's relaxed?
Is he panting even though it's not overly warm?

Left Back on the Bench

DBB wrote: »

Hi OP,
Normally when a dog has a sudden change in behaviour, there's often an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. So, that needs to be your first port of call before you try anything else.
Having said that, and bearing in mind that I can only go on what you've posted at this point, your dog appears to be exhibiting some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety. The toileting, the destructiveness, are both strongly indicative.
This hasn't just suddenly appeared though, in all likelihood. Most dogs who suffer from this problem have always shown some level of insecurity about being left alone.
Have you had him since he was a pup?
Has something changed in the routine? Something that has rocked his normal expectations?
Is he used to being left alone, in the place where you're leaving him?
Do you find that the destructiveness is aimed at areas around or near the door?
When you're home, does your dog tend to follow you from room to room?
When you get home, does he seem extraordinarily pleased to see you?
Do you see sweaty paw marks on wooden floors or lino on your return?
Does he have ridges etched on his face that aren't normally there when he's relaxed?
Is he panting even though it's not overly warm?

Thanks, the routine has changed as it being Christmas so might be that.he would be very excited to see us, he would mostly follow us from room to room. Sweaty paws is a no.had him since a pup, I do think it's separation anxiety but just thought it strange he'd start doing it all of a sudden

DBB

If he's been following you from room to room routinely, and for some time, then there are attachment issues going on, and dogs like this are more prone to separation anxiety.
What has changed this Christmas? Is there usually someone at home with him at other times of the year? Or is he being left longer than normal now, all of a sudden?

Left Back on the Bench

DBB wrote: »

If he's been following you from room to room routinely, and for some time, then there are attachment issues going on, and dogs like this are more prone to separation anxiety.
What has changed this Christmas? Is there usually someone at home with him at other times of the year? Or is he being left longer than normal now, all of a sudden?

That's the thing, we've been home more often but might leave at different times to visit or shopping or what not.usually he's home when we're gone to work.like we'd have a routine with work whereas over the last week or so, it's been different times

DBB

You'd be inclined to think that it's the change in routine so. It's amazing how important routine is for many dogs, and breaking outside of it causes problems. Your leaving in the morning, and returning in the evening is his normal. But if you're leaving several times a day, at different-to-normal times, it's probably upset him.
I'm assuming he's getting plenty of exercise? And no change in his eating routine or type of food he's eating? Is he a foodie? If you were to get him to chow down on, say, a stuffed Kong toy, before you leave, it might make your leaving less obvious. Other things that might help is leaving a radio on, a Thundershirt, maybe an Adaptil Diffuser plugged in where he's left when you're gone.

Left Back on the Bench

It's probably the routine, hopefully he'll go back to normal once we're back to work routine.we've no Kongs but would give him a bone and leave the radio on and he has chew toys. He's exercised and does like his food.thanks for the help, was just asking as the last week or so has been very out of character but we've always thought he has some separation anxiety. For the tag they have they really are very needy and need company

DBB

Staffies are serious softies alright! Definitely seem to be up there amongst the breeds which seem more prone to separation issues!

Left Back on the Bench

DBB wrote: »

Staffies are serious softies alright! Definitely seem to be up there amongst the breeds which seem more prone to separation issues!

You're telling me. They think they're chihuahuas when they sitting on you too!! Thanks for the help, hopefully he goes back to normal soon.was on his own today due us both being at work, not on his own all day, just till lunchtime but no damage or toilet mistakes