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My 8-month-old dog chews and pees when alone. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) | Male | 8 months and 9 days old

My dog is 8 month old he's doing good with his potty training but when left alone he chews chairs and wees and poos on floor even though 3 puppy pads are left out is this normal at this age and how can I stop it

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2019

Rio may have separation anxiety when you leave the house. I recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that with a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. If these methods do not help him, then I recommend having him seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications.

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