Extreme Separation Anxiety / 22-week-old Rescue
Rescued a 22 week old German Shepherd mix about a month ago. She was in a foster home for about 6 weeks, with 5 other dogs and one cat. I am a first time dog owner, while my bf has had dogs in his family before, but this is the first of our own.
Our pup is experiencing EXTREME separation anxiety. We are working on crate training, which she sleeps in at night just fine (it has a divider so it is just large enough for her to stand, turn around, and lay down, it is covered with a large blanket so it is nice and cozy). She even naps during the day when I am in the room (I work from home). But when she is left alone in her crate, she is in extreme distress. Barking nonstop, and will pee and poop in her crate. She is always taken outside to go potty before being put in her crate. The pup has also been doing a lot better with potty training, besides the issues with the crate.
For some background– our downstairs is pretty open (living room and kitchen) and we have a baby gate that separates the downstairs hallway that leads to front door and upstairs. We also have a cat, and they are separated and haven’t gotten along yet. The pup can’t be trusted alone in the open area, so she is crated when we need to leave the room. I put something on the TV (white noise, a show, music), but it doesn’t seem to help, as she still barks and has accidents (and stomps around in it).
I work on crate training and separation exercises– I put her in the crate, walk away briefly, return, give her treat. I do the same and go through the gate briefly, return, treat. But I can only do this for max 15 seconds before whining begins. I have done a LOT of research, but these exercises haven’t really built up any time yet. We will also feed her in the crate, as I have heard and read that dogs will try not to eliminate in places they eat or sleep, but that doesn’t stop her.
There are times when I need to go upstairs (work in my office, shower, laundry, etc), or leave for an errand, and it always ends up in me having to clean up an extreme mess. It is taking an extreme toll on my mental state, puppy blues to the max. I also feel bad that she is in such distress. Any and all advice welcome. TIA