Welcome Home "Presents"

[Gayle]

We've adopted a Jack Russell that is not quite 18 months old. We don't know that much about his background but he is house trained except for this little problem . . .
He loves to go for car rides with us but we sometimes have to leave him home. When he is left home he will do business in his crate. We have also left him shut in the kitchen and he has done business on the floor. He goes out every morning and does all his business and before we go out he is also taken out to do his business. He only does part of his business and leaves us a "present" when we come home.
When someone is home with him he is fine and usually doesn't even ask to go out. I'm wondering if he is axious about being left or something like that.
If anyone has any suggestions or has had this happen to them I'm wondering how you handled it.
All suggestions and hints are welcome

Thanks
Gayle

[Dixieland Dancer]

How big is his crate? Is it big enough to "do his business" on one side and then lay comfortable on the other?

If this is the case then you need to make the crate smaller. It should only be big enough for him to lay, stand, and turn around in. No additional space. Make it comfortable for him too. Put his favorite blanket and perhaps a chew toy he can't get hurt on.

[micki76]

What's his feeding schedule like. If you feed him just before you crate him and then leave, nature is going to take its course. You may have to adjust his schedule.

[aly]

Does he seem anxious when you come home?

Make your departures and arrivals very low key. Ignore him 15 minutes before you leave the house and 15 min after you get home. Have him spend a little time alone even when you're at home so he'll get used to being alone.

If you think it is seperation anxiety, let us know and we can bombard you with suggestions :)