Leslie, thanks for the additional information. I wanted to rule out the possibility of a dominance aggression problem between Graham and Kersey. This is something that can creep up too. However, I think what you are dealing with is a classic case of seperation anxiety.

Do not assume that Kersey is aware that what she is doing is wrong. She has a real problem that is producing unwanted results and she can not control it at this time. Numerous things in her short life have produced this. Formost, the change in your schedule getting the new house and not spending as much time with the dogs as you usually do. Your home is the first stable home she has had and she is overcome with anxiety when you leave that it may be over. She depends on you as her alpha perhaps just a little too much. This can be corrected but it is going to take some time, understanding and patience on your part (as well as Dan) to overcome. I speak from experience because I had the same issue with Dixie for almost two years.

There are several things you can do to help. Start by trying to get Kersey comfortable in a room of your house without you being in it. I used a Kong filled with treats or peanut butter to keep Dixie occupied. I was in the house but where she couldn't see me. If I went outside I didn't take her all the time (which I normally did). I made sure I was back in a few minutes. When returning I did not acknowledge her. After a few minutes (5 to 10) I would then call her and pet her giving her praise.

When I had to leave, I had to learn to vary my routine so she would not be suspicious when a certain sequence of events happened. My biggest mistake was giving her a kiss and telling her to be a good girl while I'm gone and dragging out the inevitable. For about 15 minutes before I leave now I have to ignore her and try to give her something to occupy herself with. Usually I give her a treat ball with breakfast before I leave so she can try to get the kibble out while amusing herself. Then I leave without any fanfare. I should note that I did put the treat ball in the crate with the door closed at this point.

At first on my weekends I would do the same routine as I did during the week when I was going to work. I would leave for about 10 minutes and then come back and leave her in the crate for about 5 minutes and then not acknowledge her for another 10. By doing this I was taking her focus off of my return and hoping she would be more relaxed during my absence.

I am a firm believer that nothing is for free. I make the dogs work for everything even if it is a simple sit. This way I can incorporate security into everyday routines such as feeding, going out, etc.

In severe cases of anxiety, you need to work behavior modification along with prescription medication. Only your vet can tell you if it is this severe or not. I would try just behavior modification first and see how that goes. The key is to get Kersey to depend on you less without giving up your alpha position.

Use the crate until you have trust in her again. This is for her safety as well as your peace of mind.

One final important note..... EXERCISE is a must!! Try to spend a minimum of 20 minutes running Kersey before you leave. The more the better. I know how hard this is sometimes but I have to force myself to get up a half hour earlier just to exercise the dogs. They need the stimulation and relaxing effect that Exercise has on their system. Then the chances are that they will rest the majority of the time you are gone. This is not taking the dogs for a walk but actually getting them panting from running and playing frisbee or catching a ball. Whatever you do it must be to increase the heartrate for extended periods of time.

Don't give up on Kersey. It is because she loves you so much that she is suffering from this problem. It is just as hard on her (in a different way) than it is you.

There are numerous old threads that deal with this issue and many many articles on the net. If you need more help and ideas on why this occurs just search around. Best of Luck and let us know how it goes. Just remember patience. It may take months to get her comfortable at home alone.

As for your question about the alpha status. They will let you know when there needs to be a change in how you handle the dogs. When one starts acting more dominant against the other then you need to reward the more dominant by letting them drink first, go out first, get greeted first, etc. Until they let you know, don't worry about it. No sense in making work for yourself where there is no need. Dealing with Kersey's separation anxiety is going to be enough of a challenge.

P.S. Dixie is fine now and has not been crated in a long time. She has not destroyed anything either. It does get better. Just hang in there.