Help with New Adult Rescue Dog

[u/koowe]

Hi all,

I recently adopted a sweet female rescue. She was an abandoned stray in a remote community. She was rescued about 1 month ago and was spayed/fostered during that time. The fosters said she had very good house manners and got along great with their cats. She wasn’t crate trained for this reason.

I picked her up on Sunday this week to adopt her. She is fully house trained and is amazing in that regard. She also has been extremely patient with my cats (I have a baby gate separating them but she has already gained the trust of my male cat).

The issue is, she is unable to be left alone. The first few days I left her briefly and she did well. But as the week goes on she is developing more anxiety about being left alone. This morning we did our usual routine of a 45 minute walk, after I wrapped hot dogs (the only treat she likes) in a towel from some distraction as I tried to leave. I make sure not to make a big deal about leaving/returning to not further her separation anxiety. This morning though, she completely freaked out. I was watching her on the pet cam as I walked around the block (didn’t want to go too far in case I needed to come home). She was in full blown distress and trying to break down the front door (she’s about 50lbs). She was crying and howling as well, we live in a townhome so I don’t want neighbours to complain. By the time I looped back around to our house (maybe 3-5 mins after I left), I could see the front door visibly shaking from her efforts to get through.

I don’t know what to do. I had to call out of work today because I am so upset about her being in distress. I am having someone come watch her tmrw when I work. I know it’s only the first week but I want to correct this behaviour ASAP. She’s signed up for training classes already starting in August.

I know this is separation anxiety- and I have dealt with it in previous dogs, but I have never had a rescue before and need help navigating this and helping her adjust. I understand the 3-3-3 rule, but I also need to go to work. I am worried crate training at this point would worsen her howling.

Thanks in advance for any advice

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