Just needing some positive outlook on a dog rn. My family just got a golden retriever puppy. She's fine but still has some very frustrating qualities. Concerning care, she's literally like a human baby. Does having a dog get nicer when they get older?
I have a boxer mix, 2 years old. She is extremely loyal and never leaves my side. Before she was with me she lived with foster parents, and they only had one incident of her going bathroom in the house. I've had her for two months, and she still goes to the bathroom inside if I'm gone more than half hour, even if she had just gone. Always in my bedroom or bedroom closet. Pee or poo. I thought it may because she had some separation anxiety after leaving the foster home, but it's still continuing I work from home so I'm home quite a lot with her. We go on about 4 walks a day, and play fetch. She never goes to the bathroom inside when I'm home, even when i sleep in she still holds it, so it's not a housetraining issue. She is extremely guilty when i come home and she had gone inside (doesnt run to door, hides in corner). She was abused and neglected in the past and it's very obvious when she is guilty because she thinks something will happen to her. I set up my laptop to watch her sometimes and she looks like she is playing or sleeping when alone, she doesnt bark or try to get out anymore. Any suggestions? I am going away for the first time next month and feel awful leaving her with someone if she will do this there. Crate training didnt go well - she is terrified being left in it, despite weeks of easing her into it like all info says. Even when the vet gave her anxiety medication while recovering from surgery she would still poop in the house.
