We recommend going through a shelter or rescue group.

Unfortunately, the puppy was caged too much and now has developed into a "dirty dog". In order to help him, during the day we suggest keeping him in an exercise pen indoors with the crate in one corner so he can leave the crate to elminate until you can teach him the toilet is always outdoors. Other suggestions: 1. Feed definite meals, 3x per day, offer the meal and give him 10 minutes to eat. Take up any left over. 2. Take him out after eating, chewing a bone, drinking large amounts, after sleeping ANY amount of time. Put up an x pen outside in the toilet area, get a chair and just wait. Remember sniffing and walking help stimulate elmination. Do NOT take him inside until he eliminates, esp if you KNOW he needs to go. 3. When he is elminating, praise him quietly and just as he finishes, slip a food treat in his mouth. 4. Don't punish for accidents indoors, it will only cause problems later. Keep him and his living areas clean as possible, even if daily baths are needed. 5. Keep the crate in your bedroom at night so you can hear him when he gets restless and take him outside.   « less

Since your dog seems to be quite uncomfortable, you will want to visit a veterinarian and find out the cause of your dog's skin condition. Your veterinarian can prescribe both oral and topical treatments that should help considerably.   « less

Since your dog's lab results don't indicate a problem, your dog is probably fine, but you do want to keep an eye out for any other unusual behavior or if the licking becomes progressively worse. If it does, you will want to visit the vet again or get a second opinion as that kind of licking can sometimes indicate health problems.   « less

Sounds like separation anxiety. Please read: http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/SeparationAnxiety.pdf In particular pay attention to time buffers, exercise, kongs and NO punishment whatsoever for the indoor accidents. Other resources can be found at www.dogwise.com Home Alone by Roger Abrantes I"ll be Home Soon by Patricia McConnell   « less

We suggest keeping your cat on his regular routine of eating, playing, etc. We also suggest increasing the cat's daily exercise with YOU so to help fill the empty void. Do be patient and try to act as normal and happy as possible to help this cat overcome his grief.   « less

We suggest keeping the cat in a harness and leash so when you are ready to go back in, it will be easy to move her. We do suggest bringing her inside SEVERAL times in one day and each time, and immediately give her a tablespoon of wet food for coming in. This makes coming inside pleasant instead of a punisher.   « less

For a puppy that young, he should be let out to eliminate every couple of hours. He can only hold it during the day time equal to the number of months in his age (so 2 months or 2 hours). Do make sure you hire a puppy walker/sitter so the pup can be let out every couple of hours.   « less

We suggest reading our web pages on exercise & mouthing at: http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/mouthing.pdf http://www.hssv.org/LIBRARY/PDF/Behavior/playandexercise.pdf If you have not already taken a basic training course with your dog, then we suggest doing that ASAP! Go to this page for referrals: http://www.hssv.org/BEHAVIOR/train_nation.htm   « less

As this is a sudden and unusual change in your dog's behavior, you need to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Bladder infections, metabolic or hormonal imbalances and other serious conditions can cause frequent thirst and urination, and your dog needs to have a complete examination.   « less