Could this be a form of SA, and if it is, how do we break it?

[Sherri]

When ever we lock Baxter up (whether it is in a crate, kitchen, or bathroom) he has an accident. It does not matter if we are gone for 1 hour or 4 hours. He learned how to jump the gates we had him locked in the kitchen with (we gave up on the crate and bathroom. It was too much clean up for us. He would jump in the piles he left and spread it every where, but when he was in the kitchen he would stay away from the piles). We decided to leave him with the run of the house, and there were not any more accidents. We were still gone for the same amount of time, but the only difference seemed to be if he was locked up, or had the run of the house?

If this is a form of SA, what can we do to fix. I would hate to set the expectation with a family member that he is housebroken, have them lock him up and come home to mess after mess. I know from experience, it was not fun.

Any advise is greatly appreciated. This is not an issue for my husband and I for now as we just don't lock him up, but we want to fix for the future. Thanks.

[Randy Jane]

My puppy would scream and howl whenever I left him in the crate and walked away. After weeks of this, I decided to let him have the run of the house.
I closed doors where I could, but he had the kitchen, living room and hallways to roam in, plus a doggie door where he could go out to the yard. I also have a cat that I think keeps him company when I'm not there. Once he was free in the house, he stopped crying, has not destroyed anything and seems fine.
I think he and the cat just sit together and wait for me to get home.
I don't think I'll ever be able to crate him, but as long as he is not destroying anything, and not freaking out, I'll continue to let him have his freedom.

[Dorothy Chan]

my pup use to cry and bark when felt alone in the crate until i put on the radio on for him as this did comfort him. Try leaving radio/tv on. Good luck.