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Originally Posted by Hermione  Thank you yorkietalkjilly for taking the time again to write two long posts, I really appreciate it and all the other advice received here. There is always something new to learn. Thank you also for the well wishes for my partner, he certainly needs them.
Last night I had Jake next to my bed in his crate. At first he started to whine and I said “no Jake” and he immediately settled down for the night. Around 5 am he started to stir so I took him outside for a little while. His crate was clean. Back to my bedroom he’s now cuddled up against my legs 
I will probably miss Jake more than he will miss me, I will take a lot of the advice given and certainly leave some of my used clothing to sleep on. I really hate leaving him behind though, I’m a born worrier! |
You are more than welcome. When I finally saw your initial paragraph about your’s and Jake’s partner being so ill, my heart broke for you. Such a terrible time to deal with a loved one so ill, missing them and having that hole in your family. No wonder Jake is having some issues, he’s aging and stressed right along with you. Stressed dogs often poop or urinate just to relieve stress. He’s likely extra stressed when his sleeping buddy no longer there for him to cuddle up with after night-time trips outside. Sleeping with or as near to him as possible can reassure him that he’s still a member of your little family pack, not all alone with few tools for helping himself.
Good reports of longer night sleeping mean progress and you are wise to reassure him by sleeping as near as possible. Toss a worn piece of clothing into his crate to sleep on now, should help. Keep vet appt. stressing you need to r/o medical problems causing his night pottying. If clear bill of health, enriching his life, simple basic obedience training can refocus him on achievement with positive reinforcement as he achieves each request to do your command. He’ll begin to feel more selfconfident, become more settled, less anxious, whatever else is going on in his life.
Try not to worry about Jake. During surgery 2 yrs ago, Tibbe was away from home about 8 wks., during hospital, rehab, home rehab while still weak from blood loss anemia, punished me w/aloofness a few days after he got home, but the moment we got back to training and chasing, foraging games, he was my bosom buddy once again, like we’d never been apart.Dogs can be surprisingly resilient when they are loved, cared for responsibly at home.
All the best to you three and keep us posted. Talking about tough times helps us cope. YT is truly the most supportive community I’ve found on the internet.