wrote in message
...
I recently adopted a 1 1/2 y/o female cocker mix, 17 lbs. I know to
expect accidents at the beginning, but she's able to hold it without
problems all night, and because I work at home, I take her out a few
times a day/night. Yesterday, I left the dog alone for 20 min to
drive someone home, and found she pee'd on the carpet. I realize she
might have thought she was being abandoned, but on the other hand, she
might have been demonstrating her displeasure that I left her behind.
(I've been taking her everywhere with me). Anyway, I didn't do
anything about except clean it up, but for the first time in the 2
weeks I've had her, she's sat in another room away from me; otherwise,
she's constantly underfoot or wants to be held or sit right next to me
24/7. Guilt? In any event, what's the best way to treat this issue
in the future?

Well done for adopting an unwanted dog and also for not telling her off
for weeing indoors. She might have been told off or punished in some way by
the previous owner and that's why she sat in another room away from you.
Shelly has given you good advice about housetraining and having her vet
checked but IMHO as she is clingy and she's rarely left alone, it's more
likely she was upset at being left behind ie "seperation anxiety".
Also maybe something scared her while you were out, perhaps New Year
fireworks for example.
You need to make her feel safe at home without you. I would build up
the time you leave her. Start with one minute and then come back in. Do
that a few times and if she can cope with that then build up the time.
You can make a safe haven for her. If she has a favourite place to settle
,e.g in the hall or on the sofa, you can put a duvet down and and one of
t -shirts that smells of you . Close a few doors so she can't roam the
whole house. Buy a plug in DAP diffuser or a DAP collar for her. I would
also make sure she does get enough opportunities to relieve herself.
She will also have to get used to being left alone in the day and when it
is dark .

Many people crate their dogs when they leave them. If you decide you want
to use one, she will have to be acustomed to it first and be happy in it,
otherwise it will cause her to panic all the more and distress her.

Ali