I have a two year old female dog that we picked up at the local shelter when
she was only weeks old. She looks to be a mix of Border Collie & Retriever.

Recently my wife had to start going to work which leaves our dog alone 3
days a week for up to 8 hours. Up until a few months ago my wife or myself
was always with the dog at all times.

Sometimes when our dog is left alone she has tried to scratch her way
through the front door. Terribly damaging the drywall around the door. She
damages nothing else in the house other than the area right around the front
door.

I have been told by our Vet and some friends that this is Separation
Anxiety....but after doing some reading on the net I have my doubts.

She does not do this everytime we leave. The only time she does this is when
she has also pooped on our carpet.

We can leave for two to three hours at a time with no problem and I have
read that normally with separation anxiety that the dog begins to act up
shortly after the owners departure.

So I am curious if perhaps it is not separation anxiety but perhaps she
knows she needs to relieve herself and is suppose to do it outside so she is
just trying everything she can to get outside.

Should I train her that it is ok the relieve herself on newspaper in the
kitchen when we are not home or would this confuse her?

Any help or advice anyone can offer me is appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark