Puppy advice needed

[BoogsBun]

I am having a problem and don't know what to do. I have an 8 month old boxer, who is having behavior issues. We got her when I was a stay-at-home mom, now I work 24 hours a week, which is why I think it's a behavior thing.

Here's the thing, when I'm at work, she pisses and shits EVERYWHERE, and by the looks of the house, she does it all day. We make sure she goes pee and poop before we leave for work, we have a doggie door so she has access to outside (that she uses all the time when I'm home, so she knows how it works), we don't feed her before we leave in hopes that she doesn't shit everywhere, we lock the trash up so she doesn't "snack".

We get home, theres 4 piles of poop, and as many pee spots. She has access to the backyard, but obviously doesn't go there. We tried the crate thing, she does her business in there, so when we get home she's COVERED. I don't want to keep her outside all day, because I don't think it's fair to her, or the neighbors because she would bark non-stop. I don't want to keep her in the garage because it's too hot here and theres no ventilation in there.

She was totally housetrained before I started working, and goes outside (even through her doggie door) when I'm home. I'm at a loss as to what to do. I would send her to doggy daycare, but I can't afford it. I'm just tired of cleaning my carpet daily on the days I work.

I don't want to surrender her to the boxer rescue, because she is such a sweet dog, BUT I'm starting to dislike her because of this issue. Any advice or helpful hints would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

[KrisNine]

It could be a behavioral thing, but you may want to have her checked out for something physical, just in case. I would try the crate again, no food or water for 30 minutes to an hour before she gets in the crate. Other than that, you could confine her to a specific room, like the kitchen or a bathroom and put up a baby gate. That way if she has an accident, it's easier to clean up.

[A*O]

I'd say it's definitely the fact that you have gone back to work. I think behaviourists call in separation anxiety. I really think it would be worthwhile consulting a specialist 'dog whisperer' because I believe this problem can be a very tough nut to crack.