Do you confine your pup when you leave him alone? I think this is a good idea for anyone with a young dog, until you know they are trained enough to be ok in the whole house.
Hi Caroline, Problem is he was rescued from a wooden crate so hates confined spaces, he is left alone in the kitchen and scratches the door surrounds when we leave him alone .He doesnt touch food or water he is a spanish mastin 40kg!!
I agree with your second comment - the whole house is too much for a puppy, especially one with potentially destructive tendencies when left home alone.
I still think crate training might be a good idea, but it will take time and patience on your part to get him to like his new crate. Start by leaving the door open and putting treats inside, praise him when he goes in to get them, but dont shut him in the crate just yet. Keep working with him to entice him to go in on his own (you can even use play time as a way - toss toys in, climb in yourself!).
As far as water drinking while alone in the meantime, most dogs know enough not to starve/dehydrate themselves while theyre alone - I would think as he gets more comfortable and used to you and his new house, he'll settle down and start drinking more normally. In the meantime - provide options for water if you can - leave a toilet seat up where hes enclosed, but a few bowls down of varying colour and size...that might help.
