A year ago we rescued a 10yr old Lab/Rot male. He was tethered to a short line, barely got food & water, and received no affection or attention like being petted or talked to. Overall he's a good dog. He's well fed, has the run of the house, loves to go for car rides, and gets lots of TLC. He has been trained previously as he knows how to sit, stay, and come when called. We can also tell he has been hit as he cowers if he thinks he's going to be hit (which we have never nor will we ever do). He has also been paper trained as he will use the newspapers we put down for him when we know we will be gone for more than a few hours. Here's the problem: Even if we let him out before we go away somewhere he still poops & pees (on the papers) in the house. It doesn't matter if we are gone for less than an hour or as long as 5 hours. We reward with praise and treats when he doesn't do this and ground him to the back room when he does. We think he might have separation anxiety as when we are home he follows us from room to room as if he has to be able to see us at all times. Other times we think he's just doing it for revenge because we go away and leave him at home. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Hiring a trainer is out of our budget as 1 of us is laid off and the other has reduced hours.