For many people, having a dog is a wonderful and rewarding experience. But one issue that often comes up with pet ownership is separation anxiety. We want to ensure that our furry friends are as happy and comfortable as possible, and so it’s important to understand the issue of dog separation anxiety and how it can change over time. This blog post will explore the question of whether or not separation anxiety in dogs improves with age. We’ll look at the causes of separation anxiety, the signs of it in dogs, and the ways in which it can be managed. We’ll also discuss whether or not age has an impact on the severity of separation anxiety and the steps that can be taken to address it. By the end of the post, readers should have a better understanding of how to support their dog in managing their separation anxiety, regardless of their age.
What does separation anxiety look like in puppies?
Separation anxiety can cause destructive behaviors in dogs. Every time you leave the house, they frequently destroy their toys, beds, furniture, and other household items. Additionally, they might overly bark and whine, attempt to flee the house, and relieve themselves inside.
In extreme situations, they might also bite, scratch, and lick themselves to death. Additionally, an anxious dog may pace, pant, drool, shake, experience stomach upset, or exhibit repetitive behaviors.
The similarities between these behaviors and those of a typical puppy make it crucial to distinguish between them. For instance, all teething puppies try to chew on furniture and destroy their belongings, but unless this behavior is accompanied by other symptoms, it is likely typical teething behavior.
These devoted dog owners are searching desperately for a solution that could end the unquestionable suffering that their pet must be going through. Younger dogs are more prone to separation anxiety, especially if they are adopted from an animal shelter or rescue group. Although it is uncommon to see it in mature or older dogs, dogs who experience separation anxiety at a young age may be more susceptible to relapses in later life.
Although the exact cause is unknown, it is generally accepted that dogs seem to experience separation anxiety either because they are predisposed from birth to exhibit fear or anxiety when under stress, or because the owner unintentionally facilitated the dog’s neurosis by forging an inter-reliant bond with the dog during early developmental stages. However, separation anxiety can significantly impact the owner’s way of life as they must deal with the damage and ongoing complaints from their neighbors.
Dogs who have separation anxiety do not act out or act in ways that are intended to get their owners’ attention, manipulate them, or get even after being left alone. If the owner is to help the dog in any way they can, they must always treat separation anxiety as a mental illness.
Teach your dog a phrase or gesture that you use each time you depart to assure them of your return. Dogs quickly pick up on the association between specific signals and brief owner separation. Your dog won’t become anxious when you get the mail or take out the trash because they know you will return soon. As a result, start calling your dog by a specific name every time you do these things, like “break-time” or “leaving.”
When you are at home for an extended period of time, on weekends, or even in the evenings, you should practice the following exercises. Although these activities won’t cure your dog’s separation anxiety, they can help lessen the signs and perhaps even the intensity of your dog’s episodes. Introduce each one gradually over a few days. Practice a few times each day. You may need to start with shorter training periods. Use your best judgment. Starting slowly is much preferable to pushing a dog who has severe anxiety.
Counter-conditioning and Desensitizing to your absence
Start leaving the house after you can leave the room for ten to fifteen minutes without her getting upset. Again, go slowly. If you can, exit through a different door during training and desensitization. Give her the food-stuffed toy, tell her to “go to your bed,” and then leave. Before she becomes upset, return in a few seconds, take the toy away, and continue with your day without saying anything. Before leaving, you can also turn on the radio or television. This will serve as another indicator that you won’t be gone for very long.
Start to stay away for longer periods of time. Leaving for a minute, returning after two minutes, etc. , then longer and longer. Use a variable timetable for your absences, such as 1, 2, 5, 11, 7, 2, 12, or 1, 14, so that she can never anticipate when you will return.
You must begin incorporating additional cues, such as the car, once you are able to go outside and remain there for 5 to 10 minutes. Prior to returning home, start by simply opening and closing the car door. Do this several times. Start the vehicle next, then leave the driveway, then circumnavigate the block, etc. Go slowly. Perform each step until you are certain that she is not upset. If you have a video or audio tape, use it to capture her response. Simply back off and leave for a shorter amount of time if she ever gets upset about being away at a particular time.
You should be fine once you reach the stage where you can leave for 30 minutes without her becoming upset. For all actual absences, you should now leave her alone with her stuffed Kong and the TV or radio on.
This program has proven to work for many dogs. It takes a lot of time and requires a strong commitment on your part. The key is to go at your dog’s pace. Before continuing to the next step, complete each one until she stops being upset.
FAQ
Will my dog ever get over his separation anxiety?
Have patience. Dogs frequently need several weeks or months to fully get over separation anxiety. Although crate training is an option, some dogs who are anxious when left alone become even more so.
How long does it take a dog to get over separation anxiety?
Work with your dog for approximately two months to help him overcome his separation anxiety. Making your dog comfortable right before you leave by starting out slowly will enable you to extend your time away much more quickly in the later stages.
Do anxious dogs get better with age?
Some dogs exhibit a marked rise in anxiety and other behavioral problems as they get older. Dogs may be more easily startled due to a potential loss of their senses of hearing, sight, and smell. Your dog may appear to enjoy things less generally or even act more jittery.