Most owners realize that puppies will display tendencies that will need to be modified or curbed down the road. That’s the purpose of training, whether it’s related to housebreaking, socialization, or crating. Older canines can also manifest behavioral issues, a development that is both surprising and frustrating for millions of owners.

It’s unknown why some senior dogs, including those who have never shown behavior problems in the past, suddenly develop them in their twilight years. Below, we’ll explore this issue in more detail. We’ll describe how many mature canines can begin to show signs of aggression, separation anxiety, and other problems as they grow older.

Aggressive Behavior

Aggression can manifest in your senior pooch for many reasons, and might be an expression of something completely unrelated. For example, if he is experiencing pain from periodontal disease or arthritis, he might growl or bark aggressively, even if doing so is uncharacteristic. If he has developed problems with his eyesight or hearing, he might be easily frightened; in such cases, his aggression is simply a reaction in surprise.

Changes in routine can also spark aggressive behavior. For instance, relocating can stress or irritate your senior pooch. Or, if a young dog is newly introduced into the home, your older canine might feel that their authority and position is at risk.

Separation Anxiety

This is one of the most prevalent changes in behavior as dogs age. Your pooch may have never shown signs of separation anxiety when he was younger, but now that he’s older, suddenly becomes anxious whenever he’s away from you.

This is likely related to physical and neurological changes that your canine undergoes as he matures. Losses in hearing or vision might make him less sure of himself. He might suddenly develop a dependency on your being near him; when you leave, it causes him stress.

“Accidents” In The Home

Accidental soiling in the home is more common with mature dogs than most owners realize. There are several reasons it can happen. Your senior dog might develop medical issues that have a direct influence on this behavior. These issues can include inflammatory bowel disease, problems with his prostate, or bladder stones. Other medical problems might make it difficult for your mature canine to eliminate outside.

Fear Of Loud Noises

A lot of senior dogs develop a phobia of loud noises. A car backfire, thunderstorm, or gunshot heard on television, can startle him. While most older pooches suffer some degree of hearing loss, other factors are at work. For example, he may not be able to seek refuge from the noise because he is older and cannot get around so well. He may also be less capable of dealing with the stress that accompanies such noises.

In most cases, the behavioral problems that senior canines develop can be minimized through desensitization training. Keep in mind that such training requires time and patience. Given the companionship, love, and loyalty your pooch offers, the effort is worthwhile.