Looking After Pets

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.

Most canines hate to see their owners leave them. They would rather know their owners are nearby and able to address their needs (i.e. for food, attention, etc.) whenever necessary. In certain cases, canines will become extremely nervous and worried when left alone or seperated from the people they know. This is called separation anxiety (SA).

The behavior can manifest in various ways, which often makes it difficult to recognize. If the behavior is not properly identified, it cannot be shaped or modified. Sadly, separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons people abandon their canines.

Here, we’ll describe a number of signs that can allow you determine if your pooch is having trouble dealing with being left alone. We’ll also explore the reasons behind the behavior and provide a few tips for modifying it.

Identifying The Signs

Every dog is unique and the extent to which they suffer from SA will vary. Your pooch might become increasingly agitated the longer he is left alone. Once you leave him, he may begin pacing back and forth, drooling, barking, and even howling. If he grows more anxious, he might start chewing your furniture, or destroying things around your house. In severe cases, your dog might begin to urinate or defecate in your home.

There are a few telltale signs that imply your canine is becoming anxious when he is separated from you. For example, you might notice him following you around the house. That’s his way of making sure you’re still nearby. He may periodically check whether you’re home before returning to his toys or food. Another indication is that your pooch becomes frantic when you prepare to leave him.

What Triggers Separation Anxiety?

There are several possible reasons why a dog may become especially anxious when his owner leaves him. For instance, if he’s been mistreated by a previous owner, or has been adopted by numerous people, he may feel insecure in his position. That is, because he has been abandoned in the past, a canine might fear his owner will fail to return for him.

Separation anxiety can also manifest if your dog has never enjoyed interaction with other people. Left alone, he may become worried that he has lost your companionship.

Tips For Modifying The Behavior

It’s worth emphasizing that anything your pooch does as the result of becoming anxious is not meant to “get back” at you for leaving him. Don’t punish him. Instead, take positive steps to gradually shape his behavior.

For example, reward him with a treat when he is calm. If he shows too much excitement when you return home, say “relax” and provide a treat when he calms himself. You can also desensitize your canine to the routine you normally go through before leaving your house. For instance, put on your shoes a half hour before departing. You should also downplay your leaving; ignore your dog 10 to 20 minutes before departing.

The key thing to remember is that the signs associated with separation anxiety (i.e. barking, urinating, etc.) are not done in anger or aggression. Take a supportive, positive approach to slowly eliminate your canine’s concern.