Separation anxiety in older dogs

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Saxon

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Has anyone had success in re-training an older dog with separation anxiety? We have a Patterdale terrier (approx 15) who we found as a stray when he was a puppy. Since our other dog died almost two years ago, we have had problems with SA. He never chews or destroys stuff, the problem is more his crying and barking and of course now our new neighbours are complaining.

We've tried a DAP diffuser, citronella collar (out of desperation) and he was even on valium when our other dog died but it had no effect and obviously I would not like to use this long term.

We're now trying to distance ourselves with him when we are in the house so he's not getting so much attention when we are home. It's so annoying because when he's not alone, he's more than happy to snuggle up in his bed and sleep the whole time.

Any tips/advice would be welcome :)
 
would it be possible to rehome another dog for company as you say he was ok before the other dog went. try leaving the radio on when you go out and giving him a kong stuffed with something tasty. sorry cant think of anything else at the moment.
 
Hi thanks for your reply. We did try to rehome an older bitch with him about six months after our other dog died, she tried to attack him in the car as we were driving away from the kennels so needless to say she went back! Think my parents are reluctant to get another dog now as we may face the same SA problem when one dies before the other.

We leave the television on during the day and have tried the kong a couple of times but he's not the most food centred dog. Plus he tends to get bored quite quickly! I'll give it another try and maybe get a couple more kongs with different treats in to see if that encourages him. We've also thought of taking him to a pet sitter but couldn't do this 5 days a week (way too expensive) so I would still like to address the problem for the days he may be at home alone.
 
I had this with my current dog when I lost my elderly dog I tried to rescue a dog but couldn't get him to sosialise with an older dog, I ended up getting a puppy they absolutely adore each other a d he's actually happier now with the new pup. Did you get another bitch you'll probably find she'll get on better with a dog. When I got a the new pup my elder went from been destructive and poohing and weeing everywhere despite been clean for years to within 24 hours quiet and happy and playing!!
 
I'll speak to my parents again about it. We chose an older bitch before because we thought it would be less likely to pester him like a puppy would. He's still very active for his age and I make sure he interacts with other dogs as much as possible so maybe a younger one would be the answer.
 
Yer I thought that he wouldn't be pestered with having an older dog but he seemed less threatened by a pup coming into his territory, luckily a friend had a left over runt from a litter do I got my new pup free!!!
Would defiantly say try her with a dog rather than a bitch opposites do tend to get on better.
 
A more suitable bitch/dog, opposite sex to yours! or crate train him. If thats a route you wish to take I can send you a crate guide. The answer to the question, we do indeed have to re train old/ancient dogs that come through our rescue with SA, we use a crate and re train the dog to feel comfortable with in it's own company (small confined space) but it has to be done in a sensitive manner and gradually, hence the crate training guide:)
 
He's a dog so that's why we picked a bitch, maybe it was because she was also a terrier? Would explain her feisty reaction to him!
Please send me the crate training guide, we're considering as many options as possible and at least we can explain that to the neighbours. We're waiting to hear back from a dog trainer so if we go down the crate route, they'll be there for extra guidance and would be useful if we decided on another dog.
Thanks for your replies, really appreciate it!!
 
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