Numerous factors contribute to the development of separation anxiety in obedience school for dogs houston. Some of these factors include:
An abrupt alteration in schedule due to a guardian starting a new job
A switch in guardian or family
Moving to a new home
The loss of a family member
Certain breeds exhibit a genetic propensity toward anxieties, indicated by behaviors like aggression, sensitivity to noise, and separation anxiety. For instance, a particular DNA stretch associated with the oxytocin receptor gene OXTR in some breeds like German Shepherds has been linked to these behavior patterns. When a dog displays anxious behaviors, it could be due to such genetic factors.
Older dogs, especially those experiencing loss of hearing or sight, painful conditions, or cognitive dysfunction, may display increased dog’s anxiety and dependence on their owner for security and relief, which can manifest as separation anxiety. Additionally, traumatic events like never having been left alone, experiencing a traumatic separation, or previous bad experiences, as well as learned behaviors, can lead to the development of separation anxiety in dogs.