senior dog with separation anxiety
i have a 10 year old poodle-bichon mix who unfortunately has the worst separation anxiety. i’ve been training him and trying to get him used to being by himself but it just feels like there’s no hope since my family has had him since he was a baby and was practically never left alone.
my older sibling had him for awhile before i took him in and he was like a purse dog, he went everywhere with her which is why i think he has the anxiety in the first place. i feel like my only hope at this point is also taking him everywhere with me because he just can’t be alone. i’ve tried leaving him for increments of 1 min, 5 min, 10 min and coming back. i’ve also stopped making a huge deal about leaving and coming back (making sure not to give into his whines and barking when i come back) i’ve given his favorite chews and treats while i leave. it just all feels hopeless.
has anyone had success with training their senior dogs with separation anxiety? does the training just take longer? any more tips?