I have a 12 year old dog that has suddenly developed a type of

I have a 12 year old dog that has suddenly developed a type of separation anxiety that has me at wits end! The behavior is manifested in two ways: First, he is quietly following me everywhere, staring at me constantly as if he wants something, begging for something, but I don’t know what it is. I have tried treats, letting him outside, commanding him to sit or go lay down, but nothing works, he just sits there staring. The second thing he does, the worst, is when he begs to go outside every fifteen minutes to go to relieve himself, trouble is, most of the time he just stands there outside the door, turns around and wants right back in! It’s this neverending cycle of begging to go out and then coming right back in! I’m exhausted! The only things I can think of that contribute to this behavior is the fact that we moved (I divorced) into a very new environment (from the mountains in California to the desert in New Mexico), and that he is going deaf. I REALLY need your help here, I love my dog so much and want to be sure that he lives out his late years in peace and harmony. Could you help me?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

It might be that your dog is actually starting to suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome which happens to some dogs as they age.
There is a drug Anipryl which seems to help a lot of dogs with this problem.
However it sounds like a lot of things have changed in your dog's life including a move, a change of people in his life, and perhaps a new schedule for you?
Senior animals are slower to adapt to new things and new situations. If you did obedience lessons with him when he was young perhaps going back to the routine of some practice sessions will help him out. Dogs love routines and they find disruptions of them as disturbing as we do. Put a new routine as steady as you can make it in place for him.
Don't just put him out go out with him and walk the boundries of the new space.
Make sure feeding times are on schedule.
I'm sure you are busy unpacking etc but take time to spend some time with him daily at about the same time - maybe petting him while you watch a tv program or brushing him etc.
I hope you brought his old bed or rug with you so he has a place that smells like home to him.
While putting him on a schedule consider having the vet do a senior work up and ask about the possibility that this has to do with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
Hope this helps you out!

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Separation Anxiety??

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