Rottweilers may look tough and strong, but many people wonder whether they suffer from separation anxiety. This dog breed is known for being loyal and having a solid connection with its family unit. So, could rottweilers get separation anxiety?
Rottweilers are known to have separation anxiety. This is due to their high intelligence and close bond with their owners. A rottweiler’s separation anxiety can range from slight to severe. But it doesn’t have to be forever! It can be fixed through specific training, actions, and routines.
We don’t like leaving our dogs, but it is necessary. It becomes challenging when your dog struggles with separation anxiety. Keep reading to learn more about this trait and how to fix it.
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Why Do Rottweilers Have Separation Anxiety?
Rottweilers can develop separation anxiety for many reasons, but there are definitely some common factors. Here are some typical reasons for your rottweiler to develop separation anxiety:
1. Trauma From Their Past
If you adopt an older rottweiler from a shelter or another family, they likely associate people leaving with being abandoned. As an intelligent breed, rottweilers can make the connection between someone saying goodbye and not coming back. This gives them a lot of separation anxiety when their chosen human leaves.
2. A Change in Schedule
Rottweilers are creatures of habit, and an unexpected departure from their family can make them anxious. If they get used to you leaving at a specific time each day, only for you to start leaving earlier suddenly, the change can be confusing.
3. Attachment and Lack of Stimulation
Sometimes separation anxiety comes down to this: your dog loves you and doesn’t want you to leave! This issue can be difficult to fix. In addition, your rottweiler may feel that there is nothing to do or to occupy their time while you are gone. This makes them more likely to develop separation anxiety.
These are only a few of the common reasons why your rottweiler might have separation anxiety.
How Do I Know if my Rottweiler Has Separation Anxiety?
Sometimes, it is not immediately obvious if your dog has separation anxiety. After all, it’s not like they can tell you themselves! To figure out if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, you’ll need to keep in mind factors such as their body language and behavior when left home alone.
It is common for dogs with separation anxiety to become anxious or clingy when it is clear their family is preparing to leave. Casual movements such as grabbing your keys or shoes may cause your Rottie to change their behavior. In addition, your dog may bark or scratch at the door after you leave.
The things your rottweiler does when left home alone are also good ways to tell if they suffer from separation anxiety. If your dog becomes destructive and chews furniture or personal items such as shoes, it could signify that they are acting out due to their anxiety.
The best way to tell is to ask yourself if they act like this at any other time; if it is only when they are left alone, there’s a good chance it is separation anxiety.
How Can I Stop My Rottweiler From Having Separation Anxiety?
It is only natural that, as a dog owner, you want to find a way to stop your rottweiler from suffering from separation anxiety. It may take some time to find a proper solution, and you may even find it helpful to combine different solutions that fit your dog best.
The easiest solution to stop your dog’s separation anxiety is to give them another outlet for their affection. If you have a friend, family member, or roommate who lives with you and is available to comfort your dog, they will not be as bothered by your absence. A dog walker or other daily routine participant can also help.
However, this is not realistic for every owner. It also does not cut to the root of the issue, which is that your dog acts out because they miss you specifically. Another way to stop separation anxiety is to make your departures and arrivals back home as subtle and uninteresting as possible.
You can do this by slowly getting ready for work and slipping away without giving your dog a long goodbye. This might seem cruel, but it helps establish that leaving is no big deal. By making it clear that your leaving is casual, you avoid working up your dog’s emotions right before you exit.
Tips For Helping Your Rottweiler Suffering From Separation Anxiety
While it is necessary to try out many different solutions for your dog’s separation anxiety, there are some obvious ones you can do immediately. Separation anxiety mainly comes from your dog being uncertain when you will return and missing you while you’re gone, so these tips help to minimize distress.
– Utilize toys and mental distractions. There are tons of puzzle toys available that you can fill with peanut butter or another treat. Give it to your dog just before you leave, and they will be occupied by the puzzle and not notice your departure.
– Develop an arrival and departure routine. Rottweilers recognize routines instinctually, so developing a common ritual (such as repeating a phrase or action) each time you leave and then finishing it when you return establishes a connection in their brain.
– Leave a shirt or personal item. An old shirt or personal items that smell like you can be almost like a security blanket for a dog suffering from separation anxiety. It helps them feel like you are still close by, even when you have left.
– Don’t be afraid to talk to your vet. Veterinarians have seen it all, and that includes separation anxiety. If your rottweiler is suffering severely, your vet can personally recommend a solution such as an over-the-counter calming product.
The Importance of Playtime and Exercise for Dogs With Separation Anxiety
It is no secret that rottweilers are athletic and energetic dogs who benefit greatly from regular exercise. But did you know that exercise can also help reduce separation anxiety? That’s right! You don’t need to take your dog on a mile-long run, but it is a good idea to engage in appropriate exercise or playtime.
A game of fetch or allowing your dog to run around the yard will help exhaust their body, as will playtime activities like careful wrestling or a tug-of-war with a toy. In addition, mental exercise with stimulating games or obstacle exercises can burn off energy by making your dog use their brain!
Tiring your dog out both physically and mentally makes it less likely that they will engage in destructive behavior after you leave.
Common Misconceptions About Rottweilers and Their Feelings on Being Left Alone
Rottweilers are known to be intelligent dogs, but they are not masterminds. There is a common misconception that rottweilers act out when left alone because they are stubborn or angry at you. In reality, this is not true! Rottweilers may chew furniture or urinate in the house because they are upset and incredibly anxious, not because they are getting revenge.
The common misconception is that dogs will eventually grow out of separation anxiety or get used to it. Again, dogs are not like people! They do not simply “get used” to things that upset them. Each time you leave, your dog will continue to experience separation anxiety until action is taken to cure it.
Ways to Reduce or Prevent Your Rottweiler From Getting Anxious
As we have covered, there are several ways to prevent separation anxiety in dogs. Methods such as slipping out covertly or establishing a routine to reassure your dog you will be back can help prevent anxiety. In addition, exercise and mental stimulation can help to reduce it to manageable levels.
If your rottweiler has a severe case of separation anxiety that cannot be solved with different solutions, it is time to consult your veterinarian. Calming products such as special treats similar to nutritional supplements can help your dog calm down as you leave.
It would help if you were actively caring for your dog before and after you return. A dog that has not been adequately cared for or given attention is more likely to act out. Even though some believe a bond with your dog can encourage separation anxiety, a trusting relationship helps establish that they can count on you to return once you leave.
Final thoughts
Rottweilers are more likely to develop separation anxiety due to their intelligence and attachment to their owners.
There are standard signs that should not be ignored to reveal whether or not your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. If they are, activities such as exercise or establishing a routine can help to eliminate this.
Do not be afraid to reach out to your veterinarian for help or advice! Separation anxiety can be frustrating, but you and your dog will both be stronger after dealing with it.
