Will My Dog Be Upset if I Move Out but Still Visit Her?

People sometimes have to leave their dogs. Divorce, breakups and kids heading off to college are common reasons for this sad scenario. Although humans tend to worry more than dogs in such situations, dogs can become mentally disrupted and upset when a person leaves. While the departing party may wish to visit the dog after they̵7;ve left, it is not always the best course of action.

  1. Stress

    • In cases where one party leaves the home due to a relationship breakdown, the dog may often be experiencing stress and be in a state of upset before that person finally leaves. If the relationship breakdown is fractious, it is plausible that the dog has been exposed to tension -- from arguments, crying or disrupted routine from one party staying with friends -- and will already be exhibiting signs of stress. In some scenarios, if you move out of the home, the atmosphere therein may improve and your dog̵7;s stress will actually reduce. While your dog may be temporarily confused by your absence, it is unlikely -- assuming she is receiving proper care -- that she̵7;ll remain upset. She̵7;ll most likely adapt to her new routine.

    Upset

    • The likelihood of your dog becoming upset is proportionate to the closeness of your relationship. If you are the dog̵7;s primary caregiver, responsible for feeding time, walks and training, the dog may become distressed at your absence. However, dogs are adaptable creatures and she won̵7;t spend too much time pining for your return. Dogs live in the moment and are most interested in what̵7;s happening right now. That̵7;s why rescue dogs go on to live happy lives with new families after being abandoned by their original owners.

    Separation Anxiety

    • It is possible that in the short term, your dog will suffer from separation anxiety, especially if you leaving means she has to spend more time on her own. Separation anxiety is linked to a dog̵7;s natural pack instincts. Dogs can become distressed when they think the pack has become separated and may howl, cry and exhibit destructive behavior as a response.

    The Benefits of Visiting

    • Naturally, you will benefit from having contact with the dog, and assuming your visits are free from stress and confrontation, your dog will most typically benefit from seeing you, especially if she gets lots of fuss and attention. However, in visiting it is unlikely that you̵7;ll mitigate any of the distress your departure may cause. The alteration in routine, tension in the household and potential for separation anxiety are more likely to upset the dog than the simple fact that you̵7;ve moved out. If you moved out to go to college, for example, your visits home are most likely to be happy affairs and will have nothing but a positive impact on your dog.

    The Drawbacks of Visiting

    • If your visits cause tension in the house, either by disrupting the household routine or because of existing relationship issues, it may be worth waiting until things have calmed down before continuing. Many couples successfully split custody of their dogs, but this will only work for the dog if your visitation doesn̵7;t cause conflict. Instead of you visiting the dog̵7;s home, it may be easier for her to regularly come visit you.