Is it possible that it depends on the individual dog? I have three dogs and a grand dog who stays weeks at a time. Two collies are just fine for eight, even ten hours. Audrey, my grand dog is also fine, but our new little Yorkie has severe separation anxiety. We just got him at Christmas, and so we are working it through. Both he and Audrey are yorkies, but he is definitely high strung and she's cool about everything. We will make progress I am sure, in fact we have made some already, but they are two precious little ones. I am retired so Spenser can adjust slowly and have only limited times without adults.
I'd try to determine the dog's reaction to the current owner's leaving the room. Etc. two things will determine how it works. Your tolerance and the dog's.
Good luck. 16 years is a long time.
Gew |