How do I stop Puppy Separation Anxiety?
Are you worried about puppy separation anxiety? Does your new pup whine, howl, bark or destroy the house or garden when you go out? No need to put up with that any more! You can stop your dog fretting while you are away by following these simple techniques - no more complaints from neighbours or a ruined house when you get home! As with most puppy behaviour problems, we can prevent dog separation anxiety by anticipating the problem and doing a little training soon after your new pup arrives home. On this page: What is puppy separation anxiety? Whining, crying, howling and destructive behaviour - sound like your pup? 4 simple steps: How to stop your puppy fretting Start training your pup to be alone as soon as possible What is puppy separation anxiety?
Dogs weren't designed to spend 8–10 hours a day in a backyard on their own. They are programmed to interact with their environment and with other animals with whom they have bonded, including humans.
So it's no surprise that a puppy left alone for hours for the first time will get quite upset. They don't like to be alone any more than most humans do! Puppy separation anxiety usually involves the puppy whining or crying excessively or for long periods of time. A little of this is to be expected but sometimes it can develop into a huge problem, with the dog howling for hours or tearing up the garden or the house out of frustration and boredom. But, just like humans, dogs can learn to adapt to being alone, as long as they have something to keep them occupied. Also, dogs that have become accustomed to being on their own will often spend a great deal of time asleep, secure in the knowledge that you will return and that if they feel a bit hungry or a little bored there's always something safe on hand to chew! 4 simple steps: How to stop your puppy frettingThe secret to preventing puppy separation anxiety is to introduce being alone gradually. Don't expect your pup to settle down to sleep quietly if you buy him one day and leave him alone for 8 hours the next. Step 1Make sure there is an area of your house or garden that your dog can call his own (find out more on our Housetraining a Puppy page) and feel safe and secure in. Provide toys and chews, such as pigs' ears or rawhide chews - or even better, a toy filled with doggy treats that he must roll around or chew on to get at. This provides entertainment and something to work at – very important for inquisitive puppies! Step 2Pick up your keys and put on your 'going out' clothes. Then simply sit down again and do nothing. This will help your dog to stay calm and not go crazy as soon as he sees you getting ready to go out. Do this several times throughout the day. Step 3Get ready to go out as in Step 2 and lead your puppy to his safe area. Try not to overstimulate your puppy on leaving or returning.
If you make a song and dance about leaving, be assured that your puppy will do the same! Act in a calm and friendly way and your pup will realise there's nothing to get too excited or upset about. Give him a treat, make sure his chews and toys are available and say something in a calm voice, such as 'Be a good dog' and walk calmly out the front or back door, shutting it behind you. Wait a few seconds, then open the door and come back in. Greet your puppy calmly and give him a pat. Step 4Continue with Step 3, gradually increasing the time you spend outside: 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, then 2–3 hours, then half a day and so on. It won't be long before your dog views your absence as a bit sad but not that a big a deal really! Giving your dog a treat as you leave can work wonders.
I always toss a few pieces of liver treat into my dogs' beds as I leave. I call out 'Now, you be good dogs!' and immediately go down the hall and out the door. They completely ignore me, even though they know I am going out! In fact, they positively look forward to my leaving and spend a fair bit of time staring at the treat container before I go! Of course, they're still pleased to see me when I get home and demand pats and cuddles, I'm glad to say. Remember that a bored dog is a destructive dog so make sure your pup has plenty of things to entertain him while you are gone - particularly if you have a working breed dog, such as a Border Collie. These dogs need plenty of stimulation and you may find that you need to employ a dog walker to take him out during the day to provide enough exercise and stimulation. Fortunately, as dogs get older they will tend to slow down a bit, as long as you have established the right routine and practices early in their life. Other (lazier!) breeds are often quite happy to chew on a few bones or toys and spend the rest of the day asleep. More training at PuppyPrimer.comPuppy separation anxiety is best prevented rather than cured. By following these simple steps, you can get your new puppy ready for your absences and avoid major problems. If you have an older dog who frets, these methods can work just as well - it might just take a little longer. Return to the top of Puppy Separation Anxiety Go back to How to Train a Puppy |
