How to Manage Puppy Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in puppies is a common issue that can cause significant distress for both the puppy and the owner. If you want to know how to help a puppy with separation anxiety, but you’re unfamiliar with separation anxiety, you’ve come to the right article. We will go over the signs of separation anxiety, the causes, and how to prevent and manage it. 

Signs of Separation Anxiety

If you come home to waste on the floor, gnawed shoes, furniture, and wall trim, and maybe an angry call from your neighbor, your puppy likely has separation anxiety. Puppies with separation anxiety exhibit excessive nervous behaviors such as chewing, digging, barking, howling, pacing, whining, and trembling. They also have poor control of their bowel movements, even if they are housebroken. These behaviors typically do not occur in the presence of people; if they do, it is likely due to another behavioral issue that is not separation anxiety. Unfortunately, these behaviors emerge when you are gone and unable to intervene, which is precisely why they occur. It is unusual for dogs to want to be alone; many not only don’t prefer it but cannot cope with it healthily and resort to comforting mechanisms like chewing. You may also find evidence of excessive drooling and escape attempts. If your dog cries when left alone, it is another clear sign of separation anxiety.

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can sometimes be genetic, passed on in clingy personality traits, with certain breeds being more prone to it. However, it varies by individual dog, and no single dog is destined to have it. It can depend heavily on how they are raised, the conditions they are raised in, and the type of owner they have. A significant factor contributing to separation anxiety is a lack of early socialization. Without proper socialization during their critical developmental period, puppies become more fearful and less experienced, lacking the confidence and tenacity to deal with diverse situations. Early traumatic experiences can aggravate this, leaving lasting impressions of fear, especially if the trauma they lived was abandonment. Of course, if anything truly terrible were to happen to anyone, dog or not, it would instill a chronic sense of fear. Unexpected changes to their routine and environment can also trigger anxiety, as puppies feel unsettled in unfamiliar territory. Lastly, a lack of physical and mental stimulation can cause anxiety. A bored dog with excess energy can become frustrated when left alone, as their boredom intensifies and their energy is not expended.

It's natural for puppies to feel anxious when left alone, just like babies cry when separated for too long from their mothers. Puppies, and babies, lack experience and knowledge of the world. They need time to adjust and learn about their surroundings to become comfortable. Be patient and don't expect your puppy to be fully trained and ready to go right out of the womb.

Preventive Measures

Make sure your puppy is well-socialized with different people, environments, and experiences from an early age to build their confidence. Teach commands like "stay" and "wait" to help your puppy understand that being alone is temporary and safe. Start crate training gradually, making the crate a positive and comfortable space, so they feel secure when you're not around.

Reward your puppy when they display independent or calm behavior with treats, praise, or playtime. By consistently rewarding these behaviors your dog will demonstrate them more. Avoid punishing your puppy for anxiety-related behaviors like whining or chewing, because Dogs often do not distinguish between positive and negative reinforcement in the way humans do. Instead, they see all attention as validation of their actions, which might reinforce that negative action. Try redirecting their focus to a more appropriate activity or behavior, providing reassurance and support. 

Management Techniques

The way you raise your puppy, the schedule you follow, and the environment you create are the most influential factors in determining whether your puppy will develop anxiety. Even puppies without separation anxiety may exhibit some anxious behaviors when left alone, as these behaviors are natural. All dogs need to be taught the right coping skills to deal with being alone, similar to teaching a child to wash their hands. If you don't teach them, they won't naturally know how to do it. Replace bad habits with good ones using the following techniques.

If separation anxiety has already developed, you will need to take the following steps:

Gradual Desensitization

Slowly help your pup adjust to your leaving by getting them used to it. For the first few days, visit your front door throughout the day. The next couple of days, leave for just a moment, then gradually increase the time to a few minutes. Continue this pattern, waiting until your puppy is comfortable with each step before moving on to the next.

Avoid making departures and returns a big deal. Don’t play with your dog right before leaving or immediately after coming back. This way, your dog won’t associate your coming and going with anxiety-inducing behavior. Be casual about leaving and wait a little while after coming back before giving your dog attention. If you make a big deal out of coming and going, your dog might get worked up every time you leave or come back, thinking it's a significant event. So stay calm and your dog will see returns as normal and routine. Also, remember that puppies shouldn’t be left alone as long as adult dogs and may not be completely housebroken, so expect some accidents.

Create a Safe Space

Help your dog associate a crate, room, or area with feelings of comfort. This way, when you leave, they will feel secure in that space. You can build this positive connection by feeding your pup treats there, popping in and out meanwhile, and playing with them in that location. This area could be where their bed, water, and toys are kept, things that are already associated with positive experiences.

Establish a Routine

Dogs need a routine, for that matter who doesn’t? A consistent schedule gives them a sense of security. Feed, play, and exercise your dog at the same times every day, knowing and expecting how their day should go gives them confidence. This applies to your schedule too, leave and return at the same times each day to reassure them that you will come back.

Mental and Physical Stimulation

Puppies need exercise for the body and mind, they cannot do without it. If you don’t satisfy these needs, they will do their best to, and in ways you might not appreciate. Don’t do the bare minimum either; tire your puppy out so they are happy to rest, satisfied with their exertion, and never mind that you are going or gone. This isn’t a cure-all, though it is very helpful in the grand scheme. So go on runs, play fetch, and do puzzles with your pup.

Practice Independence Training

If you don’t want to open and close your door or go anywhere, consider separating your puppy from you with a baby gate. This way, your dog can still see and hear you, which is reassuring. They can adjust more easily to amusing themselves and becoming comfortable with being apart from you while still feeling secure. This gradual introduction to separation helps them build confidence and reduces anxiety associated with being alone.

Last Measures

If all else fails, consider calming collars, diffusers with pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Be sure to ask your vet about these or other options. As a last resort, call a professional dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety or a behaviorist for hands-on help for your pup.

Conclusion

Following these steps can teach you how to avoid separation anxiety in puppies. By investing time and effort into socializing your puppy, establishing a reliable routine, and providing plenty of physical and mental activities, will usually prevent your dog from having separation anxiety. But sometimes this is not enough and measures must be taken to cure your dog of this fear. This includes gradually getting your pup accustomed to you leaving and being alone. Remember, every puppy is different, so be patient and flexible. If things get tough, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional. Your efforts now will pay off, leading to a stronger bond and a more relaxed, well-adjusted pet.