Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience, but it's essential to address potential issues like separation anxiety early on. I remember when I first brought Bruce home, I was so paranoid he was going to bark like mad every time I went to take the bins out, let alone go to the supermarket or for a night out! In this post, we'll explore what separation anxiety is, how to recognize its signs, and provide you with practical tips to prevent and manage it in your new furry friend, the same tips that saved me from that awful guilt when I first had to leave Bruce.
Understanding Separation Anxiety:
So what is it? Separation anxiety is a common behavioural issue in puppies, and even if not corrected, in older dogs too. It's characterized by distress and anxiety when left alone such as barking, whinging, howling, chewing things they're not supposed to, panting, pacing and sometimes even urinating / defecating indoors.
Side note, if your dog shows any new behaviour especially going toilet in the house, make sure to take them to the vet for a check up, especially if you can't pinpoint the source of the behaviour change.
There's a difference between a dog with a fear of missing out and a dog with separation anxiety. A dog with FOMO (fear of missing out) may kick up a bit of a fuss as you leave but will settle quickly once you're gone. A dog with separation anxiety won't settle, they'll continue with their anxious behaviours until you return.
Set Them Up for Success:
Whenever I get onto the subject of separation anxiety the first thing I recommend before anything else, set them up for success! Give them something to do while you're gone so, get some enrichment ready. Something like a lick mat or a snuffle mat is ideal enrichment for anxious pups, licking and chewing stimulate the parts in your pups' brains that make them relax, and puzzle-solving how to get to the reward keeps them busy while you're gone. If you save a favourite treat or enrichment type for when they're being left alone, they might even start looking forward to your departure! Enrichment doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, check out our post on DIY Dog Enrichment for ideas to keep your pup busy without you having to spend a penny or, our post on Enrichment Toys on Amazon Under £10 for enrichment on a budget.
Gradual Acclimation:
Help your puppy become accustomed to being alone by gradually acclimating them to periods of separation. Start by giving them the enrichment toy you prepared earlier. Then simply leave the room. No goodbyes, just leave them to it, start with short absences, a few seconds at a time, and gradually increase the duration over time. Keep ignoring them whenever you enter or leave the room, you're beginning to desensitize them to you leaving.
Stay calm when you come and go, make it no big deal.
When you're done with your training session calmly reward your pup for their good behaviour.
Create a Safe Environment:
Create a comfortable and secure environment for your puppy when you're away. Provide plenty of engaging toys and activities to keep them entertained, such as puzzle feeders, chew toys, and interactive toys. Consider leaving an item of clothing with your scent on it to provide comfort and reassurance while you're gone. Remember some things can be a choking hazard so be careful what you leave your pooch with in your absence. Remember to remove all collars and if leaving in a crate, then they shouldn't have any blankets to reduce the risk of strangulation. Especially in an anxious pup that may not settle straight away.
Practice Departure Cues:
Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home, as this can worsen your puppy's anxiety. Instead, practice low-key departures and arrivals to help your puppy learn that being alone is a normal part of their routine. Gradually increase the time you spend away from your puppy to help them build confidence and independence.
I like to pretend Bruce doesn't exist for about 10 minutes before I leave him alone, during this time, he's usually gone off to entertain himself. I'll usually get some enrichment ready and when I'm leaving pop it on the floor and walk out the door. He used to howl for a few minutes but now he's far too excited about what treats I've given him than anything else!
Seek Professional Help if Needed:
If your puppy exhibits severe separation anxiety or if your efforts to prevent it are unsuccessful, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviourist. They can provide additional support and guidance tailored to your puppy's specific needs. Remember sometimes we need a bit of help and that's okay! Some dogs really struggle being left alone and sometimes only one-on-one training with an expert can help, that doesn't mean you've failed as a pup-parent, it means you're doing your best!
Did these tips help you successfully prevent separation anxiety in your puppy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!