Coping with separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can be challenging and in more serious cases, the help of a doggy behaviourist may be required.

While puppies cannot be left alone for too long, you should introduce short periods of time where you do, to help them become comfortable being on their own.

Giving your puppy the right training will help prevent separation anxiety later in life. If however, your puppy is suffering from separation anxiety, here are a few top tips to help tackle it…

Establish a “safe space” your puppy is familiar with, such as a cosy den using their dog bed or crate.

Fill it with bedding and toys they love. Hide a few of their favourite dog treats too. This environment will act as their comfort blanket (literally!) for when you leave the house.

Make each home-alone experience fairly short to begin with then slowly build this time up. For example, from 5 minutes to 15 minutes, to 30 minutes and so on.

Do not – and this is absolutely essential – make a big fuss of your puppy when you return. This will only feed their anxiety.

Simply come home, briefly acknowledge them, and then go about your business. This will ensure that you going in and out of the house and leaving them on their own is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Take your time and be patient. The problem will not be resolved overnight so patience is key.

If you have to leave them on their own on a daily basis, consider breaking up the routine a few days a week by leaving them with a friend or family member or even doggy day care!

This not only assists with separation anxiety, but will help your puppy build social skills and gain independence. Just like sending a child to preschool!