Puppy separation anxiety—it’s a phrase that can be as stressful for dog parents as the condition is for their pups. But there’s plenty you can do to soothe and avoid separation anxiety in your puppy. Follow these top tips from vet experts on soothing an anxious puppy.
What Are the Signs of Puppy Separation Anxiety and Discomfort?
Signs that your puppy may be nervous about being alone include:
Barking
Whining
Destructive chewing
Pawing at their crate
How to Help a Puppy With Separation Anxiety or Discomfort
Here’s the good news: There’s plenty you can do to soothe your anxious puppy. Follow these tips to give your dog the confidence they need.
1. Make Sure You’re Using the Right Size Crate
Hey, if you want your dog to feel comfortable in their den, you’ve gotta provide one that fits them! Remember: Your dog’s crate should be big enough that your puppy can stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably inside. But it shouldn’t be too much bigger than that—the goal is for it to feel like a cozy little den just for them.
For puppies, experts suggest using a larger crate that comes with a divider. That way, you can use the divider to create a smaller space when your puppy’s young, and move it or remove it entirely when they’ve grown older (and larger).
Follow these tips for measuring your dog for a dog crate: https://be.chewy.com/what-size-crate-does-my-dog-need-how-to-measure/
2. Make the Crate a Positive Space
Your puppy’s crate should be their absolute favorite spot (next to your lap, of course). And there are plenty of ways to inspire your dog to love their den. First, make sure it’s a comfortable place for them to be, with a crate-sized pad to lie on. Blankets or clothing that smells like you can help them feel secure in there, too.
Another sure-fire method: Reward your puppy for going inside the crate. When you catch them hanging out in there, shower them with tasty treats or their favorite toys.
Treat-dispensing toys and safe chew toys are ideal for distracting puppies from the fact that they’re alone. (Just make sure to supervise your puppy playing with any new toy, to ensure they can’t chew or break it into pieces that could become safety hazards.) Schade recommends using small, soft, high-value treats or a stuffable toy.
With proper training, some puppies will even race to their crate when they get home, because they know they’re going to get a busy toy inside. Now that’s a sign you’re pet parenting right!
3. Play With Your Puppy—a Lot
You know what they say: A tired puppy is a happy puppy. A tired puppy is also more likely to sleep than to worry about where you’ve gone. So before crating your dog and leaving the room, you’ll also want to give them lots of attention. Take them for a walk or a vigorous play session—or both!—and of course, make sure they get one final chance to potty before settling into their crate with those yummy toys and treats. Get more tips for calming a high-energy puppy: https://be.chewy.com/how-to-calm-a-high-energy-puppy/
4. Practice Short Departures
Once you’ve established the crate as a fun puppy haven, don’t leave them for a few hours right away. Puppy separation anxiety training starts by gradually leaving them alone for short increments, monitoring their behavior using a pet cam. The first time you leave, it may be just for a few seconds. When you return, keep your energy low-key to convey to your pup that coming and going is all a normal part of daily life.
5. Progress to Longer Stays
When your puppy is able to stay calm for those few seconds, work up to one minute, then 5, then 10 and beyond. Progress slowly and let your puppy set the pace. And remember to respect your puppy’s potty limit: They should never be crated longer than one hour for each month of age, up to a maximum of four hours in a row.
My Puppy Is Still Anxious—Now What?
If you’ve followed all of these steps and your puppy remains anxious—not settling down soon after you leave home or injuring themselves trying to escape their crate—it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. They can suggest other tactics, like anti-anxiety medications or a behavior modification plan, to help soothe your puppy’s separation anxiety.
Learning how to be apart from their parents is an essential part of growing up for any puppy—and for some pups, that’s a difficult transition. But don’t stress. Over time, your pup should learn that a little alone time is nothing to be afraid of—and that the minute you come back through the door is the best time of the day.
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