Give your dog at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity (for example, running and swimming) every day. Try to exercise your dog right before you have to leave him by himself. This might help him relax and rest while you're gone. Play fun, interactive games with your dog, such as fetch and tug-of-war.
If your puppy shows any sign of worry, go back to leaving them for a time period where they were last comfortable. You can begin to gradually increase the time you leave from there. Some puppies will progress easily, but others may need more time to adjust, so take the steps very slowly.
Behavior symptomatic of separation anxiety is often triggered by a change in routines, such as more time spent away from home because of a new job, a new dog introduction, or a new baby, which can cause your puppy stress. Problems develop when the amount of time you spend with your puppy changes.
Expect to spend around two months working with your dog to alleviate his separation anxiety. Taking it slowly during the early stages–getting your dog comfortable at the moment of your departure–will allow the later stages of lengthening your time away to much more quickly.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter or given to a new guardian or family can trigger the development of separation anxiety. An abrupt change in schedule in terms of when or how long a dog is left alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Make sure your pet gets lots of exercise every day. A tired, happy dog will be less stressed when you leave. It's also key that you challenge your pet's mind. Play training games and fetch.
Research suggests that eight out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone. Yet, half won't show any obvious signs and so it can be easy for owners to miss. The good news is that separation anxiety (SRB) is preventable and treatable.
Dogs are a naturally social species and it's normal for them to stay close to their social group which is why they can become anxious when left alone. When a puppy is first separated from their mother and litter mates, their usual response will be to whine, whimper or bark while trying to get back to them.
Barking, whining, & howling
One of the most common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs is barking, whining, and howling whenever their owners leave the house. This is simply their way of expressing distress. Puppies may also cry a little when you leave them alone for the first time, and this is understandable!
Most dogs or puppies will settle down and stop crying or barking within a half-hour after they are left alone. However, some dogs simply cannot relax. They bark or cry for the entire eight hours their owner is at work.
Dog massages, snuggles and a good brushing can help distract a dog from its triggers and make it easier for them to feel safe and at ease. Mentally stimulating toys can provide a distraction for pets experiencing anxiety, hyperactivity and boredom.
Dogs with separation anxiety are extremely fearful and anxious when their trusted family member is absent, and when left alone, may react with nervous or destructive behaviors, such as: Obvious anxiety as you prepare to leave. Excessive happiness when you return home. Refusal to eat or drink.
You should never leave a puppy to cry when they are in need of the basics, or this can cause difficulties with training later. Your puppy may cry when they are left alone, perhaps if you're elsewhere in the home or asleep.
cry and wait for attention. But even a dog mom eventually weans her pup of this behavior as the puppy grows and becomes more capable and independent. This is why it's important that you don't come running back every time your pup cries when you leave because doing so continually reinforces the crying behavior.
It's a common mistake that some owners make to just leave their puppy in their bed or crate to 'cry it out'. Even if they seem to settle down, this could actually be having the opposite effect to what you want and making them more anxious to be alone, causing them more stress.
Teaching Alone Time
In the beginning, even one or two minutes might feel too long for your puppy, but over three or four days, you should be able to build up to fairly long periods.
Putting your puppy in their playpen is a great idea if you work from home, as it gives them a safe area to relax or play while you get some work done. This is especially important for preventing separation anxiety if you work primarily from home.
To keep your puppy healthy and happy while you're away, follow this general rule: Puppies younger than 6 months: Leave them alone for 2 hours max at a time. Puppies older than 6 months: Leave them alone for 4 hours max at a time.
The general recommendation is to wait for a few seconds of the puppy being quiet before you let them out. Dogs have an association period of about 1 second so you just need to make sure you are waiting a couple seconds after the behavior stops to let her out.
Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.