Eventually, you'll have to leave them on their own. And because dogs are incredibly social creatures, leaving a puppy alone can be stressful. However, with a little time and effort, you can ensure they're calm and confident whenever they are by themselves.
Dogs are social and it's not unusual for them to feel worried when they are left, especially for the first time. So, you need to teach your pooch how to spend time on their own and ensure they learn to feel relaxed by themselves. Teaching a dog to cope when home alone should ideally start when they are still a puppy.
So don't feel guilty about leaving them alone – it's actually good for them! Keeping your dog occupied is the best way to keep them happy and prevents them from becoming bored or lonely. Buy chew toys or bones that your dog can chew on throughout the day. This is also really great for their teeth.
Unfortunately, puppies don't just grow out of separation anxiety. If you leave it untreated, it will likely just get worse, and it certainly won't get any better! However, thankfully, it's not too difficult to treat and just takes a little TLC and training.
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.
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.
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.
Gradually increase the time you leave your puppy alone in the house to about half an hour. Depending on your puppy, this can take a few days or longer but it's important you move at their pace. If your puppy shows any sign of worry, go back to leaving them for a time period where they were last comfortable.
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.
Your puppy's breed and personality also play a factor in how long you can leave them alone. If you have a high-energy husky with a bad case of separation anxiety, they're naturally going to need more time and attention than a couch potato breed who hardly notices when you slip out the door.
Start slow – leave your puppy alone for just a few minutes at first, gradually building up the time you're away, so long as they're not upset. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise – the mental and physical stimulation of going on a walk and playing outside will help them cope with being left alone.
Separation anxiety is a serious condition that creates high levels of stress for your puppy and often results in abnormal behaviour when left alone. Puppies may cry a little when you leave the house, but separation anxiety is usually explained by more extreme behaviours, such as: Destructive or disruptive behaviour.
“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.
Separation anxiety is a treatable condition. In some cases, it's preventable with training and behavioral modification. As with most conditions, the sooner you get a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better the prognosis.
While not uncommon, separation anxiety in puppies is not normal. There is a difference between your puppy exhibiting behaviors typical of an untrained dog and symptoms of a severe anxiety disorder. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish the two, but your vet will make a proper diagnosis.
Leaving Your Dog Alone Is Not The Answer
A common myth surrounding separation anxiety is that by somehow ignoring your dog, or by forcing them to be alone for long periods of time, they simply will get used to it, and the disruptive behavior will stop. This couldn't be further from the truth.
However, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed may encourage a problem that's already there. For example, sleeping in bed with you can reduce anxiety in dogs, but can also exacerbate separation anxiety in the long term as your dog becomes used to having you as support every night.
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.
The frequent whining, howling, and barking or having the puppy constantly underfoot may be trying, but keep in mind that your new puppy has just been separated from the safety and security of everything he's ever known. Being nervous after leaving his mother is perfectly natural.
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 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.
Signs of Serious Separation Anxiety
Most dogs, especially puppies, may whine or cry a little when left alone. True separation anxiety is defined as destructive or disruptive behaviour, including tearing up the room, constant barking and whining or housetraining mistakes every time you leave.
There's no simple answer to how long you might regret getting a puppy. Much of it will be dependent on your own efforts! Our puppies are learning how to be a dog, and that takes time. Many puppies will start to calm down as they age , and that can be extremely helpful!