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.
Most of the time we recommend that your pup be settled for 5 or more minutes before being let out of their crate. The most ideal scenario is that your pup cries for a bit, but settles in under 30 minutes and falls asleep.
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.
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.
Separation anxiety can happen at any time in a pup's life, so as much as you can do to prevent it, the easier it will be throughout their life to be alone when you need them to be. Mistakes new owners make that can actually promote separation anxiety in puppies!
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.
This doesn't mean your puppy has separation anxiety… Usually, it means they haven't been taught how to self-soothe just yet. Yes, they will cry but we have to teach them how to self-soothe and remain calm and relaxed in your absence.
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.
“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.
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.
Puppies feel vulnerable at night if they are left on their own. They cry because they need company and comfort. Most puppies cry when they need to sleep through the night to go and pee.
Feeling guilty about leaving your pet throughout the day is a sign that you care. You may experience guilt because you love and care for your pet and do not like the thought of them being home by their self without you.
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.
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.
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.
It's unclear why some puppies are more prone to separation anxiety than others. McConnell theorizes there may be several reasons, including never previously being left alone and traumatic separation (such as would be seen in some abandoned shelter dogs).
They could be bored, or they may not be getting enough social interaction, physical activity or mental stimulation, which may make them act out. These problems are often lumped in with puppy separation anxiety but can be addressed with more exercise.
Approximately 35% of owners and trainers voted 8-9 months as the toughest age citing new challenging behaviors associated with their puppy's now larger size such as pulling on the leash or counter-surfing.
Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.
When Puppies Mature and Settle Down. Puppies typically develop the emotional maturity and temperament of an adult dog between twelve and eighteen months of age, although they may continue to occasionally exhibit puppy behavior like chewing and nipping until they're about two years old.
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!
They're seeking attention . Much like a little kid, your dog will sometimes whine or cry when they can't get something they want. Maybe they want to play, maybe they want you to give them a treat, or maybe they just want you to stay and pet them.