Puppy separation anxiety?

Your dog has all the signs of separation anxiety. The most important thing your dog needs to learn is that when you go away you will always return. You teach him this by leaving him for very, very short periods of time at first and slowly expanding the length of time. This also means that you need to start teaching him right now that he does not need to follow you around the house too closely. Although it may seem cute, allowing a dog to become to clingy can increase the tendency toward separation anxiety.

Here are some trick/tips that help reduce it:

1. Daily exercise. Before you leave, always give your dog a long walk. In general, your dog should be getting two walks a day. Depending on the breed, that could be two 15 minute walks or two 1 hour walks. When walking this is the most important - walk longer if he doesn't seem tried. Play games (like fetch, or frisbee) with your dog to provide mental stimulation too. The more satisfied your dogs energy requirements are the better the chance he will be able to relax and sleep while you are away.

2. When you do leave, don't make a big deal. Just leave. But decide upon a single word or phrase to signal that you are leaving (such as 'home soon' ) Always use that same word or phrase to signal your dog of your leaving. Over time he will learn that it means your absence will not be permanent.

3. When you do get home, don't fuss over him. Wait until he has calmed down and then give attention.

4. When he is fussing and crying don't pay attention, this only tells him that this behaviour is okay. Correct the behaviour by saying no and ignoring him. Once the dog is calm and behaving as he should be, then you can give attention.

5. Don't leave food out, he should be fed at feeding time. Usually once in the morning and once a supper time.

6. Do Not,go and get your dog while he is barking and crying this only teaches him that if he barks he will be let out. Instead let him bark all he wants, once he stops barking and is behaving, calmly let him out.

Additional suggestions for your particular dog:

Confinement to a crate may not be the best solution for your dog because of the potential for him to injure himself. Consider instead creating a 'safe zone' for him in your home. This could be in a kitchen or laundry room or perhaps a spare room in your house. Make it as dog friendly and safe as possible. Leave him some 'busy toys' such as a treat filled Kong or ball. Make sure there is nothing dangerous he can get into while you are absent.

Lastly, if this is still not sufficient you might want to speak to his vet about prescribing some calming medication that would help your pet through being alone. Often this can be used short term

to help until a pet makes the adjustment to being left alone.

One last option is to hire a pet sitter to come in during your absence or look into a 'doggy dare care' for your pet.

Good luck separation anxiety can be stressful for both humans and dogs, but with patience you can get through it. Many dogs and owners have.