How To Stop Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Puppies

We have found that Separation Anxiety in dogs has become more of a problem these last few years. With a lot of people working from home due to COVID-19 lockdowns, and then having to go back to work, dogs are not use to be left alone. They have got use to our company and don't know how to behave on their own and so they develop Separation Anxiety. There was also a huge puppy boom in 2020 and a record number of people purchased their first puppy. Our dogs have had our undivided attention 24/7 and now we dare to leave them! 

Behavioural issues may include; howling, constant whining, stress, defecating in the house, chewing furniture, chewing their own fur, chewing and destroying anything. Your perfect cute puppy has now turned into a 'Puppy of Mass Destruction'.

The only cure is to never EVER leave them alone again! 

I'm kidding, but its not an over night fix. 

If you haven't already, start crate training your dog, or at least have an area in the house where they can do as little damage as possible. A large cage or pen is ideal for smaller dogs, or a utility room for larger dogs. Make sure they have a bed, some water and maybe a radio to make them comfortable.  Get them use to being shut in this area while you are still in the house so you can talk to them or reassure them if they start whining. But Do Not make a big thing of it. Make this area the best place to be! So they only get their chewies in this area and feed them their dinner in this area.  Soon they will want to go in there of their own free will as that's where they get treats. 

When we say Chewies, we mean 'long lasting chews'. Antlers, Pigs Ears, Cow Hoofs, filled Kongs etc. 

Look at your habits in relation to your dogs behaviour. When does your dog start reacting to you leaving the house? When you put your shoes on? When you pick up your keys? Start doing these things, but don't go out. Pick your keys up and put them down again. Put your shoes on, walk around and then take them off. The ideal behaviour is for your dog to completely ignore you and just focus on their chewie. 

So you think you're ready to leave the house?  With your dog in their safe area, happily chewing on their chewie and listening to the radio, you've managed to put your shoes on and pick your keys up without them looking up. Cracked it! Wrong - Baby steps. Now go out your house and stand outside or sit in your car for 5 minutes. Go back inside, don't even look at your dog or speak. If they are quiet, open the cage/pen/room door and let them out without looking at or talking to them. They might not want to come out, in which case just leave the door open and leave them alone. If they are howling, wait out of their eye sight, until they have stopped, then let them out. The idea behind this is that they are more excited when you leave, because they get their chewie, than when you return. If this is a success, you can extend the time they are left for. You can buy a baby monitor with camera and 2 way microphone reasonably cheap (£20). This can connect to your smart phone so you can watch your dog when away from the house and talk to them if they start howling. 

This will take time and it is very hard to ignore your dog but the results will be worth it in the long run. Both you and your dog will be less stressed and be much happier. 

Good luck.