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Puppy Separation Anxiety: Tips and Training Tips

Puppy Separation Anxiety: Tips and Training Tips

If you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, you may be prepared for potty training schedules, tricks and lots of snuggles. But if your puppy is showing signs of separation anxiety, training may require a little more time, personalization and specific focus.

“When a dog experiences separation anxiety, it is quite similar to a panic attack in a human. A human with a fear of heights who is placed on top of a tall building might exhibit sweaty palms, dry mouth and a fast heart rate,” says Tina Bhargava Flores, a San Diego-based dog trainer who specializes in separation anxiety resolution. “In the same way, every time a dog who has separation anxiety is left alone, their bodies are flooded with similar stress hormones.”

Although separation anxiety in puppies may require some additional attention and care, it is possible to help minimize or stop symptoms through thoughtful actions and positive reinforcement training.

Petco separation anxiety class

Signs of separation anxiety in puppies

It’s important to note that all puppies may experience some level of stress and anxiety when trying to adjust to a new environment and a new home. Behaviors such as urinating or defecating on the floor and whining or crying within the first few weeks may not necessarily signal full-blown separation anxiety and shouldn’t raise too much concern at first.

“In my experience, the behaviors that pet parents label as separation anxiety in puppies—like whining, ripping up items and having accidents when left alone—are more likely just a combination of typical puppy distress vocalization, too much freedom and incomplete house training, rather than true separation anxiety,” says Victoria Schade, a Pennsylvania-based dog trainer and author of “Life on the Leash.”

However, if puppies exhibit certain stress-induced behaviors when you’re away from home, despite an acclimation period and positive training techniques, they could be suffering from separation anxiety.

According to Bhargava Flores, signs of true separation anxiety in puppies may include:

  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Howling
  • Barking
  • Urinating/defecating in the house or crate (when they are otherwise housetrained)
  • Destruction
  • Drooling
  • Scratching at doors and/or windows

“All these symptoms are a result of that underlying panic,” she says.

Causes of separation anxiety in puppies

The cause of separation anxiety in puppies and dogs varies and no two cases are exactly alike. Learning about your puppy’s history could provide some insight into potential causes of separation anxiety.

While it is difficult to identify a specific cause of separation anxiety, factors such as previous experiences and the inherent behavioral personality of your dog can be the foundation for the behavior that can then manifest during various situations.

How to deal with separation anxiety in dogs

One of the most important things you can do for your puppy early on is to establish a routine and observe your puppy for signs of distress when you leave them alone in the house. You can do this via a special puppy camera, security camera or laptop camera.

To start, only leave your dog alone for short periods of time to help get them acclimated to you being gone. Start with a quick trip out of the house, such as stepping outside, closing the door behind you and then coming back inside. After that you can work to build up to longer times spent away, says Bhargava Flores.

“Keep the initial absence short—2 to 5 minutes max,” she says. “Drive around the block and watch how your dog reacts. If your dog appears to be comfortable and not too concerned with a 5-minute absence, you can gradually start increasing the time you are away and work up to running short errands.”

If, at any time, you see via the camera your puppy exhibiting signs of stress, return home.

If you have to be away from your puppy for extended periods of time, use a reliable pet-sitting service to keep your puppy safe while you’re away.

Focus on training

There is no cure-all training solution for separation anxiety in puppies. But it’s important to work on training and being away from your puppy at their own pace. In addition to gradual training, keep all interactions with your puppy positive.

puppy training classes at petco

“It’s important to remember that when a dog is pushed over their threshold—the point at which the dog starts to panic—the dog is no longer able to control what they are doing,” says Bhargava Flores. In addition, they’re not learning and internalizing the new behavior. “So, punishing a dog for something they’ve done while the guardian is gone is not helpful.”

It is also important to make sure your puppy is getting plenty of activity throughout the day. “Exercise with your dog, and provide daily enrichment in the form of training, treat-dispensing toys or fun things to chew on,” Bhargava Flores adds. “Providing affection and attention does not cause separation anxiety.”

Create a safe space

Crate training a puppy could help with separation anxiety as the goal of crate training is to create a space for your pet where they feel safe and secure. To work best for separation anxiety, it is beneficial to have your puppy crate trained from an early age as introducing a new space to them later in life may require additional training time.

“Pet parents should remember that a crate might make alone time worse for a puppy if they haven't had a chance to acclimate to it, or is intolerant of confinement,” says Schade. “If a puppy dealing with separation discomfort can't cope with being left inside a crate, try a small puppy-proofed room, like a powder room instead.” You may also want to try sectioning off an area in your home with an exercise pen, as some pets have a stronger reaction when they cannot see what is happening around them.

Pet parents should gradually introduce the crate or sectioned off area to their puppies and ensure that they are comfortable in it before leaving them alone. Schade says that pet parents can do this by leaving a crate door open, feeding them in the area, or providing treat-filled toys in the crate to help puppies make positive associations with the location and build the feeling of security.

“Many dogs love their crates and can be safely left alone in them, but they need to be properly trained to do so,” says Bhargava Flores. “A dog who experiences stress when left alone will not be calmer just because he is in a crate. This can actually exacerbate his discomfort and cause confinement anxiety.”

If you’re experiencing difficulty crate training your puppy, Bhargava Flores recommends working with a positive reinforcement trainer who can help you through the process.

Test out cameras

If you suspect your puppy may be suffering from anxiety, using a camera to review their behaviors is a key component of addressing the problems.

“Observing your dog in real-time, via live video, is key to understanding how they handle being alone,” says Bhargava Flores. “This is the only way to know what your dog is actually doing when left alone.”

You can shop for a pet camera or use a laptop or security camera to check in on your puppy while you’re away.

Puppy separation anxiety: When to explore professional help

If your puppy does not start handling short absences well, despite gradual and positive training, consult a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist who has experience in working through separation anxiety.

“Trainers that specialize in separation anxiety can help pet parents learn strategies to help their puppy feel more secure when left alone,” says Schade.

Document behaviors and observations so that your trainer can understand what your puppy is doing or experiencing when left at home alone, adds Bhargava Flores.

“If your dog or puppy is experiencing symptoms of separation anxiety, don’t despair,” she says. “There are experts who can help.”

If you need more guidance on positive reinforcement dog training or selecting the appropriate products for your puppy, visit your local Petco store to speak with a store partner.

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