Q: Our puppy came home a week ago and seems sad if we have to leave him alone for a while. What is the first step in dealing with separation anxiety in puppies?
A: The first step is to ascertain if it is true separation anxiety. Have a chat with an accredited behaviour specialist, as separation anxiety can frequently be misdiagnosed.
Many puppies show signs of stress when coming into their new home. Before science taught us better, the old methodology was to ‘let the puppy cry it out’. This strategy can be neurologically damaging and create long-lasting separation anxiety.
Start teaching your puppy independence and self-confidence by creating a ‘safe space’ or short-term confinement area, such as a puppy play den. When you are at home, your puppy doesn’t have instant access to you and it teaches him that being on his own without you is incredibly rewarding.
The ‘den’ area is going to be filled with toys, chew toys and novel safe items to keep him entertained when you are in another room. Problem-solving feeding puzzles are an excellent idea to build his confidence and let him thoroughly enjoy alone time. You will start with short periods of time in the den and slowly increase the time in line with how your puppy is responding. Leaving a radio on will provide white noise, masking outside disturbances.
Randomly walk in and out of doors, closing them behind you for a few seconds, so they do not become a predictor of puppy learning ‘this is the time to panic as I am on my own’.
If your youngster is displaying signs of early true separation anxiety, this is serious and there is no time to waste. Contact a qualified canine behaviourist who is experienced in treating this condition.
Samantha Walpole, behaviourist
