Anxious behaviors like pacing, whining, or trembling while you're gone or as you prepare to leave. Excessive barking or howling. Destructive acts, such as chewing or digging, particularly around doors or windows.
A dog who has separation anxiety might bark or howl when left alone or when separated from his guardian. This kind of barking or howling is persistent and doesn't seem to be triggered by anything except being left alone.
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!
Separation anxiety is a serious condition that creates high levels of stress for your puppy and often results in abnormal behaviour when left alone. Puppies may cry a little when you leave the house, but separation anxiety is usually explained by more extreme behaviours, such as: Destructive or disruptive behaviour.
Do not ignore your puppy's whines or cries, and try to know the cause of their distress. It is important to provide puppies with the comfort they need in the first few days you bring them home, and to later give them the proper training to address any specific behavior issues or to add to their communication skills.
Be consistent with feeding, walks, potty breaks, and the use of the crate. Dogs thrive on routine, and this will help your puppy adjust. Decide on a place for his crate where he won't feel isolated and alone. Many owners put the crate in their bedroom, where the puppy can feel close to his new family.
Unfortunately, puppies don't just grow out of separation anxiety. If you leave it untreated, it will likely just get worse, and it certainly won't get any better! However, thankfully, it's not too difficult to treat and just takes a little TLC and training.
“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.
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.
Giving your dog a puzzle/food toy to work on.
One way to help manage your dog's separation anxiety is by encouraging independent behaviors. Give your dog something fun to do on their own such as a long lasting chew toy, puzzle toy or stuffed Kong.
“In dogs, the onset of separation anxiety most commonly appears before 2 years of age. Occurrence is less frequent as dogs get older,” says Dr. Agapis, “until they reach their senior years, when age-related changes may make them feel more vulnerable.”
Any major change in a dog's life can be such a triggering event. A traumatic experience to the dog could be a divorce, a terrible scary storm, a large change in schedules or loss of a loved one. There are many things that can happen that the dog perceives as scary that can lead to separation anxiety.
Puppies who are simply learning to be alone usually calm down after a short period—within five to ten minutes. Think of it as taking a few minutes to “settle in”— vocalizing or pacing before relaxing with a toy or falling asleep.
Begin by closing your puppy in the confinement area with a chew toy or other constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Return immediately and reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat the process, slowly increasing how long you're away each time.
Separation Anxiety: Dog is anxious whenever the main caregiver is absent even if other people are at home. Isolation Distress: Dog is anxious about being left alone but is fine as long as there is some human company. If your life has been looking quite different of late, then so has your dog's life.
Help for Canine Separation Anxiety
It will not go away on its own, and most often a complete "cure" is never experienced. But, there are many things an owner can do right away to begin to ease the symptoms. Separation Anxiety can range from minor to severe.
It's common for them to become upset when they are left on their own for longer than they feel comfortable with. This is called separation anxiety. Often when dogs bark or howl when you're out of the house it's because they are using their voice to try and reach out to you so that you'll come back.
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.
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.
However, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed may encourage a problem that's already there. For example, sleeping in bed with you can reduce anxiety in dogs, but can also exacerbate separation anxiety in the long term as your dog becomes used to having you as support every night.
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.
Your dog has his reasons for acting out. Boredom, restlessness, fear, and separation anxiety are all common reasons that your dog might bark and whine while you're gone.