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Three Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Helpful Tips for Dog Owners

prevent separation anxiety
A lot of new dog owners struggle with how to prevent separation anxiety in puppies.

In fact, we often get asked…

“How do you stop separation anxiety in puppies…”

Well, it’s definitely a valid concern.

But here’s a better question you can ask…

“How do I stop Puppy Separation anxiety from developing?”

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to avoid that.

In this blog post, we will outline three ways to prevent separation anxiety in puppies.

Let’s dive in!

Gradually Introduce Your Dog To Separations

If you want to avoid your dog developing separation anxiety, start spending short periods of time away from them when you first bring them home.

It means you should have this gradual introduction from day one so your puppy can adjust to being away from you better.

Start by leaving your puppy alone for a short amount of time. And then gradually increase it as he gets older and more comfortable being away from you.

You see, puppies can be susceptible to changes, so taking things slow is essential.

For example, when you go to the bathroom, make sure you close the door, so your pup can’t follow or see you.

It will help him understand that you will always come back.

You can also utilise a separate area or leave him in a different room if you live in a house with some of his favourite toys or treats.

Make sure you put the puppy where he’s not going to destroy the house.

What is important is that you create a safe place for your puppy.

It could be a crate that they’re comfortable in or another designated area where they feel safe.

Now, if they keep crying, it is normal.

But you have to prepare yourself to hear a lot of noise at first until they get used to it.

You can do what you need to keep sane because they will make some racket.

Don’t reinforce the dog for being clingy

Puppies tend to get clingy because they want attention, and they mistakenly think that by being close to us, we will pay more attention to them.

It’s crucial to avoid petting or praising your dog when they’re clingy, as it will only reward the bad behaviour.

If a puppy is constantly being petted and praised for following you around, he will learn that this is the way to get attention.

Reinforcing this behaviour will only worsen the problem and result in a dog that becomes overly attached to you.

Believe it or not, that can be tough, so it is very important to set boundaries early.

That will make your puppy feel and learn that those behaviours won’t result in getting what they want.

Ignore your puppy and give him attention when he’s calm and relaxed.

The moment he is relaxed or demonstrates good behaviours that are the perfect time you reinforce him.

And not when your puppy follows you from room to room.

It will stick to their memory that good behaviour leads to positive outcomes.

Another example of this is when you leave the house; there’s a good chance they will bark excessively.

You can give them treats or toys to silence them and keep them occupied in this instance.

And make sure you also won’t make a big deal out of your arrival.

Just ignore the dog and give them attention when they’re calm.

Provide plenty of Exercise and Stimulation

Dogs need exercise just like we do!

In fact, one of the best ways to prevent separation anxiety is by providing your dog with plenty of exercise and stimulation.

It could be playing fetch in the backyard, going for walks, or even taking them to a park.

When dogs are mentally and physically tired, they’re less likely to become anxious when left alone.

So make sure you’re providing your pup with enough exercise!

It will help keep their mind occupied and prevent them from developing separation anxiety.

puppy anxiety


Final thoughts

Puppy separation anxiety can be a real issue for new dog owners.

Which is why it is vital to set up your puppy for success as early as possible.

By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can help prevent your puppy from developing it.

The sooner you start training your puppy to address the problem…

The easier it will be to spare them from getting separation anxiety or before leading to some serious consequences…

And with a bit of patience and effort, you’ll soon have a well-adjusted pup who can stay calm and relaxed even when you’re not around.

So there you have it!

I hope this article has helped you in some way.

If so, share it with your family and friends! We will also be happy to answer any questions or concerns.

So please feel free to leave a comment below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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