How to Train a Puppy With Separation Anxiety

Having a puppy with separation anxiety is hard on the puppy and hard on you. Owners sometimes create separation anxiety by allowing their puppies to behave in ways that confuse them. For instance, when a puppy cries as you leave and you instantly acknowledge that behavior by trying gently to reassure the puppy, the puppy thinks you are rewarding that behavior and therefore repeats the behavior over and over. Training a puppy with separation anxiety takes dedication and patience. Do not give up on the puppy: You can stop this behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice leaving your puppy alone. Pretend to leave by going out the door and staying out for five minutes. Gradually increase the time you stay away, letting the puppy learn that you will in fact return.

    • 2

      Play with your puppy for several minutes before you leave. Play fetch or take the puppy for a walk, generally wearing the puppy out. Do not work the puppy up and get it excited right before you leave. Let the puppy calm down while you quietly leave the house without acknowledging the puppy.

    • 3

      Give your puppy lots of toys to play with when you leave. Choose toys that make the puppy use its brain and keep it occupied while alone. Consider leaving a radio on or adopting another pet so they can entertain each other.

    • 4

      Return to your home without making a big fuss over your puppy. Ignore the excited behavior of your puppy until you are settled. Calmly and quietly acknowledge your puppy and reward it for calm behavior.