Separation anxiety in puppy!

[cluckmecoop7]

My new Maltipoo puppy is starting to get separation anxiety. Can somebody tell me the easiest way to train her out of it before it’s too late? Thanks.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Sorry to hear about this. I'm no expert, but this is what I would do. Leave her home more. Might not sound right, but if she's used to going with you all the time or is with you all the time, being away from you would automatically become hard. So start leaving her alone more often so she's used to it. Get her some big stuffed animals to keep her company and something to keep her occupied while you're gone. (One person I know leaves the television on for their dog while they're gone so it doesn't chew up the walls. ) Hoping you the best!

 

[StinkyAcres]

I'm still working on my rescue's separation anxiety (it's been 3 years!).
Here are a few things you can do:

• Crate train her. Make her sleep in her crate, feed her in her crate, and put her in there at your lunch/dinner time.
• Leave for gradually longer periods of time. Start with a minute, come back when she's quiet and walk around her but ignore her, then repeat. When she's not anxious about you leaving then increase the time you are away.
• Don't pay attention to her when she is excited to see you.
• Use a stuffed Kong or similar toy to keep her happy and occupied when you're gone.
• Occasionally have someone else feed her, walk her, etc.

My dog used to panic if I left her in the crate and moved a few feet. Now I can leave and she can go an hour without panicking. It requires a lot of patience!

 

[StinkyAcres]

By the way, it is completely normal for puppies to cry like crazy when they are left alone. It has to be ignored and she will stop eventually. I wouldn't consider that separation anxiety.