Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘puppy separation anxiety’

Puppy separation anxiety is anguish felt by puppies when they are left alone. When you leave home, your anxious pup may bark or whine. He may also have potty mishaps and be destructive. A dog that forms a strong attachment to his owner is likely to experience puppy separation anxiety.

Preventing puppy separation anxiety can start before the adoption of your dog. You should wait until your puppy is completely weaned away from his mom, which normally occurs by eight weeks of age. Puppies need to be given some independence from their mother. When dogs are taken away before then, they may be prone to puppy separation anxiety.

For a great guide to solve your dog behavior problems, I recommend that you check out: Puppy Separation Anxiety.

Anti-separation anxiety training can be started as soon as you bring your puppy home. First of all, you shouldn’t make a fuss when you leave your puppy alone. So you mustn’t lavish extra attention and hugs on your puppy. Initially, puppies should only be left on their own for short periods of time. When you get home, you should act normally and not make a fuss.

A dog that is already showing signs of puppy separation anxiety when he is adopted may be more difficult to train. Rest assured, your efforts will make it worthwhile. Separation anxiety is most often experienced by adult dogs from shelters or strays. They have probably had a tough life before being fortunate enough to be adopted into your family. Don’t give up on them! These adult dogs will frequently be more trusting and loyal.

About half of all adult dogs will improve if given the proper training. However, you may need to change your routine in order to desensitize them to your leaving.

It may help a dog that experiences separation anxiety if you take a close look at his situation to determine the cause for his behavior. Don’t make a huge fuss when you leave home. Start slowly by leaving these older dogs for a short while, gradually working up to a longer period of time.

Providing distractions for your puppy when you leave is also a good idea. Once the puppy separation anxiety has subsided, your pup will generally calm down with thirty minutes to an hour. Toys or chewies are a good way to keep him occupied while you’re away. This could help him to get beyond the initial hurdle. Toys filled with goodies like cheese or peanut butter are another option. It will take time for your dog to reach the treat so he will work on it until he gets to it. This will assist him in forgetting about you and his separation anxiety.

Crate training is another good option. Crates are particularly effective for destructive dogs. Do not destroy their crate as they think of it as home. You should not use the crate for punishment as the dog will feel negatively about it. It is important for a dog to feel safe in his crate. By giving your dog food and treats while he’s in the crate, he will feel positively about the experience. Once you feel sufficiently confident that your puppy or dog will not destroy your property during your absence, leave him for a short period of time. You should leave the door of the crate open so your dog’s sanctuary is available to provide him with comfort.

Your veterinarian may have other suggestions to stop puppy separation anxiety. It is important to note that separation anxiety happens for many different reasons.

To learn how to deal with puppy separation anxiety, I suggest that you take a look at Secrets to Dog Training.

You may be pulling your hair out because your cute new puppy is chewing your house and possessions to bits. You may have now gathered that your little puppy can create a huge amount of damage, from scratching wooden floors and doors, to chewing your brand new pair of very expensive shoes. As with any negative behavior, there is always a reason for chewing.

It should be understood that chewing is a natural and healthy activity for puppies and shouldn’t be stopped. It is only when the chewing becomes destructive that it should be stopped. The aim of this article is to illustrate the main reasons for chewing, then to give you advice on how to end this.

There are many reasons why your puppy is chewing your house to shreds. The ones detailed below include teething, boredom and separation anxiety.

Teething
At about 3-4 weeks your puppy’s teeth start to emerge. By 16 weeks they will start to fall out when the first permanent teeth start to break through. When their gums are sore, they chew to ease them.

Boredom
Young puppies are quite likely to get bored quickly. They need an outlet for their energy such as exercise and mental stimulation. If left alone for too long, your puppy could easily become bored and will then turn to a destructive behavior such as chewing.

Stress and separation anxiety
Your puppy may start chewing in order to relieve his stress and separation anxiety especially if he is left alone too long.

Once you know what the reasons for your puppy’s destructive chewing, it will help you to take remedial action. Here are some tips to help you stop inappropriate chewing.

• Start by giving your puppy three or four toys. Make sure that they are different in texture, taste and shape and are sturdy so your puppy does not become bored too quickly.
• By playing regularly with your dog with the toys, they are more likely to play with them when left alone because of pleasant.
• Any items of value should be put out of reach. You can also discourage your puppy from chewing your furniture and other objects by spraying something like Listerine or other anti-chew deterrent. You puppy will not like the taste and will stop them from chewing.
• In the beginning it is important not to leave your puppy alone for extended periods of time. Start off with a short 10 minute period and gradually build up to longer absences.
• If you are away for a period of time or cannot watch your puppy, you could confine them either in a pen or crate.
• Always praise your puppy when you see him chewing appropriate items. This establishes the desired behavior through positive reinforcement. On the other hand if you see your puppy chew on something he shouldn’t, say something like “no” or “stop” in a stern voice. Consistently doing this will give a negative association.

Now that you understand the reasons for your puppy’s chewing, you should be able apply the necessary remedial course of action. It is very important to reward the desired behavior and to correctly teach your puppy what he is allowed to chew and what he is not allowed to chew.

Check out these links to read more about how to stop a puppy chewing, separation anxiety in puppies and boredom in dogs.