Prevention of Separation Anxiety in Puppies: How and When to Introduce
and Build on Alone Time
As someone who spends a lot of time helping guardians of dogs with
Separation Related Behaviours, I wanted to highlight some of the key principles,
but also misconceptions about teaching dogs to spend time alone.
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but it can also be very
stressful, even for experienced owners!
One of the reasons is, that when
it comes to puppies, everyone seems to have an opinion, internet is filled with
conflicting advice, which often makes it difficult for new puppy guardians to
know what is the right thing to do, when it comes to teaching your puppy to
spend time alone.
Do you let your puppy sleep in the bedroom, do you sleep downstairs with
them, or will you be making a ‘rod for your own back’? Is ‘starting as you mean
to go on’ and having them in the kitchen overnight a right thing to do?
Do you leave them alone from day one, so they get used to it?
Even without the background in dog behaviour, if we think about it, young puppies need their human to be available to meet their basic needs during those early stages of their development. In free ranging dogs, puppies
rely on their mum for survival way beyond 8 weeks of age,
which is typically when we bring them home, so it is only fair that we respond to their vocalisations and meet their needs (safety, food, water, social contact).
This blog will guide you through
the process of introducing and building on alone time to prevent separation
anxiety in your puppy.
Step 1: Let Your Puppy Follow You and Build a Secure Attachment
Before introducing alone time, it's crucial to let your puppy follow you
around and develop, what we refer to, a secure attachment. This means allowing the puppy to be by
your side as you go about your daily activities. This constant proximity helps
your puppy feel safe and secure, building trust and strengthening the bond
between you and your pup. Making sure that your puppies needs are met, are
absolutely paramount! Do not let your puppy ‘cry it out’, they need to know
that you will come back and meet their needs.
When I bring a young puppy home, they sleep in the bedroom or I sleep
downstairs with me, and then gradually transitioning (if appropriate) to either
them sleeping downstairs, or me gradually moving upstairs when they are ready.
Step 2: Gradually Introduce Short Periods of Alone Time
Once your puppy is confident that their needs will be met, it's time to
gradually introduce alone time. Start with short intervals of going out of
sight, while your puppy can still follow you. For example, go and get something
from the kitchen, or ‘make a meal’ out of making a cup of tea (go and put the
kettle on, return, go and get the mug out of the cupboard – return and so on).
Begin with just a few seconds and gradually increase the duration as the
puppy becomes less inclined to follow you. You may get to make that cup
of tea in one go!
This is all without leaving the house, and very important that your
puppy is able to follow you, so they know where you are.
This is all about building puppy’s confidence that you will return
before they need you!
Step 3: Create Positive Associations with Alone Time
To prevent separation anxiety, it's important to create positive
associations with alone time. Before leaving your puppy alone, provide them
with a special treat or a favourite toy. This helps them associate your
departure with something positive and enjoyable. Additionally, consider leaving
on some background noise, like radio or a white noise machine – this is not to
trick your puppy into thinking that you are still home, but to somewhat mask
sudden noises from outside, that may startle your puppy otherwise.
Step 4: Gradually Increase Alone Time Duration
As your puppy becomes more comfortable being alone, gradually increase
the duration of their alone time, and when I say gradually, I mean GRADUALLY –
think seconds, not minutes. Step outside and come back, walk down to the end of your drive, come back, go and get something out of the car – come back. This
way your puppy also gets used to the departure cues (grabbing keys, putting
shoes on, without being overwhelmed).
Step 5: Get all the help you can!
Neighbours, friends, especially working from home, could all make
wonderful puppy sitters! It can be overwhelming in the first few weeks, so the
more ‘hands on deck’ you have, the better!
When can you actually leave them alone to go and get a pint of milk
(bottle of wine) from the shop, will depend entirely on your puppy, however as
a guideline, I wouldn’t be expecting any serious duration until at least 5-6
months of age!
For every story of a puppy who ‘has been OK with being left from day one’,
there are dozens of dogs that do not cope with being left…
This is one of those cases where prevention is certainly easier than
cure, even though it requires a gradual and patient approach. By allowing your puppy to
follow you, building a secure attachment, and introducing alone time gradually,
you can help them develop confidence and independence. With time, patience, and
understanding, you can set your puppy up for success and prevent separation
anxiety in their future.
Please note, this is for puppies and dogs that do not already suffer
with separation related behaviours. If your puppy or dog is struggling to cope
with being left – please seek professional help.
