Separation anxiety arises when your dog, whether a puppy or an adult dog, is anxious from the time you leave him alone until you return. The signs and symptoms differ, but he'll act as though he's terrified of being alone in the house.
As the new puppy owner, you should be establishing the groundwork for a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog. Puppy training, socializing, crate training, and teaching your puppy to enjoy alone time all help. As a result, many of the suggestions below are things you already do or have done. Separation anxiety does bring some distinct issues.
Because dogs can show stress in various ways, there is no single definitive symptom of separation anxiety. Instead, there are numerous signs. One or two of them, mainly if they occur infrequently, may not indicate puppy separation anxiety. However, if your puppy exhibits many symptoms regularly, he may have separation anxiety. Here are some examples of behaviours that your dog may exhibit:
- Anxious behaviours such as pacing, whimpering or trembling when you're away or about to leave.
- Barking or howling incessantly.
- Destructive behaviours, such as gnawing or digging, are prevalent around doors and windows.
- Household mishaps, such as urinating or defecating.
- Swallowing, drooling or panting excessively.
-  Desperate and continuous attempts to elude incarceration could result in serious injury.


The following can be the methods of treatment:
1. Crate training: A crate is your dog's best friend and ally. It's a crucial training tool and the answer to many puppy problems. When used correctly, it is neither cruel nor unhealthy. Instead, it can provide a safe, peaceful spot for your pup to unwind. The goal is to have him link his crate with lovely things like chew toys and food-releasing puzzle toys, so he enjoys spending time inside. Some dogs feel safer and more at ease in their crate when left alone.
2. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Teaching a young puppy to be comfortable in the environment and create good connections with new experiences is a vital component of raising a psychologically and physically sound puppy. That holds for time away from you as well. Teach your puppy that there are separation benefits. Start by leaving him for short periods and gradually increase the time you're gone. If your dog is already trained to become stressed when you leave him, consider rewarding him with a high-value treat that he enjoys. You can also make your puppy less distressed by desensitizing him to the indicators that you're ready to leave.
3. Exercise: Although exercise cannot cure SA, it can help treat and prevent it. First and foremost, ensure that your puppy gets lots of age-appropriate physical activity. This is especially true for large, high-activity dogs who have a lot of energy to expend. A tired, pleased dog who has had a good walk and fun with you is more likely to relax when you leave. Second, don't ignore your puppy's mental faculties. A cerebral workout can be just as demanding as a physical workout, but it can also be a lot of fun.
4. Clinginess- Playing it cool: Don't foster excessive clinginess. Instead, encourage independence by educating your puppy to be alone in another room even when you're around. Another method for combating excessive attachment is to teach a solid stay. Begin with short periods, and once your puppy can stay for several minutes, you can start leaving the room. You should eventually be able to go out of his sight while he waits for five or ten minutes. When leaving or returning home, it's also critical to maintain your composure. You can give your dog a warm greeting, but don't go overboard. Maintain a calm and unobtrusive demeanour. If you become agitated, your dog will regard your comings and goings as a huge event to be concerned about. Furthermore, if you return home to find damage or accidents, do not reprimand your dog. You will add to his concern and aggravate the situation.
5. Medication and natural supplements: Some veterinarians recommend amitriptyline, which is used to treat depression, or alprazolam, which treats anxiety and panic disorders. These medications require a prescription and are generally safe for most pets, though you should consult your veterinarian before using them on a young dog.


Despite your best efforts, separation anxiety in puppies and dogs is not always preventable. Treatment for separation anxiety might be brutal once it has taken hold. To help with the adjustment, consider employing a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a veterinary behaviourist. You might be able to alleviate your dog's suffering and put puppy separation behind you if you have patience and a positive mindset.

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