Preventing Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety - Part 2
Updated: Feb 14, 2022
Preventing Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety - Prep
This is the second article in the series Preventing Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety. We will talk about The Prep Stuff – some important items and activities you may not have thought of – as well as treatment for Separation Anxiety.
During this series of articles, I will refer to puppies and dogs as “he” and people as “she” for simplicity.
The aim of this Separation Anxiety prevention program is to give your dog confidence so that he doesn’t have to be with you 24/7 and that he knows that when you leave, you will return. You will do that by promoting independence while you are home and give him something to do when you are gone.
Because you are home now and have time to do the training, you’re going to get some easy preventative measures in order to lessen the emotional toll on both of you now and the financial toll on you later so you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to work with a dog behavior consultant and purchase the supplies they recommend.
Make Sure There Are
No Underlying Medical Conditions.
Whether you have a puppy, newly-adopted, or a resident dog, take him to the vet for a thorough exam, especially if you notice any behavior changes such as his being more timid or nervous, physical changes such as limping, changes in bathroom habits, or any blood. If he has any underlying medical condition, that can contribute to anxiety.
It’s always prudent to have a fecal test done, especially with a newly-adopted dog or puppy. You can see worms, but you can’t see parasites! And you don’t know if your puppy or dog has them unless he’s tested.
If he is a new puppy dog, then the breeder/shelter/rescue may have told you that he’s already been examined by a veterinarian, but these are generally cursory exams. Please have him examined by your vet.
Human equivalent – if we go to a restaurant during COVID, they’ll ask us a few questions and take our temperature. The next step up is to have an actual COVID test, and the step after that is a doctor’s exam.
Make Sure All Your Puppy Dog’s
Needs Are Met.
You don’t want him to develop separation anxiety because he
Is not getting enough exercise, both physical and mental
Needs to potty and he’s stressed because he’s been trained to potty outside but can’t hold it as long as he’s left alone
Is bored
Check His Diet.
Feed healthy food with a low protein content – the higher the protein level, the more energy he needs to burn off. The minimum protein content for puppy food is 22%, and the minimum for adults is 18%. Foods should be AAFCO approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials which is an organization composed of pet food manufacturers, not the federal government. AAFCO does not address the quality of the ingredients or what ingredients are used. The Federal Food and Drug Administration also provides requirements for complete and balanced pet food.
Personally I prefer foods that do not have corn, wheat, or soy or those that contain by-products. Read the labels to see what ingredients are in your dog’s food.
Helpful Tools to Prevent
Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety
It’s gonna be a lot easier if you have some tools to help you and your dog
You will want to engage as many of your dog’s senses as you can to help him in your absence to engage his mind give him something to do so he is not focused on your not being there and also to tire him out.
I have prepared of audio, olfactory, and tactile products, holistic/homeopathic products as well as products for mental stimulation, both for your dog (puzzles and chew toys) and you (books and other resources). Please check the Resources page below.
Wishing that you stay healthy, stay safe – and stay home. Please go to Part 3 for some simple everyday suggestions you may not have thought of.
Thanks for visiting Preventing Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety Part 2. I make a small commission on any products or books I recommend.
If you need help with puppy or dog training, we are now doing virtual online consultations which are very effective to help in puppy dog separation anxiety. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com. We would love to work with you!
REPRINT POLICY for Preventing Puppy Dog Separation Anxiety During the Coronavirus Quarantine This article is provided free as a service and may be reprinted IN PRINT ON PAPER ONLY in its entirety exactly as written with the following wording: Copyright 2020 Caryl Wolff All rights reserved. Print reproduction is granted in entirety. www.DoggieManners.com
I will gladly provide you a pdf if you email me.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.
If you need help with puppy or dog training, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.