Training Puppies

Lesson 4: Behavior Problems

Separation Anxiety, Fears

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is the stress your puppy feels when he is left alone. You may be tempted to lose patience because you see no reason for it but to him, it is real. He may bark, whine, pace, chew or potty in the floor. Sometimes these things appear to be done out of spite but actually they are done out of nervousness much the same way that humans smoke or chew their nails. Your puppy may chew items that have strong scents of you on them. This anxiety can be very intense and will not be cured in a day or two but with your patience, your puppy can overcome it.

You can teach your puppy that when you leave, you always return, and there's nothing to get upset about. The desensititization method usually works well if used slowly. It involves leaving your puppy for very short periods of time. In a matter of fact manner, with no emotional goodbyes, walk out the door and stay about five minutes. Return in the same manner. Repeat this many times a day, gradually, over several weeks, increasing the length of time you are gone until your puppy is comfortable being left alone for longer periods.

In order to prevent damage to your belongings when you must leave for longer periods, you may confine him to one puppy-proofed room, with several chewy toys that have your scent on them. I do not recommend crating for long periods. Sometimes a radio or TV left on low volume relieves loneliness.

Always make sure he has plenty of exercise and enrichment time when you return. Just as with humans, exercise is great for relieving stress.

Never punish him for mistakes due to his stress. This will only add to his anxiety and cause more problems. In extreme cases of separation anxiety, some veterinarians will prescribe medications but this should be a last resort.

Fears

The best prevention of fears and phobias is socialization and exposure to many different experiences. This will give your puppy confidence. Sometimes your puppy will react to your own apprehension. If he shows fear, try to appear as if he has nothing to worry about. If you stay calm and act in a matter of fact manner, he may do the same. But if your puppy has a genuine fear of storms, loud noises, riding in cars or whatever, desensitization can help. This method works by simulating the frightening situation on a milder level.

If thunder causes your puppy to tremble and hide under the bed, try recording the sounds of a storm and playing them at a low volume, perhaps in another room. At the same time, distract your puppy with treats or a game. If your puppy seems comfortable with this, repeat it several times a day, very slowly increasing the volume over two or three weeks. If at any time he shows anxiety, go back to the previous comfort level.

Until you are sure that his fears are under control, you will want to make a secure place available, such as his crate, for him to retreat to during storms, especially if he is home alone. Remember to make it available but never lock him in while he is afraid. And, as mentioned above, in extreme cases veterinarians may prescribe medication to ease the anxiety.

If your puppy is afraid of riding in cars, begin with just sitting a few minutes in the car in the driveway. Distract him with treats or play. Do this several times a day until he is comfortable with it and then you can progress to letting the motor idle, backing out and right back into the driveway, a trip around the block etc. The key is to progress slowly letting him get comfortable with each step before going to the next.

Exercise:

Think of an annoying behavior, not mentioned in this course, that puppies may do and, using what you have learned, formulate a possible solution.

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