How To: Prevent Separation Anxiety

It’s easy to want to be with your dog 24/7 especially during this whole quarantine time.

It’s important to still give them some time alone.

Why? The reality is that life will go back to normal and we don’t want your puppy to end up dealing with separation anxiety.

How do you work on this while you’re home?

Practice SHORT periods inside the crate with the door closed.

Complete simple tasks while your puppy is in the crate, then come right back and let them out. (Wait for quiet first!)

Gradually build up to longer and longer times inside.

Try putting your puppy's crate in the same room as you.

Your puppy will want to mirror your energy level so doing something still will help them settle.

Don't look at or talk to your puppy if they are whining in the crate, have already gone to the bathroom and simply want out.

They need to learn frustration tolerance.

(as long as you've properly introduced the crate and pen from day one - if not, please spend time helping your puppy learn to be alone first.)

Most puppies settle themselves within 20-30 minutes.

Keep a chart if it helps you to see the progress.

Freeze a Kong or other personal favorites, pulling one out as needed throughout the day.

Save these for times you will be gone or when you need your puppy to spend time in their crate or pen.

Your puppy only gets the frozen chew toy in the crate or pen.

Even your older dogs have gotten to be with you 24/7 and this would be great for them too!

If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments! We love being a resource for you and your four legged friend!

Bonus Tip: Dogs are den animals, so we've found that if we put a blanket over their crate they really like it! It's like a safe cozy little den for them sleep in! And if you want to go the extra mile, we love our Snuggle Puppies! A Snuggle Puppy is a behavioral aid toy that helps with crate training by reducing negative behaviors such as whining and barking! We believe in this product so much we give it to each of our forever families! Click here for more information on the Snuggle Puppies, just click the toys category and scroll down and you'll see it.

Again if you have any questions at all we would love to help!

Looking to Bring Home Your Own Furbaby?

Looking for a bernedoodle for sale or cavapoo puppies for sale? We would be honored to help your family grow by four paws! Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or give us a call directly at 270-350-2513. Whether you're ready now or later we would be honored to welcome you to the Bluegrass Family.

They just love their Snuggle Puppies!