For many pet parents, the following scene is quite familiar. You come back home from a short time away, and you are met by a dog that is drooling, trembling, and oozing with fear. You notice a mess by the door, and your shoes might be chewed to bits.
That is what a dog with separation anxiety looks like. Of course, we are talking about extreme and severe conditions here.
But, without a proper reaction from dog owners, puppies can develop severe symptoms. What looks like a mild case of separation anxiety can escalate. Today, we will talk about how long you can leave a puppy alone, and how to teach your dog to be comfortable alone.
What is Dog Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a stress response by dogs that they show when their owners are away from home. Humans experience similar anxiety symptoms. For example, some people might have a fear of heights. So, if you are placed on the top of a tall building, you will experience stress symptoms like sweaty palms and a fast heart rate.
Dogs experience similar symptoms when they are left home alone. They are away from the person they are bonded to, and it causes stress.
Reactions can range from mild distress to extreme anxiety. Some dogs even attempt to escape confinement and look for their people.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of separation anxiety vary. Some dogs show one or two symptoms, others show all. While some symptoms can be attributed to other conditions, if you notice they happen when you come back from a prolonged time away, you can be certain about anxiety.
- Urinating or defecating when left alone.
- Persistent barking and howling, not triggered by anything else.
- Chewing on common household objects, door frames, furniture, or shoes.
- Digging at doors and doorways when their guardians leave the house.
- Trying to escape from their confinement area.
- Trying to dig and chew through doors and windows.
- Pacing along a specific path, either in circular patterns or back and forth.
- Defecating and then consuming some of the excrement.
How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
There is no definite answer because puppies grow fast and their behavior changes. Here is a general idea of how long young puppies can stay alone.
- Under 10 weeks of age – less than an hour.
- Between 10 and 12 weeks of age – 2 hours.
- Over 3 months – 3 hours.
- 4 months – 4 hours.
- 5 months – 5 hours.
- 6 months – 6 hours.
- Over 6 months – between 6 and 8 hours.
Puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot hold their bladder for more than one hour. Dogs between 12 and 15 weeks, can hold it for two to three hours.
What about Older Dogs?
Young puppies need constant care. Yet, as they grow older, they learn how to be comfortable alone. Adult dogs can stay at home while their owners are away at work.
Senior dogs are like young puppies and need to go out to potty more often. We always have to factor in breeds prone to separation anxiety and understand each dog is different.
Why Do Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?
There is no definite answer to why some dogs develop separation anxiety. Most behaviorists, yet, agree that dramatic changes in the environment can trigger this condition.
Change of Family
Dogs that change their guardian or family can show signs of separation anxiety. They need time to adjust to the new home.
Change in Schedule
Puppies thrive on routine, and you should establish one as you get your puppy and stick to it. As your puppy grows older, you can adjust the routine because there is no more need for frequent potty breaks.
But you should not make an abrupt change in schedule. For example, if you work from home, and then you get a new job that demands presence in an office, that is a dramatic change for your pet.
One day you are home all day long, and the next day, you are gone for hours.
Change in Residence
Dogs are better than cats at adjusting to a new home. Yet, they need some time to adapt to the new apartment, house, and neighborhood.
Change in Household Membership
If a family member goes on a long business trip, or a resident passes away, your dog will feel it. Or if a family member moves away, say, a young member going away for college.
How to Help with Separation Anxiety
By now, you should have a good idea of how long you can leave a puppy alone. But what can you do to make things easier for your furry friend? Dog owners should try their best to make the home comfortable for their pets when they are not at home. Here are several techniques you can try.
Crate Training
This is one of the most important aspects of dog training for a young puppy. The crate should serve as your ally. Do not push your dog inside and hope for success.
Instead, lure your dog inside with treats and toys, and make sure to use the crate even when you are home.
Predictable Routine
Routine is everything for dogs. Try to make the routine as predictable as possible. That should include time for meals, exercise, and bedtime. The more consistent you are, the less likely your dog will develop anxiety issues.
Toys and Treats
You can use chew toys such as a stuffed Kong toy when you leave. These interactive toys provide plenty of stimulation for your dog and keep them occupied.
Here is a tip: start giving your dog stuffed Kong toys when you are home. Let him learn how to use it, and then add it to your leaving-the-house routine.
Encourage Relax Time
How many times have you praised your dog for staying calm at home? If you do not encourage calm, comfortable alone time, you cannot expect your dog to like it. Reward your dog with treats and praise when he is lying in his bed.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
You can try and fit in some gentle exercise with your dog before you leave. Physical activity and mental stimulation will release happy hormones in your dog. If your dog is in a happier state, leaving the house will not hit as hard.
The Stay Game
Teach your dog the stay command, and then turn it into a game. Put your dog in a stay position, and then go to the other side of the door. Close the door between you and reappear after a few seconds.
This game helps your dog understand that there might be times when you will be gone. Once your dog is comfortable with a door between you inside, take it to the next level.
Put on your shoes and pick up the keys. Increase the time you are gone, and then start going outside. Go out for 10 to 15 minutes, and then come back.
Stay Connected
Leave a piece of your clothing and place it in your dog’s crate or bed. That will make your dog feel secure and comfortable.
What You Should Never Do?
Often, pet parents worsen separation anxiety issues without knowing it. Dogs learn from positive and negative associations. If you happen to create a negative association, symptoms of anxiety will go up. Here are three things that will not work.
- Do not punish your dog, raise your voice, or show disappointment.
- Do not tell your dog off, and mistake his body language for guilt instead of sadness and stress.
- Do not get another dog, your dog wants you, not another doggy companion.
- Do not try the TV noise trick, your dog is not nervous due to lack of sounds. He is nervous because he missed you.
When to Consult a Professional?
A dog with severe anxiety will need professional help. You should consult with an animal behaviorist, not a trainer. The difference is behaviorists take a look at severe behavior issues, while trainers work on obedience training.
Separation anxiety is not something that happens due to obedience issues.