Is my puppy’s barking normal? He cries in the crate when I’m gone, so does he have separation anxiety? If these are questions you ask yourself, look no further! In this blog, we will help answer the question, “What is Separation Anxiety?” Whether you are just starting the process or you’ve dipped your paw into it and came across a few hiccups, we’re here to help.
What It Is and Isn’t
Separation anxiety is when a dog exhibits high levels of stress when crated or left alone.
Mild levels of stress include:
- An excessive level of whining and barking when they aren’t able to be with their owner (more than 15minutes)
- Rarely relaxes or calms down when alone
- Follows the owner from room to room and obsessively lies on them or beside their feet.
Severe levels of stress can include behaviors such as:
- Persistent attempts to break free from the kennel through biting or pawing.
- Urinating and defecating
- Excessive salivation.
It’s essential to distinguish between clinical separation anxiety and normal puppy behavior when working on crate training. True separation anxiety usually affects and peaks in middle-aged dogs. It is a serious condition that can be just as stressful for the parent as it is for the canine! That being said, puppies often exhibit behavior that can be easily misinterpreted as separation anxiety during the initial stages of crate training. For example, when you first bring your puppy home, they may whine, bark, cry, or paw when inside the crate; however, these behaviors are more likely attention seeking than high-level separation anxiety.
Attention-seeking behaviors are easy to reinforce, both verbally, by saying things like “You’re okay, Luna!” and physically, by letting your puppy out of the crate or picking them up. It can be heartbreaking (and frustrating) to walk away while your puppy is crying or barking, but giving in in those moments can actually make the behavior worse over time.
Causes of Separation Anxiety
Genetic Predisposition to Separation Anxiety
Dogs can be more genetically predisposed to separation anxiety behaviors. Certain breeds that are more prone to developing separation anxiety include:
- Australian Shepherds
- Weimaraners
- Bichon Frises
- German Shorthaired Pointers
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Vizslas
- Toy Poodles
- Dalmatians
- Cocker Spaniels
- Havaneses
- Border Collies
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Labrador Retrievers
Some breeds, such as Boxers, may not adapt well to crates. This can be due to confinement rather than attention-seeking behavior.
Environmentally Developed Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can also develop due to environmental factors. Over-spoiling or coddling a puppy, especially in households where the dog lives with a single person, owners are empty nesters, or owners work from home and rarely leave the puppy alone, can contribute to anxiety. Puppies in these situations may struggle to adjust to being alone later in life.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Since you are their favorite person, this can be tricky! Inevitably, you’re going to need to leave your puppy alone at some point. You can create positive associations with the crate by using food, treats, and toys, helping your puppy see it as a safe, enjoyable space rather than a punishment.
To better understand crate training, you should check out our blog on “Crate Training Your Puppy”
We are here to help
Are you struggling with leaving your puppy alone? Would you like to teach your puppy high level obedience commands? The good news is you don’t have to face it alone.
At Beyond the Dog, our training is science-based and backed by over 20 years of experience. Co-founded by Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), our programs draw from her research and decades of hands-on work. Every dog and household is unique, which is why our training is fully personalized to your goals.
All of our training programs are offered through one-on-one sessions at your home or local neighborhood, depending on your training goals. If you’re ready to take the stress out of training, we’d love to help. Schedule a free consult today.
