Tips for Lockdown Puppies
Puppy prices have increased dramatically during the various lockdowns, especially as demand exceeds supply. As of yet I have struggled to find a puppy that exhibits ideal behaviour just because of the price tag on their little cute heads. Whatever the cost, they will still need lots of guidance, great socialisation and very importantly, alone time, so that when the day comes when we return to normality, the puppy is comfortable being left alone for short periods.
Here are some useful tips on how to avoid your puppy developing separation anxiety behaviours:
1. Start to teach your puppy that being on their own is a normal part of life. Following you to the toilet, shower, under your feet when you are cooking, is not a normal part of life and can be inhibiting for both you and the puppy.
2. Ensure your puppy has its own place to relax, either a crate or a secure puppy proofed room with a bed.
3. Place the puppy in their bed or chill out zone, give them something to quietly occupy them, I normally recommend a safe chew or a stuffed Kong™.
4. Take it in small steps. When the puppy is settled start to move away from them, if they remain calm and uninterested in what your movements are, return to your up and reward them quietly, i.e. try not to make a big deal of it. Next time add some more distance between you and the up and repeat the process. If you witness any signs of distress, don’t speak to the puppy, just return to a distance they are comfortable with and slowly increase this over time.
5. Once the puppy is used to staying in their bed without any signs of anxiety, start to spend a few moments out of the room. They may whimper a little, avoid the temptation to walk straight back in the room, wait for a pause in the whimpering and then return, once again quietly rewarding the pup. Increase the amount of time you spend out of the room but take it in small steps.
6. Try to keep all comings and goings low key, i.e. try not to make a fuss of the pup when you pop out for a few moments and equally when you return, try to avoid joining in their excitement.
It really only takes a few minutes a day but can assist in eliminating the issue of separation anxiety that can manifest itself later in the dog’s life.