01/14/2026
Defiantly a worthwhile read! Stopping separation anxiety in any breed starts when you bring your puppy home for the first time.
Separation Anxiety!!!!
New puppies are leaving the only home they’ve ever known and leaving their littermates and adult doggie friends in their breeders home. Some may be going to home with other dogs and some may be the only king/queen of their very own home. Separation anxiety can be a common occurrence but it’s up to you to make sure this occurrence doesn’t become a lifelong behavioral issue.
A common puppy issue (can be in adult dogs too!) is separation anxiety. It’s actually a common issue in a lot of dogs, not just a breed specific issue.
Remember it’s much easier to prevent separation anxiety than to cure it once issues arise.
Separation anxiety prevention should start IMMEDIATELY when you bring your puppy home. Every single day should incorporate some sort of down time, alone time, time away from family. Even if you are working from home, retired, or “always around” your dog should begin to feel comfortable and confident without you and being by themselves right away.
The root cause of separation anxiety is a lack of confidence….building up their confidence that being alone is ok will ultimately help for the life of the puppy!
My “go to” recommendation is always “Crate Games” by Susan Garrett.
https://dogsthat.com/crate-games-2/
It’s something I even recommend getting before your puppy comes home and learning so that you’re ready for when the puppy comes home. Not only does this training program help with crate training and desensitization, but working through the protocols helps your dog build confidence and learn how to self soothe and be alone. Even for those that work from home, there will always be times your dog may need to be alone, so working on these protocols when they’re young will have a greater lasting effect than trying much later. If you have an adult dog already, I still recommend this program, it just may take longer than it would with a puppy.
In addition to crate games by Susan Garret there are also a couple of books “I’ll be home soon” and “Be right back” Which are very helpful in curbing separation anxiety.
I'll be Home Soon: How to Prevent and Treat Separation Anxiety.
https://amzn.to/4bwGkz7
Be Right Back!: How To Overcome Your Dog's Separation Anxiety And Regain Your Freedom
https://amzn.to/49SfmAL
The puppies leave their first home environments and go home with you, and you become the only thing “familiar” to them, so of course they’re going to be super attached to you right off the bat. The important thing is they still need to be taught they’re ok alone too! Build your dogs confidence to help eliminate separation anxiety issues.
Remember crate destruction (either the items in the crate or the crate itself!) is 100% linked with lack of confidence and separation anxiety when crated for short periods or only over night periods. This also goes for destructive behaviors loose in the house too, not your normal “puppy destructiveness” but a panicked dog type destruction.
So incorporate the resources mentioned and start working with your pups as soon as possible. Also watch this video for other helpful tips and hints.
Check out the whole “thefamilydog” you tube channel for TONS of other great short videos and many specifically for kids and dogs training and interactions.
https://youtube.com/user/thefamilydogtv
https://youtu.be/UfZoKPPrjwU for info from James Ha on separation anxiety. He's focusing here on the likely anxiety that is going to happen for many dogs whose routines suddenly change and owners go back to work or change jobs that don’t allow for them to be home as much, but hits suggestions go beyond that. He also encourages people to call if they need help.
Another great resource is the Facebook group Puppy Separation Anxiety With Julie Naismith. She also has a group for adult dogs.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/118337983401724/?ref=share
*be sure to answer the group questions to be able to join*
Something you can do as a new owner is request something from the breeder’s home that smells like that home. Many breeders do send things home with their puppies to help the transition but some do not. Something as easy as a small blanket or toy that smells like the breeders home can be just the right amount of comfort the puppy needs in their first few days of transition.
If you know in advance what puppy is coming home with you, you can always leave something with the breeder that smells like you too, so the puppy has a scent connection from you in their breeders home before you take them home.
Also investing in an Adaptil collar or scent diffuser can help with transitions. Adaptil scent is the same type of pheromone that the momma dog gives off when she's nursing her puppies so it’s naturally calming and comforting to all dogs. Collars last about a month but they also make a plug in diffuser and a spray you can use on bedding or pen areas.
Small Adaptil Collar - https://amzn.to/4pyb4D9
Adaptil Diffuser - https://amzn.to/4qQbANW
Bottom line will always be, the more work you put into training, easing transition, and helping your puppy become a calm, well mannered, confident puppy in the first few weeks to months you have them, the more overall your entire life with your puppy will benefit!
https://dogsthat.com/crate-games-2/y
