May 4, 2020

Separation Anxiety

  1. Make sure your dog’s core needs are fulfilled. Exercise, Playtime, Chew Toy time, etc.
  2. Your dog needs to be comfortable resting in his/her bed, or a place other than on your lap or at your feet. So when we are working with our dog, we use the word “BED” and our dogs know, it’s time to go lay on our own bed. Help them recognize when they are invited to lay in your lap, and when they are invited to leave.
  3. I always recommend practicing crate time or nap time. Please make sure your dog has been potty. Then start with shorter periods for nap time, and then move to longer times as they get older. 2 Hours of a closed crate is a long enough nap for a puppy over 6 months of age. For younger puppies, start with 30-60 minutes twice a day. And a few 15-minute naps.
  4. If they are struggling to nap use a fan or a sound machine to help muffle the sound.

This is a great article on Separation Anxiety if you are looking to learn more…

How do I stop my puppy from jumping on people?
The most effective method is to completely ignore the jumping — turn your back, cross your arms, no eye contact, no pushing them down. The moment all four paws are on the floor, immediately reward with calm praise.
Why are some Goldendoodles anxious or reactive?
Almost always, it comes down to the first 8 weeks. A puppy that wasn’t properly socialized — that wasn’t exposed to different people, sounds, surfaces, and environments during the critical developmental window — will struggle with anxiety and reactivity.
How much sleep does a puppy need?
A lot — 16 to 20 hours per day for very young puppies (8‒12 weeks). Sleep is when puppies process everything they’ve learned and grow.