Dont want puppy to get separation anxiety

[Honey1962]

Just got a new puppy this week, and he is a happy little thing, but he follows me everywhere. If I get up and leave the room he follows me, and if I am not paying him attention he barks at me or cries. I have just read a post about separation anxiety and dont want this to be a problem, any advice please?

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by Honey1962

Just got a new puppy this week, and he is a happy little thing, but he follows me everywhere. If I get up and leave the room he follows me, and if I am not paying him attention he barks at me or cries. I have just read a post about separation anxiety and dont want this to be a problem, any advice please?

Avoiding separation anxiety is a good thought with any puppy, and we are basically looking for the dog to be relaxed when in its own company.

Ensure you greetings are calm and relaxed, so ignore until calm and quiet...then call him over ask for a sit and then offer calm greetings.

Prevent him from following you by use of restricted room movements (careful use of the crate can resolve this) and closing doors to prevent following. Offer a simple 'stay' with a flat hand before you as you leave the room.

Make departures positive also by offering a stuffed Kong to keep him busy just as you leave.

Only interact when he is calm and relaxed. Ignore OTT behaviour.

Build the times up when you leave him on his own so he comes to accept it as a part of the norm.

I do this with all my young dogs so that they learn to be alone.

Good luck!

Nick