It's a Panic Disorder

Separation anxiety is not simply your puppy "acting out" or being naughty. It is a genuine panic disorder where your puppy's brain goes into "fight or flight" mode when left alone. During this state, your puppy is not being spiteful or trying to punish you — they are experiencing real fear and distress.

Normal vs. Abnormal

Some distress when first left alone is normal for a young puppy. Puppies cry when left alone the first few nights. However, true separation anxiety goes beyond normal adjustment periods and involves extreme, persistent distress that doesn't improve with time alone.

Important: Some dogs appear to have separation anxiety but are actually afraid to be home alone because something bad has happened to them while alone (e.g., storms, fireworks).

Bred for Companionship

Small breeds were historically bred as lap dogs and companions, creating a genetic predisposition for strong attachment.

Over-Attachment

Small dogs are often carried, held, and kept close, which can prevent them from learning independence.

Lack of Independence

Being constantly with their owners means they never learn to cope with alone time.

Heightened Sensitivity

Small breeds are often more sensitive to changes in routine and environment.

Start Early with Alone Time

From the very beginning, ensure that puppies have scheduled times where they learn to spend time alone in their own crates or beds. If you move things along too quickly, young dogs may develop separation anxiety.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Set up a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, potty breaks, and crate time. Knowing when to expect exercise, playtime, and meals can ease anxiety and boost confidence.

Create Firm Boundaries

If they are always held or coddled, you are creating a dog that is terrified to be alone. Just like children, dogs expect and thrive on predictability and structure through a standard daily routine.

Practice "Supervised Separation"

Teach your puppy there are times when you need to leave and there is no need to panic. Start with very short departures and gradually increase the time.

Use a Crate as a Safe Space

When used correctly, dogs will consider crates a safe place. Start by introducing your puppy to its crate for short periods while you are present, slowly increasing how long your pet spends in its crate.

⚠️ Important: For dogs with true separation anxiety, the crate alone is not a solution and can actually make the anxiety worse. If your dog shows frantic behavior in the crate, do not confine them to it.

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

A nice long walk with lots of sniffing ("sniffari"), interactive play, and calming enrichment such as a snuffle mat will go a long way toward creating a calm stress-free baseline.

Gradual Desensitization

Practice desensitization by showing your puppy cues like grabbing your keys or jacket but don't actually leave. Start small:

✓ Pick up your keys, then put them down without leaving

✓ Put on your coat, then take it off

✓ Step outside the door for 1 second, then come back

✓ Gradually increase the time you are away

Counter-Conditioning

The most successful treatment for separation-related problems is behavior modification that focuses on systematic desensitization and counterconditioning — changing your puppy's emotional response to being alone from fear to calm.

Provide Distractions

Chew toys, food puzzles, walks, training, and interactive play can help manage boredom and stress-induced licking. Special toys or treats that only come out when you're gone can keep their brain busy.

Consider Calming Aids

Supplemental therapies like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps may benefit dogs experiencing separation anxiety. Natural products like CBD or valerian might bring your dog relief, or at least smooth the way during your training program.