Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account below, or login by clicking here.

Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Pet Store Banner Pet Store Banner

,

5 Tips for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

December 16, 2018

The heartbreaking whimpers can be heard down the hall.

The cries and door scratching every morning when you leave for work. Separation anxiety can come in many breeds including the Mastiff puppies for sale at Petland. If you are concerned and wondering how to help your dog, read on for five tips for dogs with separation anxiety.

Limit How Much Time Your Dog is Left Alone

This one is tough especially if you work full-time, but you may need to adjust your schedule or hire a dog walker to come once or twice a day so your pup isn’t alone for too long.

Create a Comfortable Confinement Zone

Pick a place in your house where your dog will stay when you leave. In our years of connecting parents with Mastiff puppies for sale, we know that these larger breeds can become destructive when left alone. If your dog is destructive when you’re gone, try and pick a place where minimal damage can be caused to both your home and your pup.

Ease Into the Confinement Area

Place your dog in the containment area along with a nice dog bed and a soft item such as a t-shirt or towel that carries your scent. The scent item provides comfort. Scatter a few treats in the confinement area. Close the gate and move a short distance away but remain in sight. How far you should go depends on your dog. If he normally becomes distressed even when you move just a foot away, start that close to him. Sit on the floor or on a chair just outside the confinement area. If he’s already comfortable with you sitting a few feet away, start there.

Desensitize the Cues of Departure

Most dogs with separation anxiety pick up pretty quickly on all your departure cues and start getting stressed before you leave. So you need to desensitize your dog to those cues and throw him off his game. Start picking up your keys, but then just sitting down. Put on your jacket, then don’t leave. Put on your shoes, but take him out. Do this many times during the day. When you do actually leave, put him in his alone zone and very mellowly leave. No big, long, goodbyes.

Setting Boundaries

If your dog sleeps in your bed under the covers, We recommend doing what you can to get your dog on his own bed in your bedroom. In addition, if your dog is constantly on your lap or is incapable of leaving your side, try to encourage him to play with stuffed toys or bones on his own. Use games of tug or fetch at times when you can really interact with him versus just letting him velcro to you whenever you’re home. Take him in the car and on field trips to the pet store or park to help broaden his world beyond just you.

 

The above exercises need to be practiced every day. There’s no quick fix, but there is hope.

 

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • Fall Dog Essentials

    ,

    Fall Dog Essentials

    After a year of being stuck inside there’s no better time to leash up your pup and get moving. With cooler weather approaching outside is a given but depending on your area and a...

    Read More

  • Easy Sustainable Enrichment Ideas

    ,

    Easy Sustainable Enrichment Ideas

    Shoppers have become acutely aware of the brands they choose to support. Millennials have been the most outspoken generation to pride themselves in smart choices in brand loyalty a...

    Read More

  • Tips for City-based Dog Parents

    ,

    Tips for City-based Dog Parents

    Yes, having a yard is always the ideal for a dog owner. However, sometimes because of work goals, financial components, or that you simply love the hustle and bustle,  you might b...

    Read More

  • Recipes for Layering Stuffable Toys

    ,

    Recipes for Layering Stuffable Toys

    There are so many ways to entertain your pup. With work-from-home becoming a new option for many Americans, there are tons of perks – one of which is being able to snuggle with y...

    Read More

  • Best Breeds for Mother’s Day

    Best Breeds for Mother’s Day

    Did you know that besides being amazing companions, dogs literally help us to be healthier and happier? So, what could be a more perfect Mother’s Day gift than a brand-new pu...

    Read More

  • Breed Profile: French Bulldog

    Breed Profile: French Bulldog

    Did you know that the French Bulldog is the most popular dog in New York City? These dogs make the perfect city-dwelling companion with their easy-going personality, small size, an...

    Read More

  • Benefits to Buying a Puppy From Petland

    Benefits to Buying a Puppy From Petland

    Sitting around on the couch watching TV, it’s kind of quiet without any other living being. It’s too soon to have kids, but another option is to bring a puppy into the ...

    Read More

  • Breed Profile: Labrador Retriever

    Breed Profile: Labrador Retriever

    Are you thinking of getting a new puppy? Have you had puppy fever for a while now but aren’t sure where to start? If you’re stuck wondering what breed would be best, you’re i...

    Read More

  • The Best Puppy Breeds for Single People

    The Best Puppy Breeds for Single People

    Did you know there are around 90 million dogs in the US? Are you hoping to become a proud puppy parent soon? If so, you’re undoubtedly researching the best puppy breeds for y...

    Read More

  • Breed Profile: Pomsky

    Breed Profile: Pomsky

    The majestic Siberian Husky mixed with the playful Pomeranian gives you the oh-so-adorable Pomsky! This designer dog breed has existed for less than 10 years but they’re boom...

    Read More

  • The Best Outdoor Dog Breeds for Your Outdoor Adventures

    ,

    The Best Outdoor Dog Breeds for Your Outdoor Adventures

    Fall is arguably the best season for outdoor activities. The crisp air and vibrant autumn leaves are practically begging you to come outside — and how can you resist? The tempera...

    Read More

  • Oh-So-Cuuuute! American Pet Culture and Why We Love Puppies

    , ,

    Oh-So-Cuuuute! American Pet Culture and Why We Love Puppies

    Around 85 million American families own a pet, which is about two-thirds of US households! And unsurprisingly, dogs and cats are the most commonly found pets in the nation. But whi...

    Read More

Help Need Help? Back to Top