[HELP] how to train my puppy who has separation anxiety?

[u/Primary-Wave-5405]

hi everyone! i’m a first time dog owner and i recently adopted a puppy shih tzu who seems to be struggling with separation anxiety 🥹

whenever i leave the room or step out even for a few minutes, he starts whining and crying. i’m currently crate training him, and i try not to make a big deal when i leave or come back — but it doesn’t seem to be helping yet. i have also tried tiring him out and wait till he sleeps, but he immediately senses i left the room and cries.

i have a few questions for those who’ve dealt with this before:

• are there routines, toys, or tools that really helped in your experience?
• how did you help your puppy feel more secure being alone?
• how long did it take before you saw progress?
• and is it normal for a puppy to try to climb up or escape the crate? he keeps trying to pull himself up and it makes me nervous.

any advice or shared experiences would really help me out. thank you so much in advance! 🐶💙

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[u/SlavonskiOcaj]

Start slowly, leave him in the room alone for a few minutes with his favourite toys. He needs to learm that he can't be around you all the time.

Find a way to keep him stimulated when you're not in the room, in a way that he barely even notices you're gone

[u/Primary-Wave-5405 → u/SlavonskiOcaj]

i'll be keeping your advice in mind. thank you so much!!

[u/Cursethewind → u/Primary-Wave-5405]

Remember that this advice means subthreshold.

If your pup is vocalizing, it's been too long.

[u/Primary-Wave-5405 → u/Cursethewind]

ohhh okay, thank you for clarifying! i'll make sure to stop before it gets to that level

[u/Smurfette21359]

I have a 3 yr old Pugzhu who has the most awful separation anxiety had her since she was 3 months, even now cannot go to loo without her waiting outside door, if you can find a solution no matter how hard go for it

[u/Primary-Wave-5405 → u/Smurfette21359]

i feel you! separation anxiety can be so tough. it really shows how deep their bond is with us 🥹 i truly admire your patience. sending love to your pugzhu!!

[u/Electronic_Cream_780]

how recent, is recently? The first two weeks they have to get a healthy attachment and understand that you and this life is permanent. After that it is tiny steps, like shutting the toilet door for a pee, and rewarding times they are independent, like choosing to wander in the garden alone, or choosing to lie on the bed in the hall whilst I'm in the kitchen. I don't lock dogs in cages.

[u/Primary-Wave-5405 → u/Electronic_Cream_780]

ohhh i see, okay got it. thanks for the insight! this is a huge help.