[PicklesMom]

anyone have any ideas how to curb separation anxiety?
My puppy is confined to the living room and kitchen, any time I or my husband gets up and leaves the room if only for a moment our puppy, cries, whines, and yipes.

[puplove]

Make sure the puppy has something to keep it occupied when you leave ie a kong Don't make a fuss when you leave or return. In time the pup will realize it is ok to be alone and that you will always return.

[Christinaja]

Papi's suggestion is a good one, and it will work over time. I know it is rough hearing your puppy cry. It's as bad as hearing a baby cry! When we brought Jet home last October, he would HOWL when either me or my husband left the house. It didn't matter if one of us was still in the room with him. He eventually got used to the comings and goings, and he knows we will come back. Your puppy will adjust.
Another idea is to give your pup a comfort item that smells like you and your husband. It doesn't have to be something big, maybe an inexpensive fleece throw or towel. One night, you sleep with it, the next night, your husband sleeps with it, that way both of your scents are on it. Then put it in your puppy's designated area so he has something to snuggle with that is comforting.

[Christinaja]

I meant puplove's suggestion! LOL...

[puplove]

No worries ... I knew who you meant

[StarfishSaving]

Originally Posted by PicklesMom

anyone have any ideas how to curb separation anxiety?
My puppy is confined to the living room and kitchen, any time I or my husband gets up and leaves the room if only for a moment our puppy, cries, whines, and yipes.

How old is this puppy? It is normal for a young pup to cry and whine if left alone so I wouldn't worry much. Puplove and Christina gave great advice and Christina mentioned an important point- as the dog matures and gets used to routine comings and goings, he'll get used to it. Whatever you do, do not make a fuss over the dog, just leave and return like you would if you didn't have a crying puppy- after all, he can't get used to normalcy if you don't act normal.

[DogTrainingDIY]

Try to make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise as this will make the dog more relaxed when you leave the house.

You can also try offering activity toys such as kongs to help keep the dog distracted while you are gone.

Lastly I would sugguest practicing leaving the house for minutes at a time and then coming back inside, showing the dog that it is ok and you will be coming back. You will need to do this everyday for a few weeks and eventually the dog will begin to understand that it is ok as you will be back eventually. Over the week try increasing the amount of time that you are waiting outside before coming back in as you do not want your dog to start catching onto what you are doing. They are smarter than you think!

Hope this helps!

DogTrainingDIY.com