--- title: "Top 5 Ways to Help Your Pup Overcome Separation Anxiety" id: "202845" type: "post" slug: "top-5-ways-to-help-your-pup-overcome-separation-anxiety" published_at: "2021-09-03T01:52:00+00:00" modified_at: "2021-09-03T01:52:00+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2021/09/02/top-5-ways-to-help-your-pup-overcome-separation-anxiety/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/2021/09/02/top-5-ways-to-help-your-pup-overcome-separation-anxiety.md" excerpt: "Equipping your pup to deal with your occasional absences is a vital part of the training process. The alternative to this is a pup going berserk once you step inside the house. Pups with separation anxiety usually need an outlet..." taxonomy_category: - "Community" --- [Home](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/blog/) / [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) / **Top 5 Ways to Help Your Pup Overcome Separation Anxiety** [Community](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/category/petland/) # Top 5 Ways to Help Your Pup Overcome Separation Anxiety September 2, 2021 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.com) Equipping your pup to deal with your occasional absences is a vital part of the training process. The alternative to this is a pup going berserk once you step inside the house. Pups with separation anxiety usually need an outlet for their anxiety, and this might not bode well for you. Some of the most common indications are: - Howling, barking, and whining. - Destructive chewing. - Scratching and digging at windows and doors in a bid to find their owners. - Defecation and urination; even in house-trained pets. To help your pup get through this and adjust to the idea of your absence. Here are 5 practical ways: 1. **Physical Exercise (Before You Leave)** One of the reasons why your pup might get wound up is because of nervous energy. Taking your pet for a brisk walk to reduce his energy levels is advisable. Once you’ve been able to get your pet in a passive state, he would likely spend your time away from him mostly resting or lazing around the place. Remember, an exhausted pup is a happy one (and one that stays out of trouble too). Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) 1. **Start Small** You don’t just up from out of the blues and leave your pet alone for hours on end. You could start with small time durations, and gradually increase your absence. Leave him alone for some five minutes, then up to ten or 20 minutes, and then keep increasing it until you could go 8 hours without a fuss. This gradual separation helps your pup slowly adjust to the idea of separation and also instills the information that you would always come back home to him. 1. **No Grand Gestures!** Overly affectionate goodbyes or greetings when you return is not the way to go. You’re trying to get your pup to understand that your leaving isn’t a big deal. A ceremonial farewell would be counterproductive. Instead, avoid eye contact, no touching, and no talking either. Make your pup get used to the idea that it’s nothing out of the ordinary. You should bring this into play when you’re starting out the separation process right from the smallest time duration. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandsanantonio.com/puppies-for-sale/) 1. **Crate Training** You should idealize your pup’s crate so that it feels like his own personal safe space. When used the right way, it is neither inhumane nor inappropriate. Rather, it provides your pet with a place to escape to when the pressure gets too much. Try to make your pup associate the crate with good feelings by leaving his favorite chew toys in there. You should only use a crate when you feel like it is the best alternative. First observe whether your pup styles down, and feels comfortable in there. Otherwise, a crate might not make things better. 1. **Build Your Pet’s Independence** An independent pet would not experience intense separation anxiety. Get your pup used to not following you around, or you ignore him when you’re focused on certain tasks. This would spur him to develop new interests, and if they skew in the way of independence, then reward this behavior. The earlier you start getting your pup used to your absence, the easier it would be for him to adjust over time. [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandsanantonio.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. 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My dad got my Malti-poo from this store 6yrs ago when I was a teen. We bought him at 3mo old! He was a happy puppy. My family requested to play with him in the little cubicles and we were delighted. He was a little pricey, but he had his papers, proper shots/vaccines, and had an underbite that made him adorable. He’s doing well even today! Never gotten injured or sick. He’s expected to live the normal expectancy of a malti-poo. I don’t remember much about the store or any changes since then, but I remember that the lady helping us was nice! Here is Marshmallow! Posted on Google Charles B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lots of dogs for adoption, well taken care of. Also have some birds, rabbits and a few sleepy ferrits. I stopped in for some feeder fish. Very nice staff. Posted on Google Joshua B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved the exotic birds Posted on Google Melinda R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my 2nd time back. My daughter has been wanting another set of guinea pigs. I saw the most beautiful lionhead rabbit 🐇 about 7 weeks. LORENZO educated me on their demeanor, foods etc... I was there a good while, he showed no signs of rushing me, or pushing a sale. Answered all my questions and even educated me on ferrets as i asked lol he loves his job & wish all associates were like this everywhere! I was very pleased 😀 didn't grab the rabbit as my daughter took forever to answer me, but we're leaving for vacation and would not be cool to leave him alone . We will be back! And I will only ask for him! Thank you for the great customer service! ```