Emily Chan
Separation anxiety is one of the most challenging things to curb when you first get a new puppy. Of course, you want to ensure your puppy is adjusting to their new home, so you’ll want to spend all your time making them as comfortable as possible.
No one wants their sweet little pup feeling scared. However, you don’t want to reinforce that behavior and end up in a position where every time your puppy cries, you go and comfort them.
It just makes the problem even worse in the long run. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to avoid separation anxiety.
TikToker Julia Zygmunt (@vigothetoller) is a dog mom to her eleven-week-old puppy named Vigo. And here are three things she’s doing to prevent separation anxiety with Vigo.
First, you must obtain the right tools, such as a crate for a pup to sleep in and a large playpen. The pen was not only an effective way to keep Vigo from getting into things around the house, but it also forced him to practice having his own space every day.
Puppies tend to follow you around the house wherever you go. Whether you’re heading to the bathroom or the kitchen, your furry friend will probably be right at your feet.
Keeping your puppy in a designated area prohibits them from trailing you throughout the house and becoming stuck to you all day, every day.
Next, Julia discusses what she refers to as “micro-training moments.” For example, if Vigo cries when Julia is doing her makeup in the living room, Julia will go into the bathroom until he stops.
Then, she returns to the living room and continues her makeup routine. This basically tells Vigo that when he cries, Julia will disappear, and when he’s calm and relaxed, she will come back.
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