Separation anxiety is a diagnosis of anxious or troublesome moods when dogs are separated from their owner, or someone they are most connected to. Whether you have a Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, German Shepherd, Charles Spaniel, or a Biewer Terrier, separation anxiety is common in pets. Indications may include persistent barking, peeing in the home, or destructive chewing. It can be prompted by abrupt changes in schedule that cause family members to be away from home more than the dog is accustomed to.

Someone returning to work after a lengthy stay at home, such as maternity leave or protracted unemployment, or children returning to school at the end of the summer are common scenarios that might lead an adult dog to develop separation anxiety. Therefore, as people return to work and school once the COVID-19 stay-at-home limitations are repealed, dogs worldwide are expected to develop separation anxiety.

It's best to have a plan for your dog's time away from you, including what they have access to do and where they are allowed to go. Make sure your Biewer Terrier has a safe place to go when they're feeling anxious about being left alone. Try to keep the amount of time your dog will be alone short, especially at first. If possible, try to leave your Biewer Terrier with another dog or animal familiar to them, so they have something comforting nearby while you're gone.

However, if you can't bring another pet into the house, consider leaving some food out for other animals so they'll come to visit while you're gone! If your Biewer Terrier has trouble sleeping through the night without you, consider putting him in his crate before bedtime so he won't feel lonely when he wakes up in the night with no one around to cuddle with! There are many ways through which you can treat your dog's separation anxiety. This article discusses 15 ways to do so, along with providing you with an understanding of what separation anxiety really is.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety, whether in a puppy or an older dog, occurs when your dog experiences tremendous worry when you leave him alone. The symptoms differ, but he will act as though he is afraid to be alone in the house. The good news is that as the responsible owner of a new puppy, you should establish the groundwork for a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog. Dog socialization, crate training, and teaching your puppy to appreciate being alone are some methods that help. Many of the suggestions above are things you already do or have done. However, separation anxiety leads to severe behavioral issues in Biewer Terriers.

The Distinction Between Separation Anxiety and Normal Canine Behavior

Separation anxiety is a severe disorder that extends beyond the odd melancholy cry when you leave the house or the ripped sock awaiting your return. Separation anxiety is not the same as boredom, and, unlike a bit of mischief when your dog is left alone, it is the consequence of genuine worry and fear.

Before identifying ruined pillows or pee accidents as separation anxiety, ensure it isn't due to insufficient training. Does your dog comprehend proper manners even when you're not looking? Is he thoroughly toilet trained? One of the easiest methods to see what's going on while you're gone is to audio or video record your dog's behavior.

The Symptoms of Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dogs can show stress in various ways, thus, there is no single definitive indication of separation anxiety. Instead, there are several signs. One or two of them may not indicate puppy separation anxiety, especially if they occur infrequently. However, if your Biewer Terrier exhibits many symptoms regularly, he may have separation anxiety. Here are some examples of behaviors your dog may exhibit. 

Anxious behaviors include pacing, whimpering, or shaking when you're away or about to leave. They may also include excessive wailing or barking, destructive behaviors like gnawing or digging, especially around doors or windows, household accidents, such as urinating or defecating, swallowing, drooling, and panting excessively. Attempts that are desperate and protracted and the attempts to escape captivity are alarming and may result in significant damage.

Unfortunately, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, most of the above symptoms are among the most prevalent reasons owners give up their dogs. This is especially sad because it is a problem that can be solved by applying a few basic but critical measures.

What Causes Separation Anxiety in Dogs and Puppies?

It's unknown why some puppies suffer from separation anxiety more than others. Many specialists hypothesize that there might be various causes, including never being left alone before and having experienced painful separation, as observed in some abandoned shelter dogs. Moreover, a single stressful occurrence, such as the house being looted while the owner is away, might result in separation anxiety.

Other causes to look out for are life changes such as a sudden change in schedule, a transfer to a new residence, the unexpected departure of a family member due to a divorce, a death in the family, or a kid leaving for college. A recent study has also suggested that a lack of daily exercise might contribute. There are so many possible causes of separation anxiety that it's critical to focus on prevention and begin therapy as soon as symptoms appear.

What Can You Do to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety?

Coming to a damaged or messed up home is stressful, and seeing your pet in such agony is even harder to bear. Fortunately, there are numerous approaches you may take to cope with separation anxiety. According to the Animal Behavior Clinic, the objective of treatment is to cure the dog's underlying fear by training him to appreciate, or at least tolerate, being left alone. As a result, some therapies are similar to preventative measures and may already be part of your puppy's routine. However, keep them all in mind as you approach separation anxiety. 

You can lessen the possibility of your dog developing separation anxiety if they miss your presence or grow excessively bored when you're not around all day to keep them engaged.

1. Give Your Dog Some Space

If your Biewer Terrier is always at your side, start reclaiming your freedom. Encourage them to spend more time in their bed, alone in a fenced yard, or in their cage while you do something that takes your focus away from them. Wait a few minutes after your dog has settled down and relaxed before rewarding them with praise and a treat.

2. Make Them Love Their Blankets or Toys

Begin by moving into another room and leaving your dog alone for a few minutes before progressing to greater distances and periods of absence. Gradually increase the length of time you leave your dog alone with the plush toys or cuddle blankets and beds, so they try to make themselves comfortable with them in your absence. Cuddle beds offered by Calming Dog are the top choice of those seeking calmness, comfort, and security for their dogs. Finally, if your local regulations or rules allow it, take long walks or drives around the area without your dog to familiarize them with you leaving the house.

3. Ease Back Into Your Work Routine

A few days before you have to return to work outside the home, start getting up at the usual time and going through your typical morning routine, even leaving the house for a short period at the same time you would leave for work.

4. Interactive Toys

Puzzle toys, chew toys, and calming cuddle blankets can help keep your dog entertained while also comforting and distracting them from other potential anxiety triggers, such as odd noises or outdoor activities. Moreover, Calming Zen Chews are a great stress reliever. They are tasty, calming, and help in improving the quality of your dog's life. With these, you don't need to worry about any side effects, and your dog will cope better in tough situations.

5. Be Calm and Composed

Dogs pick up on your mood and use it to determine how they should react to new circumstances. Therefore, the more you remain calm and act as if nothing is wrong, the better.

6. Crate Conditioning

A crate is a crucial training tool and the answer to many puppy problems. When used correctly, it is neither harsh nor harmful. Instead, it may give your pup a secure, peaceful spot to unwind. The idea is to get a dog to associate his crate with fun things like chew toys and food-releasing puzzles so he enjoys spending time inside. Some dogs feel safer and more at ease in their box when left alone. Other dogs, on the other hand, may panic. Keep an eye on your puppy's behavior to observe whether he calms down or if his anxiety symptoms worsen. Keep in mind that the idea is not to confine your dog every day.

7. Desensitization and Contingency Planning

Teaching a new puppy to be comfortable in the environment and to gain exposure to new experiences is vital to growing a psychologically and physically sound dog. It also applies to the time he is away from you. Teach your dog that there are separation benefits. Begin by leaving him for brief amounts of time and progressively increase the length of time you're gone. 

8. Stress Training

If your puppy is already prone to go into stress mode when you leave him, consider counteracting that behavior with a high-value treat that he adores and that is only given to him for essential lessons and rewards. If he gets a special reward immediately before you leave, he could even start looking forward to it. You may also make your puppy less distressed by desensitizing him to the indicators that you're ready to leave. For example, pick up your keys, put on your coat, and prepare dinner instead of going to the car. Even better, throw a high-value treat to your dog immediately before you touch your keys or outerwear. In time, instead of being anxious, he will look forward to the indicators that you are going to depart.

9. Exercise

Exercise works as mental stimulation for your dog. It can help lessen your dog's anxiety and alter his mood. Moreover, making him do stay-over, sit, and out-of-sight stay tasks can build up tolerance and acceptance. Through these, you can prepare your Biewer Terrier to adapt to not seeing you for a while.

10. Make Frequent Visits

When you begin training him to get used to seeing you leave, do keep showing up after every few minutes in the initial stages to not scare him. You should eventually be able to leave his sight when he stays for five or ten minutes. It's also crucial to keep calm when leaving or returning home. You may welcome your dog with affection, but don't be too emotional. Keep things quiet and understated.

11. Clinginess 

Don't foster excessive clinginess. Instead, encourage independence by educating your puppy to be alone in another room even when you're around. Another method for combating excessive attachment is to teach a strong stay. Begin with short periods, and when your puppy can stay for several minutes, you may start leaving the room. 

12. Playing It Cool

This will help your pet get used to it, and once in a while, it's particularly good to leave them for some time. They will know that it's perfectly fine to be a little alone. You should also provide them with all their plushes, so they get used to those squishes from calming dog. These squishes will serve as a distraction and will keep their minds away from missing you or showing destructive behavior. This thing works when you let them enjoy their time with these products to avoid separation anxiety attacking them.

13. Develop Different Habits

Whether or not your dog was prone to separation anxiety in the past, reintroducing them to previous habits will likely prevent them from getting it when you return to your life outside the home.

14. Leave Behind Things They Like

Try leaving toys behind when you go somewhere without your Yorkie terrier dog, they'll be less lonely when they hear rattling around inside the toy box. Make sure they have as many toys to chew and other things that keep their minds busy when you're gone. Give them an easy to play toy or a blanket that smells like you to keep them company while you're away from home. Don't forget about playtime outside and offer them the option to go with you.

Additionally, you can take on a stroll with your little dog before leaving the house so they're tired and won't have much energy left over when it's bedtime (or when they realize you've left). Make sure there's no reason your dog might be afraid of being left alone (for example, if other dogs are staying in the house with them).

15. Ask a Friend To Stay

If possible, get another family member or friend to stay at home while you're gone so they have someone else around to keep them company, but make sure this person isn't too loud or active because it can also cause stress for nervous dogs.

Moreover, dog treats as a reward are an excellent idea when your Biewer Terriers are doing well being left alone at home (rather than giving them treats all day long)! However, when you're home, give your dog plenty of attention, but don't let them get used to it. For example, if you're busy cleaning the house or watching TV, don't let your small dog sit on your lap-they'll start to think that's what they should be doing all the time. Make sure you spend enough time with your small dog when you're at home so that they don't feel lonely.

You should also be consistent in how much time you spend away from home so that your Biewer Yorkie dog knows what to expect when they hear the door close behind you! Never yell at your silky terrier dog when they have separation anxiety as it will only make things worse! Instead, try giving them something fun to do while you're gone (like an obedience training class), so they stay occupied while you're away!

While it was thought that separation anxiety was caused by a dog's devotion to its person, a recent study reveals that canines are more sophisticated than previously thought. Although some dogs may experience "pain of separation" from their humans, many dogs with separation anxiety behave out in reaction to frustration. This can happen due to several factors, including a dread of anything in the house, a desire to be outdoors, being irritated by outside noises, or simply boredom.

Final Thoughts

When you have a puppy, a parade of behavioral difficulties can march through your life. One of them is separation anxiety. Understanding and identifying separation anxiety will prepare you to prevent and address the condition as soon as it appears.

Although older dogs can get separation anxiety, it primarily affects young canines, according to the Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic. So, instead of dismissing this as something to be concerned about later, prevent your Biewer Terrier separation anxiety from occurring in the first place.