Golden retrievers are known for being extremely loyal dogs. They love the people they are attached to and follow them everywhere they go. They are the happiest when they are included in whatever it is you are doing.
However, this loyalty can sometimes cause a problem many puppy owners face: separation anxiety.
It may start out as nothing more than your puppy whining when you leave the room or waiting at the door when you are in the bathroom. But then you leave the house for a brief time and return home to find your puppy barking and scratching at the door.
It can be frustrating and, quite frankly, a bit confusing. You might be wondering if you’ve done something wrong and if your puppy will always be this way when it comes to being alone.
However, the good news is that the majority of puppies are able to overcome this by way of training and exposure. Golden retrievers are very trainable dogs, and they can overcome this.
In this article, we are going to discuss the ways in which you can train your golden retriever puppy for separation anxiety.
Why Golden Retriever Puppies Are Prone to Separation Anxiety
The golden retrievers were bred to be around people a lot. Golden retrievers are extremely social animals and can develop a strong bond with their owner in no time.
That is one trait that makes them such wonderful companions. However, this trait can make a puppy struggle when they find themselves alone for a while.
A young golden retriever puppy is going through a lot in the first few weeks at home. The puppy has left their siblings behind and moved to a new place.
Some of the common symptoms of separation anxiety in puppies include:
- Whining or barking when you leave the house
- Scratching at doors or windows when you leave them behind
- Always sticking around you in the house
- Trouble settling down when you leave them behind
- Chewing when left behind
It is essential to note that these symptoms can be normal in a young puppy. The main goal is to teach your puppy that it is perfectly normal to be left behind.
Most golden retriever puppies learn this in no time.
Starting Independence Training Early
One of the best ways to avoid separation anxiety is by encouraging independence from the start.
The temptation with a new puppy is to want to be around them all the time. They’re so cute, and it’s a thrilling time in their early days. However, if a puppy never experiences time on their own, they can be extremely clingy.
A good strategy is to try separating from your puppy at short intervals during the day.
For instance:
- Go into a different room for a few minutes
- Close a door for a short while while your puppy rests in another location
- Leave your house for a short while
The key is to start with short periods of time and gradually build up how long you’re gone.
When your puppy realizes you’re always coming back, they can relax when you’re in a quiet space.
Another strategy for dealing with separation anxiety in puppies is by encouraging them to play on their own with toys or chew items.
Creating a Calm Departure Routine
Dogs are very good at recognizing routines and signals.
If your puppy always seems nervous when you pick up your keys and put on your shoes, it can make it more difficult to leave the house with your puppy.
One thing you can try is to make your departure routine relaxed and easy-going.
Instead of giving your puppy lots of attention right before you leave the house, try to make your departure routine as normal as possible.
Some things you can try are:
- Don’t make a fuss when you leave
- Leave without drawing attention to your departure
- Give your puppy a safe toy or item to chew on before you leave
Your puppy will quickly learn that your departure is nothing to worry about.
You might notice that certain things help your puppy relax when you leave the house. For example, your puppy might seem more relaxed when you leave the house if you have played with your puppy first. A quick walk before you leave the house can help your puppy get some of its energy out.
Using Crate Training or Safe Spaces for Comfort
Many puppy owners also find that crate training eases separation anxiety in their pets.
The crate may be used as a safe haven for your puppy to hang out when you are away from home. Dogs are natural den animals, so your puppy will love having his own little den to hang out in when you are away from home.
When introducing your puppy to his crate, it is very important to take your time.
You should begin by letting your puppy explore his crate when you are at home. Make it inviting by adding some puppy bedding and some toys for your puppy to play with in his crate.
You may also try giving your puppy some crate time when you are at home to help him get used to it before you use it when you are away from home.
You may also try giving your puppy his own puppy-safe zone instead of a crate.
This may be:
- A play pen
- A gated room
- A small puppy-proofed area
The goal is giving your puppy a space where they feel safe and where they can’t accidentally get into trouble while you’re away.
Gradual Training to Build Confidence Alone
One of the most effective ways of training your golden retriever puppy for separation anxiety is gradual exposure.
Instead of leaving your puppy alone for long periods of time, you should try to increase their ability to be alone gradually.
One of the easiest ways to train your puppy for separation anxiety is as follows:
Leave the room for a minute or two.
Come back to your puppy before it gets anxious or stressed.
Gradually increase your duration of absence from your puppy as it gets comfortable with your absence.
At times, your puppy may adjust quickly to your absence, and at other times it may take some time for your puppy to adjust to your absence.
The key to training your puppy for separation anxiety is to keep it relaxed and positive. If your puppy gets anxious, it is recommended to reduce your duration of absence and increase it gradually.
Common Mistakes That Can Increase Separation Anxiety
However, there are a few common mistakes, which, while not done with ill intent, actually make the situation worse.
For example, making a big deal of arrivals and departures.
A puppy might think, “Hey, this separation was a big deal, so I guess I was right to be worried.” A better approach might be to greet your puppy normally upon arrival at home.
Another common error is leaving your puppy alone for a period of time they are not ready to handle.
Simply put, young puppies are not ready to deal with long separations. Training a puppy takes time, so don’t rush the process.
A third error is having an inconsistent routine.
While a routine might not seem important, dogs are creatures of habit, so having a routine helps a puppy feel more secure.
A fourth error is overindulging a puppy that whines to be played with.
While this might not seem like a mistake, overindulging a puppy that whines might make the puppy think this kind of behavior is acceptable, so a better approach might be to encourage calm behavior in your puppy.
When Separation Anxiety Improves
However, the positive thing about separation anxiety is that it can get better as the puppies grow and become more confident.
Most golden retriever puppies can cope comfortably with short absences from their owners with proper separation anxiety training within a few weeks.
As they grow and become accustomed to the environment of the house they stay in, they become even more independent.
Some whining can still be expected at the beginning, but they will eventually understand that it is just part of the routine to be alone.
Conclusion
Since golden retrievers are very affectionate and social animals, it is only normal that they would have a hard time dealing with alone time at first.
The key to a successful golden retriever puppy separation anxiety training is to help them become independent.
Short time separation, a relaxing routine while leaving the house, a comfortable resting spot while away from the puppy, and positive reinforcement can help your puppy become confident while away from them.
Your puppy will eventually understand that you’re not leaving them forever and that they can rest comfortably until your return.
And that’s where a well-trained golden retriever puppy can help you a lot in life.