Puppy Anxiety: Helping Your Pup Overcome Separation Anxiety

Luna in front of the Window watching dad leave

Does your pup struggle with anxiety? Whether it's separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or discomfort in new environments, anxious pups need extra care and reassurance. If your furry friend gets nervous easily, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many small breeds are prone to anxiety. This is the case with our Malshi pup Luna. The good news is that there are several effective ways to help your pup feel more secure and confident.

1. Create a Safe Space to ease Puppy Anxiety

A designated calm area can work wonders for an anxious dog. Set up a cozy crate or a quiet corner with your pup’s favorite blanket, toys, and even an item that smells like you. This will give them a retreat where they feel safe during stressful situations.

2. Establish a Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency, and our Malshi was no exception. Try to keep feeding, walks, and playtime on a regular schedule. Knowing what to expect each day helps your pup feel more secure and less anxious about potential surprises.

3. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a happy dog! Anxiety can sometimes stem from excess energy, so ensure your puppy gets enough daily exercise. Short walks, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders can help keep their mind and body engaged. Here is one we use for Luna that keeps her busy and distracted when we are leaving her. It comes with a free lick mat that we set up with some peanut butter and stick to the back door. This also helps soothe her when we are leaving the house.

4. Use Calming Products

There are many products designed to soothe anxious pups, such as calming chews, pheromone diffusers, and anxiety wraps like the Thundershirt like this one our trainer recommended. These can provide extra support in high-stress situations like thunderstorms or vet visits.

5. Try Desensitization and Counterconditioning

If your pup is scared of specific triggers (like the vacuum or car rides), gradually exposing them in a controlled, positive way can help reduce their fear. Reward them with treats and praise when they remain calm, reinforcing good behavior.

6. Practice Short Departures with the Right Training

If your pup experiences separation anxiety, start by leaving for short periods and gradually increasing the duration. Julie Naismith’s book Puppy Separation Anxiety offers a structured training approach to help your pup feel more comfortable alone. Her methods focus on slow, positive reinforcement rather than forcing your dog to 'tough it out.' Consider using techniques such as:

• Building Absences Gradually: Leave for just a few seconds and return before your pup becomes anxious, then slowly increase the time.

• Creating Predictability: Avoid making departures emotional or dramatic—keep arrivals and departures low-key.

• Using a Calm, Safe Space: A quiet area where your pup feels comfortable can help reinforce security.
  

7. Offer Comfort, But Avoid Reinforcing Fear

It’s natural to want to comfort your anxious pup, but too much coddling can reinforce their fear. Instead, remain calm and confident to show them there’s nothing to worry about. Reward relaxed behavior rather than reacting to nervousness.

8. Consider Professional Help

If your puppy's anxiety is severe, consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinarian can be beneficial.

Final Thoughts

Helping an anxious Malshi takes patience and consistency, but with the right techniques, your pup can become more confident and relaxed. Julie Naismith’s Puppy Separation Anxiety is a fantastic resource for structured, proven strategies to help your pup overcome stress. I can't tell you how much it helped us.

Does your Malshi struggle with anxiety?