Tips For Separation

HPDT Seperation

I’ve had lots of owners expressing concern on their pups developing separation issues post lock down.  

I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight a few simple tips:

Keep comings and goings calm and low key and ensure plenty of off lead exercise over the park.

Ditch the food bowl and only feed through interactive toys (check out out article here). By promoting problem solving, you’re increasing your dogs independence and therefore decrease reliance on you.

The ley is to work on Duration first. Have your dog behind a barrier (crate, baby gate, baby pen) with a tasty chew. Ideal opportunities to practice is when they’re tired (after an hour run across the forest).

They are one side, you are the other side. Just for a few minutes, little and often through the day.

Build this duration up, to five minutes, then ten, then fifteen etc.

Step two is Distance.

Give your pup a chew/stuffed Kong and practice leaving for short periods. We want to teach your dog, that when you leave, really good things happen. Check out our ‘Killer Kong‘ video HERE.

Return to your pup and feed a few treats in addition to the chew

Start to increase the distance and duration you’re away

This will teach your pup that when you go, you come back

If they become distressed, reduce your criteria and decrease the distance/duration next time

You may find a PetCam useful to monitor their behaviour in your absence.

Exercise them at the start of the day (a tired dog is a happy dog)

Try a plugin diffuser in a few rooms, such as ADAPTIL which releases calming pheromones. You can buy this on our Online Shop.

Consider Doggy Day Care such as Eddie’s or a dog sitter/family member if you have to go out.

It can be a long process, but try these tips and if you still struggle you might need to consult a specialised behaviourist. Just get in touch and we can happily recommend one for you.

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest
Share by Email
Share on Whatsapp

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.