Many of our dogs have been living the high life in lockdown. It\u2019s been head scratches and belly rubs galore. Our dogs have become used to all the constant attention and being waited on hand and paw. Who can blame them!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, with all that extra love and affection, our dogs can form an even closer bond with us humans. Which can be challenging when we have to spend time apart from our beloved pups again. Up and down the country we could see more separation anxiety in dogs. Which unfortunately can leave your dog with anxiety or stress about you being away, and can develop into a range of behavioural issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This could be especially true of puppies brought home during lockdown. These adorable bouncy balls of fur have only ever known life with their new family around. When the family goes back to work and they\u2019re left home alone for most of the day, it\u2019ll be a massive shock to their little systems. So puppy separation anxiety could become a challenge for many over the next couple of months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs of anxiety in dogs can include behaviours like excessive barking or whining, toileting in the house even when they\u2019re house trained, destructive behaviours and pacing to name a few. But it doesn\u2019t have to be this way for your dog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We need to get our dogs used to being home alone again. Start by allowing time apart inside the home first. Leave your dog in another part of the house while you\u2019re working or doing chores. Then slowly get your dog used to you leaving the house. Leave for 2 minutes, then 5 minutes then 10 and gradually increase the length of time you\u2019re away. Do this a few times each day and your dog will soon learn to trust that you\u2019re not leaving forever, you will be back!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use treat toys to distract your dog while you can\u2019t be together. You could stuff a Kong (or other food toy) with their favourite food or spread peanut butter (xylitol free) onto a lick mat. Give your dog a fun-filled activity to keep them occupied and entertained. That way they\u2019re much less likely to use those gnashers on something they shouldn\u2019t. Like your dining room chair legs maybe!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your dog needs to understand that although you love them to pieces, they can\u2019t have your attention all the time. We know it\u2019s tough, but ignore your pup sometimes. Especially if they\u2019re demanding attention \u2013 try not to pet your dog or even look in their direction. As any form of attention, even a \u2018no\u2019, can be seen as a positive thing by your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"dog](\"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/adult-female-girl-woman-preview.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat you can do to prepare your pooch now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gradual training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep your dog entertained\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Jaspercover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntroduce a little tough love<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mix up your leaving cues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"dog](\"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Image-from-iOS-768x1024.jpg\")
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