Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety in Goldendoodles and other dog breeds is separation anxiety, triggered when dogs are left alone. This condition can lead to destructive behavior, including chewing on items around the house, and barking or scratching at doors and walls. Fortunately, with time and consistent training, many owners can help to ease their dog’s separation anxiety.

Often, the best approach is to start in your home. The simplest technique is to make sure your dog can see you while you are at home and that you don’t spend too much time getting ready to leave. This means mixing it up, so that your dog doesn’t notice the same rituals every time, like showering or putting on work clothes or grabbing your keys.

Home Alone: Expert Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety in Goldendoodles

Once your dog can tolerate you being in proximity, you can then begin to disappear. Start with a few seconds and then quickly return. This will build their comfort and confidence until you can leave for longer periods without them becoming anxious. This process may take a while, so be patient.

Also, don’t prolong your departure or act sad when you are leaving and returning. This merely reinforces for your dog that there is a qualitative difference between when you are gone and when you are back. And it can also send the message that your absence is dangerous or scary. Instead, a more effective approach is to reward your dog for calm and respectful behavior in these circumstances.