Dogs are pack animals by nature, but most domestic canines spend a lot of time alone. According to DogVacay, a national pet sitting network, the average dog is alone for more than 2,000 hours every year. Imagine that in dog years!

Independence is an essential life skill that can help a dog cope in their owner’s absence, develop confidence, and avoid troubling behavior such as overattachment and separation anxiety. An independent dog can manage their emotions when they are separated from their owner for veterinary care, boarding, and grooming.

Independence training can help dogs learn effective coping skills and how to accept solitude. If your dog thinks one is the loneliest number, check out our Veterinary Behavior Solutions team’s five steps to helping your dog develop independence.

#1: Avoid doting on your dog

For your dog’s self-confidence—and your sanity—do not smother them with attention. No doubt your new puppy is adorable, and you thoroughly enjoy their companionship, but resist the urge to dote on and fuss over your canine friend constantly. As long as your dog is safe, (e.g., in a crate, pen, or dog-proof room) and cannot hurt themselves, give them time for solitude. Initially, your dog may feel comfortable across the room from you. Gradually expand the distance so your dog can cope when you are out of their sight. Ignore any whining or attention-seeking behavior such as barking or howling. To preoccupy and pacify your pooch when you are out of their sight, leave them with a long-lasting treat, such as a frozen Kong filled with pet-friendly foods. Before you leave your dog with a food-filled toy, ensure their chewing behavior is not destructive, and examine all toys for wear and tear, disposing of toys that may break in small pieces that could potentially choke your canine friend.

The ultimate goal is to leave your dog unattended for extended periods. If solitude is new to your dog, gradually work up to leaving the house, getting in your car, and driving away without triggering panic or alarm.

#2: Practice crate training to create a positive space for your dog

Many owners discard their puppy’s crate as soon as potty training is complete, however, crate training has numerous additional benefits. When your dog has a positive emotional response to their crate (i.e., repeated pleasant experiences that create a sense of comfort and security), they voluntarily enter the enclosure, associating the space as a place to rest—whether you are home or away. The crate becomes your dog’s happy place, reinforcing and strengthening their independence. Develop your dog’s value for their crate by following these guidelines:

  • Never use the crate for punishment — If you must give your dog a time out, keep your voice level and maintain neutral body language.
  • Use food and toys to establish a positive association — Feed your dog their meals in their crate, and offer food-filled toys to help them learn they can safely remain there for long periods. Before leaving your canine friend in their crate with a food-filled toy for an extended period, ensure their chewing behavior is not destructive, and examine all toys for wear and tear, disposing of toys that may break in small pieces that could potentially choke your pooch.
  • Maximize comfort — Give your dog an opportunity to eliminate before being crated. As a general rule, puppies can only control their bladder for the number of hours equal to their age in months plus one. For example, a 3-month-old puppy can hold their urine for four hours. Dogs generally achieve full bladder control by 4 to 6 months of age.
  • Gradually introduce separation — Crate training takes work and patience. Some dog breeders crate train, but if yours has not, start your new puppy with brief crate sessions while you remain nearby. Your crated dog or puppy can develop anxiety if you leave them too soon or for too long a time. 
  • Practice long and short crate stays — Periodically confine your dog in their crate for a few minutes at a time. This prevents your dog from associating confinement with prolonged absences, which can create an aversion to the crate.

#3: Stay neutral when leaving and greeting your dog

Dogs mirror our emotions, so avoid drawn-out goodbyes and over-the-top greetings. Remain calm and neutral every time you leave or return home rather than demonstrating emotional displays that may cause your dog to worry, and reinforce and encourage anxious or excitable behavior. 

Before you leave home, take your pet to their crate or confined area, and offer them a treat. Do not linger or shower your pooch with affection or praise. When you return, wait until your dog is calm before releasing them from their crate. You may need to adjust the wait time to accommodate young puppies who must be taken outside promptly during potty training.

#4: Exercise your dog’s mind and body

Physical activity releases endorphins, and promotes calm and satisfaction. Dogs who have a regular opportunity to burn off excess energy demonstrate appropriate behavior and are generally less anxious or nervous. Rather than worrying about their owner’s whereabouts, active dogs are more likely to rest while their bonded person is away.

In addition to physical exercise, engage your dog’s mind through positive reinforcement training (e.g., obedience, pet tricks, agility), socialization, puzzle toys, and instinctive challenges such as scent work. These mind games boost your dog’s self-confidence and hone their problem-solving skills, resulting in an obedient dog who can take direction and preoccupy themselves when alone.

#5: Help your dog feel secure by maintaining a consistent routine

Dogs appreciate predictability and are happiest when they know what to expect. Alternatively, variability and disorder can trigger your dog to experience stress-related problems, including anxiety. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help your dog settle into their new home, or confirm your established dog’s feelings of security. Whenever possible, keep dog-related tasks, such as feeding, elimination, exercise, one-on-one time, and rest periods, on schedule. 

While you surely enjoy your dog’s adoration, an unhealthy emotional attachment can lead your furry friend to develop serious behavior and health consequences. Prevent separation anxiety and encourage your dog’s independence through positive training, consistency, and management. If you suspect your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, contact our Veterinary Behavior Solutions team.