Just like a baby, young Labrador retriever puppies can go through periods of separation anxiety. Dogs are pack animals that rely upon the rest of their pack for their survival. When you take a Labrador or any dog into your home, you become the dog’s pack. When you leave the dog home for the day while you go to work or to run errands, your dog will miss you and may get into more mischief. Therefore, it is important know what you can do to alleviate this anxiety in your pet.
Shorter Time Away
If you don’t need to be away from your pet for long periods of time, such as going to work, don’t. While it may not make sense to do so, break up your errands so you don’t spend long periods of time away from your home. If you are going to a family member or friend’s home, ask if you can bring your puppy along. The less time a puppy spends away from you, the better it will adjust to being alone. Once your dog matures, you will be able to leave for long periods of time.
Background Noise
If you must leave for a longer period of time, providing your Labrador retriever dog with background noise can help your dog forget that you aren’t around. Leave the television or a radio on so the dog hears someone talking and assumes that someone is in the home. For most dogs, this tactic will work. However, with some dogs, they may realize that the talking isn’t you and may still suffer from separation anxiety.
Crate Training
When you must leave your dog alone, it is also important that you have crate trained your dog. The crate is a safe environment for your dog and will make it feel like it is in its cave. This can help to eliminate some of the fear your dog experiences. If your dog is still anxious and feeling lonely, at least it won’t be able to cause any destruction if you have your dog in a crate.
Labrador retriever dogs can suffer from separation anxiety, especially as young puppies. If your dog is suffering from this condition, it is your job as a pet owner to help resolve it. This can include avoiding long periods of time away from your pet, supplying background noise while you are away and crate training your puppy so it feels safe while you are away.
