Subscribe & Save
Subscribe & Save
How to Help Your Dog Tackle Separation Anxiety Through Enrichment
Ever felt guilty leaving your pup alone while you nip out? Those puppy eyes get us all. Or do you come home to find them having a bit of a meltdown after you’ve been gone because of separation anxiety? Just know, you’re not alone. Many dogs experience separation anxiety, especially as young puppies. After all, dogs are pack animals that just want to be with their favourite people – aka you!
In fact, some studies have found that between 20-40% of dogs will experience separation anxiety at some point. But don’t worry, this doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. There are some fun and effective ways to help your furry friend feel more at ease when you’re not around. From interactive dog toys to lick mats for dogs, there’s a great range of enrichment strategies design to keep your pup’s mind busy and their separation anxiety at bay.
Why Do Dogs Get Separation Anxiety?
So why do our lovable pooches sometimes get the blues when we head out the door? Dogs are social creatures who thrive on companionship. In the wild, dogs are pack animals who spend pretty much all the time with their best pals. So now imagine, you as they’re pack leader suddenly vanishing for a few hours out the front door. It can be a confusing thing for a dog to witness, and even though you know you’re coming home soon, they aren’t able to comprehend time like we do.
This uncertainty can lead to feelings of separation anxiety and stress. Plus, if they haven’t learned how to be alone gradually or if they’ve had a stressful experience in the past, it can make the separation even tougher. But don’t fret – the fact that you’re here, learning why dogs get separation anxiety, proves your pup is in good hands. We have some fantastic ways you can help them feel more secure and content when you’re not around.
How to Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety
There are plenty of ways to help your dog deal with their separation anxiety. Join us as we explore some of the best dog chew toys, dog puzzle toys and other fun strategies that will ease your dog’s separation anxiety and make those goodbyes a little less stressful for the both of you. Without further ado, here are some great ways to help your dog overcome separation anxiety…
Interactive Dog Toys
Interactive dog toys are fantastic for tackling separation anxiety in your pup. Chew toys, for example, help relieve stress and prevent boredom. Instead of them crying and barking, it offers a satisfying outlet for your dog’s stress. It also acts on their natural chewing instincts, helping relieve their separation anxiety plus some chew toys can even help clean their teeth! It’s a win-win.
Scented toys are another fun way to provide mental stimulation. They encourage your dog to use their nose and explore different scents. Scented dog puzzle toys are especially effective; they challenge your dog with treats hidden inside or complex mechanisms they need to figure out. Puzzle toys for dogs, such as those with compartments for treats, keep them focused and entertained, reducing separation anxiety and making your absence less stressful. By incorporating these engaging interactive dog toys into your pup’s routine, you’re not only providing fun but also helping them build confidence and ease their separation anxiety.
Food Enrichment Toys
Food toys for dogs are another a great way to help ease separation anxiety. It’s a fun method of keeping your pup busy and satisfied while you’re out of sight. These work especially well if your pooch is a bit of a foodie, as you can incorporate their favourite treats into dog treat puzzles. For example, lick mats for dogs are perfect for calming anxious dogs. Did you know licking can be a calming behaviour for dogs and help them feel calm and relaxed by releasing endorphins and dopamine. So when you spread their favourite soft foods and treats on a dog lick mat, they’ll enjoy a tasty and calming distraction that will relieve their separation anxiety.
Dog treat puzzles and treat dispensers add an extra layer of challenge for you dog, distracting them even further from their separation anxiety. They can be filled with your pup’s favourite treats and then it’s their job to work out how to release the goodies to eat them. For beginners, a dog snuffle mat is good for helping your dog learn how to use their nose to find hidden treats, again providing mental stimulation and comfort. These food toys for dogs not only provide enrichment but also help reduce stress and separation anxiety by making your absence less daunting.
Training Sessions
Training sessions are like a fun workout for your dog’s brain, and they’re a fantastic way to tackle separation anxiety! Regular, positive reinforcement training turns learning new tricks and commands into a game that keeps your pup’s mind sharp and engaged. It also helps build their confidence and creates a sense of routine, making those moments when you’re away a little less daunting.
Calm & Cosy Spaces
When us humans get stressed or overwhelmed, we often find it helpful to retreat to the comfort of our sofa or bed to get cosy and calm down. In the same way, having a calm and cosy space for your dog is essential in helping them with separation anxiety. Think soft blankets, their favourite toys, and a snuggly pet cave bed in a quiet corner. It’s like their very own chill-out zone where they can feel secure and cosy. This little haven provides comfort and a sense of familiarity, making your absence less stressful and separation anxiety symptoms disappear.
We also recommend using some calming sprays for dogs around their cosy area to help with separation anxiety even further. Incorporating calming products like lavender sprays or essential oil diffusers can help soothe and comfort your pup. Keep an eye out for scented products that include lavender and chamomile as these scents have been proven to calm dogs, reduce separation anxiety – and make your home smell delicious!
Rotate Toys
Another game changer for dogs with separation anxiety can be something as simple as rotating toys. When you keep their toy selection fresh and exciting, your pup is more likely to remain engaged and mentally stimulated – barely noticing you’ve left the room! It also helps to prevent boredom and ensure that each toys retains its novelty, making playtime more enjoyable and enriching. It’s very easy for dogs who always have access to the same toys to become bored of their selection, which doesn’t help their separation anxiety when you’re not around – since there’s nothing to distract them with. So be sure to introduce new or different enrichment toys to keep their environment dynamic.
Plenty of Exercise
Plenty of exercise might sound like an obvious tip, but it’s a fantastic way to help your dog manage separation anxiety! A well-exercised pup is a happy, relaxed pup, and here’s why: when you give your dog a good workout, whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch, or a romp at the park, you help them burn off excess energy which in turn reduces tension and stress. Plus, a tired dog is more likely to snooze soundly while you’re away, making your absence less of a big deal. By incorporating regular, vigorous play into their routine, you not only keep them fit but also make their alone time more peaceful.
Practice & Repeat!
Finally, one of the most important ways to reduce separation anxiety is dogs is to practice leaving them on their own. Start small by leaving the house for just a few seconds. Do all the things you’d normally do when you leave such as putting your shoes on and jangling your house keys. Then, leave the house, close the door and after a few seconds come straight back in and reward your dog with treats and praise.
Gradually increase the time you’re away. Move the few seconds to a few minutes, then to ten minutes, and so on. This gradual approach helps your dog learn that each time you leave, you always come back. By building up their tolerance to being alone in small, manageable steps, you reduce their separation anxiety and help them feel more secure. Over time, this practice teaches your dog that short absences are normal and nothing to worry about, making their alone time free of separation anxiety!
Best Dog Toys for Separation Anxiety
As we explained, finding the best enrichment toys for your dog can make all the difference if they experience separation anxiety. The best dog toys for separation anxiety are those that are designed to keep your furry friend engaged, distracted and mentally stimulated while you’re out of sight. Whether it’s interactive dog toys, puzzle toys for dogs, lick mats, or dog treat dispensers, the right toy will help ease their separation anxiety and make your absence barely noticeable! Here are some of our dogs’ personal favourite separation anxiety dog toys…
As we explained, finding the best enrichment toys for your dog can make all the difference if they experience separation anxiety. The best dog toys for separation anxiety are those that are designed to keep your furry friend engaged, distracted and mentally stimulated while you’re out of sight. Whether it’s interactive dog toys, puzzle toys for dogs, lick mats, or dog treat dispensers, the right toy will help ease their separation anxiety and make your absence barely noticeable! Here are some of our dogs’ personal favourite separation anxiety dog toys…
Cupcake Treat Dispenser & Chew Toy
The Treat Dispensing Toy Cupcake from SodaPup is a popular one with our doggies when they’re experience some separation anxiety. The dog puzzle toy is designed to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated by challenging them to work for their treats. Simply fill the cupcake with your pup’s favourite goodies, and they’ll have a blast trying to get the treats out. Its interactive design encourages problem-solving and extends playtime, helping to distract and comfort your dog when you’re not in view.
Hive Scented Lick Mat & Disc
Our pups love the Hive Scented Dog Disc Lick Mat for a number of reasons. It is cleverly designed with dual-purpose in mind, helping you manage your dog’s separation anxiety in more ways than one! Start by using it as a frisbee to give your dog an active, energy-burning play session. Once they’re tired out, switch to its lick mat function. Spread your pup’s favourite soft treat over the mat's textured surface such as peanut butter or pumpkin puree. Then, they’ll be happily engaged in licking and sniffing. This combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation is the best way to keep your dog occupied and their separation anxiety at bay!
Yoggie Pot Lick Bowl
Another excellent dog enrichment toy for separation anxiety is the Yoggie Pot Lick Bowl. This versatile dog puzzle toy acts as both a slow feeder and treat dispenser, making mealtime a fun, engaging activity. Simply fill the bowl with your dog’s favourite soft treats or kibble and watch them work to get every last bit out. The licking and nosing required to access the treats keeps your pup mentally stimulated and focused, helping to reduce boredom and stress when you’re out of sight. It’s also dishwasher safe, freezer safe, microwave safe, BPA free and 100% recyclable. What more could you want?
Kong Classic
The Kong Classic Natural Rubber Dog Chew Toy is one of our best-selling solutions for separation anxiety! It’s super durable and can be filled with a variety of tasty treats like peanut butter, yoghurt, or dry food. The challenging design keeps your dog engaged as they work to get every last bit out, making it a perfect distraction. Its sturdy rubber construction also makes it great for chewing, helping to relieve stress, boredom and separation anxiety.
Snuffle Mat Enrichment Puzzle Toy
Last but certainly not least, if your dog has separation anxiety, it’s worth checking out the Snuffle Mat Enrichment Puzzle Toy. You can hide treats inside the mat’s fabric pouches, so your pooch has to use their nose and paws to forage the hidden goodies. It's another toy for providing both mental and physical stimulation. The snuffle mat’s design encourages natural foraging instincts, which can help reduce boredom and of course, separation anxiety.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a common challenge for many dogs so if your pup tends to get a little anxious and stressed when you’re out of view, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong – it’s just part of being a loving pup parent. The key is to address separation anxiety proactively to help your dog feel more secure and less stressed when you’re away.
Start with short training sessions and gradually build up their tolerance to being alone. Incorporate dog enrichment toys specifically designed for separation anxiety, like treat-dispensing toys, interactive puzzles, and snuffle mats, to keep their minds engaged and bodies occupied. By providing mental stimulation and comfort, you’ll help your furry friend feel more at ease and before you know it, they’ll be happy being left alone for a few hours with little to no separation anxiety in sight!
The Author: Charlotte Harris
Charlotte has been a writer and dog owner her whole life, so combining these two things together is a dream come true. Her greatest love is her oversized Golden Retriever, Milo, who has a love of tough chews and anything filled with peanut butter!
If you liked this blog, you'll also like...
What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs?
If your dog has separation anxiety, you might notice signs like excessive barking or whining when you leave. Your pooch might even showcase destructive behaviour like chewing on furniture or drooling, pacing around, or trying to escape. Some pups might even seem really anxious or stressed when you prepare to leave. If you see these signs, it's a good idea to start working on some solutions to help them feel more secure!
How can I prepare my dog when I leave the house?
To prepare your dog when you leave, start by making departures low-key. What we mean by this is don’t make a big fuss when you go or come back. It’s also useful to create a comfy, safe space with their favourite toys and a cosy bed. We also recommend giving them an interactive toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle to keep them occupied. You should also practice short, frequent departures and gradually increase the time you're away, so they get used to being alone.
What should I avoid doing with a dog that has separation anxiety?
Put yourself in your dog’s shoes (or paws!). When you feel stressed or anxious, the last thing you want is someone to punish you for this behaviour. So, if your dog has separation anxiety, don’t shout at them or punish them in any way, this will only make it worse. Also, don’t rush to comfort them immediately if they’re anxious; give them time to calm down on their own. Consistency and patience are key, so focus on positive reinforcement and gradual changes to help them feel more secure.
