Puppies show anxiety in lots of ways, and learning to spot the signs can help you step in early. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Excessive Barking or Whining: Is your pup vocalising a lot, especially when left alone? It could be separation anxiety.
- Destructive Behaviour: Chewing furniture, digging, or other naughty behaviours might actually be their way of coping with stress.
- Pacing or Restlessness: If your puppy can’t seem to settle, they might be feeling on edge.
- Hiding or Avoidance: Puppies that retreat to a corner or steer clear of interaction could be overwhelmed.
- Trembling or Shaking: Physical signs like these often mean they’re scared or uncomfortable.
- Changes in Appetite: Stress can make your pup eat less—or sometimes, eat more.
- Accidents in the House: Even well-trained puppies might have accidents if they’re feeling anxious.
Common Causes of Puppy Anxiety
Understanding why your puppy is anxious is the first step to helping them. Here are some common culprits:
- Separation Anxiety: Puppies love company and may struggle when left alone.
- New Environments: Moving to a new home or being in unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming.
- Lack of Socialisation: Not being exposed to different people, animals, or places during their early weeks can lead to anxiety.
- Loud Noises: Thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner can be scary.
- Changes in Routine: Sudden shifts in feeding, walking, or sleeping schedules can stress your pup out.
- Previous Trauma: Rescue puppies or those with tough pasts might carry some lingering fears.
Solutions for Puppy Anxiety
Helping your puppy feel calm and confident is all about creating a safe environment and building their trust. Here’s how you can do it:
- Establish a Routine - Puppies thrive on consistency. Set a daily schedule for meals, play, and rest to help them feel secure.
- Provide a Safe Space - Create a cosy, quiet spot where your puppy can relax—think a crate or a corner with their bed and favourite toys.
- Positive Reinforcement - Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or snuggles. This helps them associate good things with previously stressful situations.
- Socialisation - Introduce your pup to new people, pets, and places early on. Positive experiences can help them feel more at ease with the world.
- Use a Calming Aid - A Riff Raff Puppy Comforter combines the soothing sounds of a heartbeat and white noise with a warm and cuddly plushy to mimic the feeling of sleeping with a little mate. We recommend introducing the Riff Raff Puppy Comforter to the litter prior to collecting your puppy to add the smell of the litter to their new snuggle friend.
- Training and Enrichment - Mental stimulation, like training sessions or puzzle toys, can redirect anxious energy and raise a well behaved pup. The Riff Raff Lick Mat or Boredom Buster are designed with the perfect amount of challenge for your pup to keep them eagerly focused and engaged during times that they may be alone.
- Seek Professional Help - If your puppy’s anxiety feels more than you can handle, don’t hesitate to consult a dog trainer, animal behaviourist or vet for expert advice. Tackling this concern whilst they are a pup is the best way to raise a well balanced dog.
In summary, helping your puppy navigate anxiety might feel challenging at times, but you’re not alone in this journey. With patience, love, and the right approach, you can help your furry friend grow into a happy, confident dog. If you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet or animal behaviourist for support. You’re doing an amazing job just by being there for your pup!
Find out how Riff Raff Puppy Comforters are changing the sleep game for pups all around the world by reading our thousands of customer success stories.