My 6-week-old puppies have separation anxiety. How can I help?

Question

I received two puppies at 6 week old, as the owner was going to take them to the dog pound. These boys are AWESOME! My issue is they are totally bonded to me. They follow me everywhere, like a wolf pack. I don't even need a leash. I live in a condo. If I go outside without them, or try to take a nap, they pitch an absolute fit. Any way to get dogs to not be so possive? We go to the dog park everyday. I travel, so when I'm gone, my pups won't eat for 3 days when with a friend. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 20 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Congrats on your new puppies! First thing you need to do is stop taking them to the dog park. They will not be fully vaccinated at six weeks of age, and it is not safe at all to take Oscar and Harper places where many dogs can frequently. They can contract parvo or distemper, both of which are horrible and fatal diseases. They should not be taken outside your backyard until they are fully vaccinated. They need their first round of shots now, and then will need two additional series of vaccines four weeks apart. Ten days after they receive their final round of vaccines, then it will be safe for them to go to the dog park. As for their behavior when you leave, it sounds like they may be suffering from separation anxiety. I would recommend crating them in separate crates when you are gone. The crate will provide them a small space where they can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train them to get used to a crate. Start putting them in it when you are home and sitting nearby so they doesn't think you are abandoning them, and slowly increase the time they are in it. They can have toys in their crates, and puzzle toys with treats in it that they have to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to them in their crates. That will keep them occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.

My 6-week-old puppies have separation anxiety. How can I help?

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