Puppy separation anxiety

[Cherryblossom200]

Hello!

I have a 6 month old Cavapoo puppy who has terrible separation anxiety. I’ve followed the guidance of going out on short trips and building up, not making a fuss before we go out or come back. But she barks literally the whole time we’re out.

Today I did a trial walk with my daughter to her second school with her friends, we were gone for about 2 hours and she barked the whole time. My neighbour has now mentioned to me about the noise which is fair enough. I wouldn’t like it either.

I have no idea how we get around this? I’m looking online at calming supplements? Has anyone had any joy with them and can a puppy take them?

Many thanks

Honestly, I was always told that once your dog has SA, it's 'too late' and now you can't leave them at all. Essentially, if they cry when you're out, don't leave them alone at all, as they can only get over SA once they don't have SA (if you see what I mean).

I would be looking into a dog sitter, or doggy day care for when you need to go out. Our boy was terrible for the first 10 months and we just didn't leave him (which was a complete PITA). Come 11 months though and we realised that he didn't seem to care any more, so we could leave for up to 3 hours alone, as long as not crated (which he hated).

You've moved far too quickly for a 6 month old puppy. Two hours?!? Honestly, that's pretty awful, OP. And I don't say that or anything that will follow to be nasty or cruel (although I know people will say i'm being 'mean') but I genuinely cannot believe someone who knows their puppy gets distressed by being left alone, would even think about leave it for 2 hours let alone actually do it.

If you're at the point where you want to give a puppy - a literal puppy who's brain is not fully developed and whose SA is down to you moving too fast - calming supplements...then just re-home the poor thing. It would be a far better life for the dog than having an owner not willing to work on un-fucking the behaviour they installed. If you're not willing to put in serious time and effort, and work with a dedicated trainer and/or behaviourist then re-homing is the next option, not drugging.

I'm sorry to say thing, but you're not equipped to have a dog if you think it's in any way acceptable to leave a puppy for two hours at 6 months when it's already telling you it's distressed. Please re-home her through a proper charity and don't get another dog.