Early Life Risk Factors For Separation Anxiety

Why Do Puppies Struggle When Left Alone?

Thick Brush Stroke New research uncovers early-life risks behind separation-related behaviours

What Are SRBs?

[{"selector":"#anim-46e5377e-b774-4b95-a699-0df4f64980ce","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke SRBs (Separation-Related Behaviours) include: 🐾Pacing 🐾Whining 🐾Scratching 🐾Barking 🐾Accidents indoors These affect around 50% of dogs !

Who Did the Study?

Thick Brush Stroke 📍 Conducted by the Royal Veterinary College 🐾 In collaboration with Dogs Trust 📊Based on data from 145 UK & Irish puppy owners 💡Part of the Generation Pup project

When Do SRBs Start?

[{"selector":"#anim-f8e8b1d6-2974-44f7-ba89-3f1d3468dbf1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke 🍼 Nearly 47% of puppies showed signs of SRBs by just 6 months old! 💔 These early habits can shape lifelong behaviou r.

Top SRBs in Puppies

[{"selector":"#anim-82a87257-199c-440e-8e46-5f31949f3a7c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke Most common when left alone: 1️⃣Pacing – 14.5% 2️⃣Whining – 7.6% 3️⃣Spinning – 6.9% 😟Stress is real for pup s!

Key Risk #1 – Aversive Training

[{"selector":"#anim-e2baa3be-bdb4-4966-9e80-825b7be6a950","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke ❌ Scolding, smacking, or harsh discipline = more SRBs ✔️Positive reinforcement helps pups stay calm & confide nt

Key Risk #2 – Sleep Issues

[{"selector":"#anim-ee03b6d9-ae73-4f86-b32d-e533db4a06ba","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke 😴 Puppies with good overnight sleep were less likely to develop SRBs 🔒Restricted sleep areas like crates or quiet rooms were beneficial

Key Risk #3 – Owner Reactions

[{"selector":"#anim-cc78082c-1abf-4ead-8f0b-ff630754e589","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke 💔 Fussing over unwanted behaviour after separation? ➡️ Puppies were 6x more likely to show SRBs 📣 Stay calm and consisten t!

Training Tips That May Backfire

[{"selector":"#anim-8d1da593-d346-4f40-97d4-c56cec4c036d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke 🚫 Poor house training 🚫Using treats/kibble incorrectly 🤯 Can increase anxiety and unwanted behaviou rs

Does Age of Owner Matter?

[{"selector":"#anim-cd790328-31f3-440a-aebe-898b6c9a405f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke 👩‍🦱 Owners aged 16–34 were linked to higher SRB risk 🤷‍♂️Breed and sex? No major e ffect

Expert Advice

[{"selector":"#anim-81c81470-319a-4c18-9220-347141167203","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Thick Brush Stroke “Punishing or ignoring puppies is linked to more separation-related behaviour later.” – Dr. Charlotte Burn, RVC ✔️ Use rewards and praise thoughtful ly

: Final Thoughts

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