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How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dr Jess Beer - Pet Behaviourist profile picture

Dr Jess Beer - Pet Behaviourist

BVSc MANZCVS

Dr Jess is a fully qualified Veterinarian with more than 17 years of experience in companion animal clinical practice. She has worked in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, as well as donating her time to charities in India, Greece, Portugal, Thailand, Panama, Mexico, Romania, Rarotonga and Gibraltar.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dr Jess Beer, pet behaviourist, talks about separation anxiety in dogs and puppies, and what steps you can take to minimise this stress or overcome it.

What's causing the anxiety?

Separation anxiety can often be driven by the fear of abandonment - which is quite heartbreaking. Often your dog may anticipate that you're leaving; things like locking the windows, or picking up your keys, could make them start to worry. So throughout the day, do some of the things that you normally do before leaving home and give them a reward for not being too worried about it. Like picking up your keys, jingle them around, and then give your dog a reward and then keep going about your day. Try to identify exactly what the cues are and then reward your dog for handling those cues well.

Some Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety in your Puppy or Dog

Tip 1: Involves building up your pet's tolerance to small periods of time alone, even if just for half an hour. Teach your pet to go and relax in their bed, and give them a small treat so that you can leave the room for 5 or 10 minutes.

Tip 2: Try to set your home up so that it feels like a safe place to be. Try putting on some soft and calm music to keep them relaxed while you're gone - and make sure they have a treat or a toy to keep them entertained.

Tip 3: If you're worried about your pet while you're away, set up a camera so that you can see how they're behaving and how they're feeling while they're along. From that you can start to understand if they're just bored and getting up to mischief or if they're genuinely anxious. If they are indeed looking and acting anxious; panting, drooling or looking worried, then we recommend speaking with your vet.

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