Dogs aren’t born with separation anxiety — they develop it.

Dogs aren’t born with separation anxiety — they develop it. Most puppies develop it within the first 6–12 months of living with their new family. Why? Because we over-nurture. We treat puppies like babies and cater to every bark or whine. It feels loving, but puppies don’t need constant attention — they need leadership, structure, and time alone. If a puppy never practices being alone, they won’t tolerate it later. That’s how separation anxiety forms. Genetics and breed can play a role, but confidence-building beats catering every time. Example: when you bring home a 6–8 week old puppy, play with them, let them nap, then crate them at night. You can keep the crate next to your bed for comfort, but don’t put the puppy in your bed or keep that setup longer than a week or two. The goal is confidence, not dependency. Prevent separation anxiety by raising a puppy that can be alone without panic. Question: Has your puppy struggled with being left alone? If you need help with puppy behavior, message us, email us, or book a session through our website.

— Johnson’s Dog Training Academy