As pet lovers, we might think that it’s adorable when our dogs bark or whine as we walk out the door. It’s great that your pint-sized pup always wants to be by your side, isn’t it?
Well, though many of us may think that a clingy Chihuahua is charming, experiencing separation anxiety is no picnic from your pup’s point of view. Our little dogs are highly social little companions, even more so than many other breeds, and it’s pretty typical for them to feel anxious when they’re separated from their family.
Unfortunately, an overly attached Chi can often become quite distressed when they’re left alone, and this can lead to a multitude of behavior problems that can make life uncomfortable for both you and your pooch.
What does separation anxiety look like in your pet? Just as every dog is unique, so are their different ways of expressing extreme anxiety. Chihuahuas with this condition might howl, bark, destroy household items, claw at doors or windows, try to escape, and pee and poop inappropriately in the house while their owners are away. Some pups refuse to eat or drink, or can even become so upset that they can harm themselves as well!
It’s important to know that our canine companions aren’t doing this out of spite, boredom, or poor training, however – they are just truly so distressed that they need to find an outlet for their extreme emotions while they’re separated from us.
It’s also been found that dogs that have had a less than ideal start in life are also more likely to develop separation anxiety. Chihuahuas that have been adopted from shelters, puppy mills, and pet stores, or those who have lived in multiple homes are at a higher risk for becoming over-attached and distressed about departures.
How can we reduce the effect that alone time can have on our Chihuahuas? Many owners are upset by their pet’s misery, of course, but have no idea how to even begin to help their pups.
Here are some ways that you can help your Chihuahua to become more independent in order to relax when they can’t be with you.
First, it’s important to teach your Chi to accept your comings and goings as normal and unexciting. Downplay your departures and arrivals from home, avoiding prolonged ‘goodbyes’ when you leave and grandiose greetings when you return, and take your leave quickly and quietly without fuss.
It’s also a good idea to have a special treat or chew that you only give to your furry friend when you’re away so that they begin to look forward to your parting as a positive event. If your pup starts showing signs of nervousness during certain steps of your normal routine before you leave (like putting on your coat, for example), practice doing this step over and over without actually leaving the house, and reward your Chihuahua when they stay calm.
Next, it’s time to increase your pup’s sense of independence. Although many of us love the close relationship that we share with our petite Chis, it’s healthier for them to feel confident and safe spending some time away from you. Ignore excessive attention-seeking behavior from your Chihuahua, and reward them for calm behavior in your presence instead, like sitting calmly or lying down.
It’s also essential for your dog to get used to being separated from you while you’re home from time to time, too. If your Chihuahua is used to a crate or pen
, then provide them with an opportunity for some alone time, along with a good chew toy or food puzzle
when you’re busy in another room.
Never force your Chi to stay in a crate if they become anxious or nervous in one, however, since this can make their anxiety worse. You can also teach your Chihuahua a ‘go to bed’ or ‘mat’ command, rewarding them for learning to relax in place for gradually longer periods away from you instead of constantly following you around.
You might be interested to know that positive obedience training sessions (like learning fun tricks) can also help build your pup’s confidence, too, and are a great way to maintain the close bond that you have with your dog. Keep in mind that you should never, ever punish your Chihuahua for their ‘bad’ behavior that stems from separation anxiety – not only will they not link the punishment with any mess that they make, but doing this can make them even more worried, which is obviously not the goal you’re striving for!
Finally, remember that your Chihuahua will probably benefit from an increase in exercise, too. The old adage ‘a tired dog is a happy dog’ holds some truth, and it’s possible that your pup won’t feel like expending excess energy due to anxiety if they’re tired from a busy play date or an exciting trip to the park. Chihuahuas have busy minds and bodies, and need lots of mental and physical activity to remain happy and healthy.
Although the suggestions above can often help a dog with mild to moderate separation anxiety, for some Chihuahuas, their distress reaches a point that can actually prove dangerous. Our tiny canine companions can often cause significant damage to themselves or their homes because of their anxiety.
If your four-legged friend is extremely upset by your absence or seems to be getting worse, the best option to help them may be to seek the help of a veterinary behaviorist. A professional can actually help your Chi more effectively by tailoring a treatment plan to your situation, teaching you how you can gently and properly condition your petite pet to being left alone over time.
In some severe cases of separation anxiety, medication may also be needed; it can decrease your dog’s sense of terror and panic as you work on your training program with them.
Although dealing with your Chihuahua’s separation anxiety might be annoying or frustrating, remember that the feeling is far worse for your pup. The process of treating this condition is one that takes time, patience, and positivity on your part, but with the right guidance, your small furry family member can learn that being away from you is truly not as bad as it seems.
Do you have this problem with your Chihuahua? What have you done to help them? Leave a comment below and let us know what has worked for you or what issues you are still dealing with.
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Kas
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
Great advice, although avoiding responding to constant attention seeking from my new puppy has been tough! Its me who needs that aspect of training. When I realised I had a very clingy dog (literally) on my hands I took up most of my two weeks puppy-leave from work just helping him get used to spending time alone. For the first 4 days I couldn't leave his line of sight without him crying and the nights were sleepless for both of us. I was really worried about going back to work. But by week 2 he was comfortable in his cage with the door open, then the door closed for increasing periods, and by the time I went back to work today I'm confident he can chill in his cage as long as I come back on my lunch break. Its been an emotional rollercoaster but dogs are smart and learn quick that separation is only temporary and that they can cope on their own. One thing that seemed to work was standing behind the bathroom door for a second at a time, then increasing the time I spent 'hiding' while never making a fuss, just acting calm and ignoring when he whined. I felt silly but I think it helped him realise I'm sometimes not going to be accessible but he can still be OK. Love the site, BTW.
Cathy
Wednesday 1st of March 2023
You sound like an awesome pet parent Kas.
Loretta Schmidt
Monday 30th of January 2023
We have two rescued chis just under a year now.
Pablo standard 4kg and Sweetie smaller breed 2 kg.
They are company for each other when we go out, however, they’d both like to sit on my lap and get attention at the same time which is beginning to be a concern. Sweetie is the boss and she has only to growl at Pablo and he moves away. Sometimes she does not even growl, just looks at him with a vibe and he’s off.
He likes to know where she is at all times and will follows her to check out her whereabouts. Sometimes she attacks him but he just puts up with it.
She has a cataract and we are considering surgery.
They are wonderful company.
Loretta
Cathy
Sunday 5th of February 2023
Definitely sounds like Sweetie is the alpha.
Tom
Thursday 29th of December 2022
Our little three year old has MAJOR separation anxiety. He actually foams at the mouth and even if we are gone for one hour his neck is wet with slobber. Poor little guy is panting heavily when we get home. We are concerned he could give himself a heart attack!
Cathy
Thursday 29th of December 2022
I think I would try some CBD oil about an hour before you leave and see if that calms him down. I pet site for a dog that is just like that and I got his parents to get CBD oil for him and it's helped tremendously with his separation anxiety.
Susan upward
Thursday 29th of September 2022
I give them their kong toy with stuff inside. They only get that when I leave for the day. But getting some excercise is a huge win win
Cathy
Thursday 29th of September 2022
What kind of stuff do they like in their Kong Susan?
Mary Ihla
Friday 29th of April 2022
I sold my house after my husband died and moved into a 55+ community with 4-year-old chi. I didn’t dare leave him for the first few months because he howled like he was being murdered. I gradually acclimated him to his new home with a small backyard and a pet park right behind our apartment. I started to leave him for short periods of time, starting with the five minutes it took to take the garbage out. (I used to take him with me.) When he got used to that, I took the garbage out and then went to the coffee chat they have here. It took over a month to get used to that, and now he seems to know where I’m going and will crawl under the bed to his place of comfort. I started joining in on the variety of activities that are available here, and he was doing fine. If he seemed anxious I’d give him a calming treat the vet recommended. But, I still had trouble leaving him to go with my daughter to shop or lunch. He’d howl mournfully and claw at the window. This went on for quite awhile until I decided figure out what the difference between my leaving him for an activity in the apartment complex and when I left to go somewhere else. Then it dawned on me. He was comfortable when I went out the front door, which a solid door and no windows. However, when I would go somewhere with me daughter I would go out the back door to the parking lot. There were two big windows and a windowed door. So, I solved the problem by having my daughter pick me up in the front of the complex. I can use the walking exercise anyway. So far that has worked.
Cathy
Friday 29th of April 2022
That's a good way to handle separation anxiety and interesting about the door thing. Thanks for sharing Mary,