How to Win the Cavapoo’s Battle Against Separation Anxiety

A Cavapoo, especially as a puppy, may experience separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety refers to the negative behavior that a dog may demonstrate after being separated from his owner for a long period of time.

In short, separation anxiety is having a panic attack!

According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, about 20 percent of dogs suffer from separation anxiety.

A Practical Explanation for Separation Anxiety

I love practicality!

So, let’s consider the reason for this condition from a practical viewpoint.

Separation anxiety occurs in babies, children, teenagers, and even adults.

It’s no surprise that dogs can also have separation anxiety! 

Go back to the environment provided by the puppy’s breeder.

Regretfully, some breeders operate puppy mills, pumping out one canine generation after another.

Reputable breeders, however, follow a humane regimen prioritized on the health of the puppy and parents alike. 

But imagine a liter of pups, all scrambling to their mother.

It’s lunch time!

Not only are they receiving the nutrients needed to grow, but they’re also in close quarters. 

A difference of opinions exists on when to separate a pup from his mother.

Some breeders say that 8 weeks is the magic number, while others suggest that 12 weeks should be the standard.

Whether the time frame is 8 weeks or 12 weeks, the principle remains the same.

After a proper amount of time, a Cavapoo puppy is separated from its mother and brought to new surroundings. A new person or people, with different speech tones and personalities now oversee the care of this puppy.

The Cavapoo, depending on his new owners for love, food, and a place to live, bonds quickly.

I think it’s reasonable, that a puppy in a new home will have separation anxiety when his new parents leave him at home alone.

What’s going through the puppy’s mind?

What thoughts is he having?

Maybe he’s questioning whether they’ll return.

And here’s another thought.

A Cavapoo is a smart, intelligent canine (due in part to his Poodle heritage).

At this point he may be basing his thoughts on what he’s already experienced and what he presently sees (his new owners walking out the door).

So, he thinks “here we go again!”

Are There Certain Breeds Prone to Separation Anxiety?

All dogs can have separation anxiety.

However, experts agree that not all canine breeds are equal when it comes to separation anxiety.

There are several that are more inclined toward separation anxiety.

And here’s a couple of additional nuggets of information:

First, male dogs are more likely to have separation anxiety than female canines. 

Second, dog breeds with traits such as sociability, high level of intellect, and increased energy are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

Now, let’s look at a few of these breeds.

• Cavapoo. I placed the Cavapoo breed first, not because they’re the worst to have separation anxiety, but because they’re the subject of my post! My F1b Cavapoo, Opie, is almost 2 years old. But he definitely displayed separation anxiety when he was younger! Cavapoos are so social! They’re velcro dogs! And they don’t like it when they’re left alone. Here’s some encouragement: Opie doesn’t experience separation anxiety now like he once did. In other words, there’s hope!
• Labrador Retriever. The Lab is a relaxed, calm family dog that can struggle when his humans aren’t around. Because he’s a social dog, he doesn’t like to be left alone.
• The Border Collie. The Border Collie is at the head of the class when it comes to intellect. But his intellectual abilities can be a two-edge sword. He needs mental stimulation, or he’ll become bored. This breed also has plenty of energy which requires stimulation. And when no one is in the house, that could spell trouble. The result? Separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed hits home for me since my Opie has the King Charles blood flowing through his veins. Opie is a F1b Cavapoo (25% Cavapoo and 75% Poodle). But having the mix of the King Charles in his blood, Opie did have separation anxiety when he was a younger pup. He’s more settled now. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a family canine. So, when his human family isn’t home, he battles separation anxiety. 
• Jack Russell Terrier. Jack Russell’s are wiry, energetic dogs that expect you to entertain them. When they don’t receive that personal attention, then expect the Russell to transform into a wrecking ball!
• German Shepherd. The canine breed that is born to guard and protect, the German Shepherd is a very intelligent, affectionate, and loyal breed. He requires stimulation in these areas and when he doesn’t get it, separation anxiety takes over.
• Toy Poodle. The Toy Poodle is a companion dog, specializing in social interaction. Because poodles are so intelligent, (the 2^nd most intelligent dog in the world) they require mental stimulation. Without the social interaction and the mental stimulation, a poodle will have separation anxiety and boredom, resulting in destructive behavior.
• Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are very susceptible to separation anxiety. They are social, family-oriented dogs. However, they’re also nervous creatures. When left alone, they’re out of their comfort zone, which can result in negative behavior. Here’s a reminder: a tiny dog can do a lot of damage!

What Negative Behaviors Do Cavapoos Exhibit When Experiencing Separation Anxiety?

Of course, the above picture is not one of a sweet, cuddly Cavapoo.

But when our Cavapoos undergo separation anxiety, they transform (in our eyes) into the monster above!

Look at some of the negative behaviors that Cavapoos exhibit when experiencing separation anxiety.

• Tearing up pee pads. Soon after we adopted our Opie, we placed him in a portable movable pen when we would leave. In addition to his bowl of food and water, we’d place a pad for him to use when he needed a bathroom break. When we came home, we found the pee pad destroyed! It was in a “zillion” pieces. Opie was showing us his displeasure!
• Excessive barking. Another mark of separation anxiety involves a Cavapoo’s lungs! Loud, continual yelping. We own a Furbo, which is an amazing product that allows us to keep an eye on Opie when we’re away. By the way, if you don’t have a Furbo, you need to buy one today! Not only can we watch Opie, but we can also hear him voice his anger!
• Trembling.  Still another behavior resulting from separation anxiety is nervousness, exhibited by trembling or shaking. A Cavapoo may be afraid that he’s going to be left behind or deserted. He feels all alone. 
• Anxiety expressed before owners leave. Before Opie, we had a Shih Tzu/Terrier named Bama. He became very nervous and would start pacing around the house whenever he saw us packing a suitcase! Dogs are intelligent! They know what’s going on! Bama linked a suitcase with going on a trip. And while we always made arrangements to care for him while we were gone—he wasn’t happy!
• Not eating or drinking. This may not be a problem if you’re only gone for a couple of hours. However, what if you take a week’s vacation to the beach or mountains? You can readily see that it would be dangerous if your dog refused to eat or drink until you came back! 
• Howling. I know that “howling” falls into the broader category of “barking.” However, howling is a more expressive form of barking. It’s carrying barking into the next stratosphere! Maybe a better word for howling is wailing. The American Kennel Club suggests that when a dog howls he actually may be expressing fear. It could be fear of being alone or fear that his owner may not return. 
• Nervously jumping up and down when you return. A sign that your puppy could be experiencing separation anxiety is that he becomes super excited when you return. I’m not talking about a normal greeting. I’m referring to jumping up and down in front of you so fast that you can’t move an inch in either direction. It’s like your dog has elasticized springs in his four feet. So, an overreaction to your coming home is an indication that your little puppy may have separation anxiety.
• Using the bathroom all over the place. I know, I saved the best for last! When your pet gets extremely nervous, that anxiety can carry over to his digestive system. He may lose control of his bladder and urinate on the tile or on the carpet. He may defecate in places that he wouldn’t normally. But there may be another explanation…he may be getting even with you for leaving! It could be an anger outburst!

Suggestions to Help Separation Anxiety

• Maybe another dog? I know, you’re thinking “I can’t handle another pup!” “I’m about to pull my hair out!”  Take a deep breath, OK? There is a difference of opinion on whether a second dog will help your puppy’s separation anxiety. Some suggest that it will not help while others state that it will. I’m taking the view that it will. And the reason that I believe that a second dog will be a plus for your little pup is the factor of companionship. Social interaction is important for him. And supplying a canine friend will satisfy that need. Sure, the additional dog can’t take the place of a human, but it can keep your dog busy and stimulated while you’re away.
• Another suggestion would be a sitter. Have a neighbor or someone you trust come by (if you’re vacationing miles away) each day to play with your pup, feed him, and take him outside for a bathroom break. He needs human socialization. 
• Leave the TV on when you leave the house. Locate PAW Patrol on your television and turn the volume up. This may pacify your pup until you get home. 
• Buy your dog a toy that will keep him entertained. However, make sure that the toy doesn’t have any parts that can strangle your little buddy if he decides to amputate the toy. Toys with squeakers, plastic parts, or rubber material should be off limits for your pet. 
• Give your canine family member a treat before you step out that door! Maybe a KONG Classic Dog Toy filled with peanut butter? You can slip out of the house while your pooch is salivating over the peanut butter!
• Act naturally upon leaving and returning home. If you make a huge deal over your pet when you leave home or upon your return, you’re unintentionally promoting separation anxiety. Dogs are brilliant. If we make a big deal over leaving or returning, it’s likely they will too!
• Help your pooch acclimate to your absence. Practice leaving your pup at home for short periods, extending the time periodically. This will help him grow accustomed to when you need to be away. 
• Buy a Furbo! I own a Furbo and it’s a life saver! I don’t know of another product that gives me peace of mind when I’m away from Opie. Furbo has a camera that pivots or rotates, allowing me to watch Opie. It has a feature that permits me to “shoot” treats to Opie, keeping him entertained. I’m telling you, if you don’t own a Furbo, you’re missing out!
• Medication. If nothing else works, check with your veterinarian about prescribing medication that’ll calm your pup. 

Conclusion

We want what’s best for our furry family members.

They provide entertainment, comfort, and companionship to us.

If our pet is in that canine group that’s more likely to struggle with separation anxiety, there’s hope.

Don’t grow discouraged!

Don’t throw in the towel!

Apply the helps in this article and you’ll discover that life with your pup can be pleasant again.

We often suggest that, as humans, we place ourselves in the shoes of those around us.

Let’s shift that idea toward our furry friends.

Imagine what they go through when the most important person in this life walks out the door.

At first, they don’t know if you’re coming back.

But in time, after you’ve proven to your pet that you will return home, you’ve earned his trust and he settles down. 

I’m so thankful that God created the animal kingdom.

I’m grateful that He supplied us with canines that offer so much to us.

The bond that we share with our dogs is nothing short than amazing.

Our dogs go the extra mile demonstrating loyalty to us.

As owners and caregivers of our pets, let’s be patient and understanding.

Let’s be loyal to them.

I assure you that it’ll pay off. 

-Howell