Dogs thrive on predictability and routine. The anxiety your furry companion experiences when you leave home, get a new job, or experience other life events that disrupt the daily flow can be ruff for you and especially your doggo. 

They may express their frustration and anxiety through destructive behaviors, excessive or odd vocalization, and may even refuse to eat. Here’s how you can build a daily routine for your dog to overcome their separation anxiety.

1. Stick to Regular Mealtimes

Aim to feed your doggo at the same times each day. The easiest way to stay consistent is to plan around your eating schedule — if you eat breakfast at 8 a.m., plan to feed your pup shortly before or after. Be sure to feed them the same type of food in the same location as you both adjust to the new schedule.

Mealtime is also a great opportunity to squeeze in a training session. If you feed your furbaby dry kibble, you can use a few pieces to reinforce their basic doggie skills before they dive in. Puzzle feeders can make feeding time more exciting and leave them feeling accomplished after each meal.

Worried about leaving your anxious dog alone? The Furbo 360° Dog Camera lets you check on your pup from anywhere. Use its Rotating 360° View to observe their behavior and watch for signs of distress. If you see your doggo is uncomfortable, you can soothe them with the sound of your voice with Furbo’s Real-Time 2-Way Audio. 

2. Exercise Before You Go

Give your pup an opportunity to stretch their legs before you head out. This is especially important for breeds with high energy levels like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. 

A brisk walk or a morning game of fetch can burn off any nervous energy they may have. Even a quick training session can help your doggo feel focused. Remember, a tired doggo is more likely to snooze and lounge while they wait for you to get back.

🐶 Pro Tip: Alleviate your pup’s boredom with interactive toys and doggie enrichment activities that require problem-solving skills. Activating your dog’s brain with mental stimulation exercises can distract them from any intrusive separation anxiety they may be experiencing, and keep them entertained as you get ready to head out.

Keep the training session going when you’re on the move! You can reward your furbaby’s calm behavior, or get them jumping for joy, with Furbo’s Treat Tossing feature. Simply load the Furbo 360° Dog Camera with your dog’s favorite snacks and toss a treat their way!

3. Build Your Pup’s Sense of Independence

Designate a safe space that your pup feels comfy and secure in. Make sure they have access to familiar items like their bed and favorite toys. Once they’re settled, leave your dog alone in the designated area for a few minutes at a time.

You  can gradually increase the duration as they get more comfortable. Soon, they’ll realize they’re safe even when you’re away…and you always come back!

How do you know if your doggo is adjusting well to being left alone? Here’s what to look for:

• Relaxing in their favorite spots when you’re not engaging with them
• Adjusting to small changes in routine
• Quickly settling down when you enter or exit a room
• Curious urges to explore new environments

⚠️ Your furbaby may bark and cry nonstop when you’re away in the beginning. Furbo Dog Nanny keeps you in the loop with AI-powered Smart Alerts like the Continuous Barking Alert and Crying Alert sent straight to your phone so you can calm your pup down immediately.

4. Stay Calm When Leaving

While it may be tempting to shower your dog with affection and reassurance before you leave, doing so can inadvertently signal to your dog that something big is happening— or about to happen— and trigger their anxiety or a panic attack. 

In the same way, greeting your pup enthusiastically when you come home can reinforce their anxiety. Instead, keep your homecomings lowkey until your dog has a chance to settle down. 

Here are a few ways to desensitize your dog to your comings and goings:

• Keep your body language relaxed; don’t move abruptly or crash into or slam things
• Offer a simple pat on the head and back, and offer a comforting word or two
• Gather your belongings (like keys and coat) from the same location every time
• Give your dog a comforting item like a favorite toy or blanket before you leave 

Dogs mirror you, so modeling relaxed behavior and establishing reliable patterns helps them adopt a similar vibe. Doing so also reduces the stress your doggo associates with your departure. Be the calm you wish to see in your pup!

🐶 Pro tip: Set the mood for your pup when you leave with the Furbo 360° Dog Camera. With the help of Alexa, you can schedule treat tossing sessions, set up customizable routines, and play calming music when Furbo detects your doggo barking.

Conquer Your Dog’s Day With Furbo

Overcoming separation anxiety can be a slow, but doable, process. The duration and method may vary depending on your pup’s life experience. Be patient! Furbo is here to help you overcome these challenges and celebrate the little victories along the way. 🐕🎉

Fetch your Furbo 360° Dog Camera and capture your pup’s peaceful moments daily 🐶💕