For dog owners who struggle with leaving their pets home alone or worry about their wellbeing during absences, a leading canine behaviour expert has unveiled a straightforward solution. Will Atherton, founder of his own dog training academy, has detailed a "simple" technique to "fix" separation anxiety, emphasising one crucial step to take before departing the house.
The Foundation of Canine Independence
In a recent TikTok video, Atherton stressed that preventing separation anxiety from developing is paramount for a dog's mental health. "Stopping separation anxiety before it ever starts is one of the biggest things you can do for your dog's wellbeing," he asserted. The core of his method revolves around crate training, which instils a sense of security and calmness in puppies from an early age.
He elaborated, "When a puppy learns from day one that the crate is a calm, safe place where they can relax on their own, you're teaching them independence. They learn that being alone isn't something to panic about—it's just a normal part of life." Conversely, Atherton warned that granting excessive freedom often exacerbates separation anxiety over time, a pitfall that structured crate training effectively avoids.
Addressing the Root Cause
Many separation anxiety issues originate when puppies lack early training in solitude. "Where a lot of separation anxiety problems start is when puppies are never taught that skill," Atherton explained. "They're constantly with people, constantly getting attention, and then suddenly one day they're expected to cope with being left alone... and they simply don't know how."
The crate training approach focuses on helping dogs perceive the crate as a secure and comfortable sanctuary. In a supplementary YouTube video, Atherton highlighted the importance of teaching dogs to appreciate their crate, posing a reflective question: "We get so concerned about our dogs hating being left alone, so why don't we work on our dogs loving being left alone?"
A Practical Strategy for Owners
To transform alone time into a positive experience, Atherton recommends a specific pre-departure routine. "This is part of my strategy," he revealed. "I get a Fenrir Hammer [chew toy] and fill it with treats and raw food—meat pâté works beautifully—and stick it in the freezer overnight." This preparation creates an enticing, long-lasting reward for the dog.
Approximately 10 to 15 minutes before leaving home, Atherton advises placing the frozen Fenrir Hammer inside the crate and securing the door. "The dog can't get into the crate," he noted. "So then, you will notice over time that your dog will be excited to get in there." By integrating this step into a calm and unhurried leaving routine, owners can achieve significant improvements in their pet's behaviour.
Implementing the Technique Effectively
Atherton concluded with precise instructions for execution: "Calmly open the crate door, allow your dog to enter it before closing the door and leaving means your dog will learn to be excited when being alone and having their favourite thing." This method not only alleviates anxiety but also fosters a positive association with solitude, ensuring dogs remain content and stress-free during their owner's absence.
