It is very likely that before you leave your dog and\/or when you return, they are displaying behaviors that one would display when severely stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ways to Help Your Anxious Frenchie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several tricks to help a dog with separation anxiety feel better when you leave, if it is mild to moderate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Signals Which Indicate You\u2019re Leaving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dogs truly are smart, and if you always perform the same actions before you leave, your Frenchie will learn to recognize them. For example, getting your keys out and\/or putting your dog in its crate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing that these actions mean you are about to leave will result in your dog\u2019s anxiety to start building as they await the next step (you leaving).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To prevent this, try to be unpredictable. You can do this by getting your keys out at times when you have no intention of leaving soon or letting your dog have mealtime in their crate when you are at home. You can also change the order of the steps you take before leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another leaving signal most pet owners display to their dogs is actually telling them. Most doggy parents give pets, kisses, and sweet \u201cgoodbyes.\u201d Of course, we want our pups to know we love them and we will be back, but it does add to the process of leaving and can add to their anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proper Crate Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Properly crate training your dog can make an enormous difference when leaving your French Bulldog. You can read all the tips and tricks for this here<\/a>. If your pup loves its crate and it\u2019s a safe place, this can provide a sense of security when you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid overwhelming your French Bulldog with too much time away from you from the start. Again, look into crate training your dog from a puppy (or as soon as you get it).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon getting your new<\/a> Frenchie, leave it for a very short time, or have another person (i.e., a family member or pet sitter) stay with your dog when you leave, at least for the first several days. This can make a difference since your home is very new to them, and they will surely experience some uneasiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have an extra person to help, that\u2019s okay. Practice leaving them for a short time by not actually leaving and simply stepping into another one and eventually outdoors out of sight. Slowly increase the time that you leave them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving items with your scent on them can provide comfort to your dog when you are away, especially if they are in a crate. You could leave a shirt or scarf you\u2019ve worn that still has your scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An excellent trick to help a dog with separation anxiety is to exercise them before you leave. If your Frenchie is tired and doesn\u2019t have too much energy, there\u2019s a better chance of them relaxing while you are away. Provide ample playtime<\/a> or a walk<\/a> before you plan to leave them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treats and toys help any situation! Provide treats before you go so that your dog has something to be excited about. Toys will also give your dog something to do while you are away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ensure that the toys you leave for your dog while unsupervised are safe, like the Benebone Durable Wishbone<\/a> (a large toy that they can\u2019t swallow, no small pieces, no strings). <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Kong<\/a> with frozen peanut butter and\/or banana pieces is a great treat and toy that will occupy them for a bit of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy may be the most important technique to help a dog with separation anxiety. It\u2019s essential to understand that your dog is not intentionally acting out and that punishment is far from helpful. A Frenchie\u2019s behavior due to separation anxiety can be extremely frustrating, but reprimanding your pup for misbehaving will only amplify their distress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are times when the previous tricks simply don\u2019t help or don\u2019t give the results you\u2019d like to see. Many dogs do suffer from more severe separation anxiety, especially if you get your Frenchie once they pass the puppy age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help a dog with separation anxiety that you can\u2019t seem to get under control, there\u2019s help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A dog behaviorist can provide further assistance; rather it is from extra training or advice on anxiety medication options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A medicine route should be taken only if all other techniques used simply don\u2019t help.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another step you can take to help a dog with anxiety is to send your pup to doggy daycare or get a pet sitter to come to your home. Allowing your pup to become comfortable with someone else can prove very useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doggy daycare can get expensive, but many places offer discounts for packages. Some dogs are also anxious to go to a new place, but the good part is that they usually get used to it, and they also have time to exercise, allowing them to get their mind off of missing you so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pet sitter is also a great option. A pet sitter can stay with your dog or visit it once or twice throughout the day to relieve your dog\u2019s stress for a bit of time and make sure it is doing okay. Time for exercise midday with a dog walker can also allow your pup to relax a bit until you are able to get back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like for humans, anxiety in dogs can be debilitating and result in undesired behaviors. As much as dog owners may desire to stay at home with their loving pup and cuddle or play all day, we know that\u2019s not always feasible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it can be disheartening to witness a distressed Frenchie, implementing ways to help a dog with separation anxiety are sure to make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Separation anxiety is when a dog experiences distress when their owner is away. French Bulldogs may suffer from separation anxiety, but it is not a guaranteed condition for all Frenchies.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Look for signs such as using the bathroom in the house or crate when you leave, excessive barking or howling, destructive behaviors, escaping from confinement, and appearing uneasy before you leave.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Techniques to help your dog with separation anxiety include avoiding signals that indicate you’re leaving, proper crate training, starting small with time away, leaving items with your scent, providing exercise before leaving, and giving treats and toys to occupy them while you’re away.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Safe toys for a Frenchie with separation anxiety include durable, non-toxic options like the Benebone Durable Wishbone and Kong Classic Dog Toy filled with frozen peanut butter or banana pieces.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nStart Small<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your Scent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treats and Toys<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Benebone](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31FFMvmFa3L._SL500_.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t![\"KONG](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31tBVk7WmQL._SL500_.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\tHave Empathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Help a Dog with More Severe Anxiety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Dog Behaviorist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doggy Daycare or Pet Sitter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
What is separation anxiety in French Bulldogs?<\/h3>\n
How can I tell if my Frenchie has separation anxiety?<\/h3>\n
How can I help my Frenchie with separation anxiety?<\/h3>\n
What types of toys are safe for a Frenchie with separation anxiety?<\/h3>\n