Separation Anxiety In Chihuahuas

Separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder that’s all too common in Chihuahuas. You finally get home from a long day at work only to discover that your beloved Chihuahua has ransacked the house. Maybe there’s pillow or bed stuffing strewn across the floor, garbage pulled out of the trash, or even a pile of poop in the middle of your living room. They don’t act like this when you or other members of your family are home, so why do they behave this way when they’re left alone?

Brown-colored Chihuahua with separation anxiety

Chihuahuas suffering from separation anxiety act out when they’re left alone. Whether you are going to work for the day, or just running up to the gas station for a couple of minutes, leaving them alone triggers behavior that’s considered “out of the norm.” Your Chihuahua might be the perfect angel when they’re sitting in your lap, but all of their manners and training go right out the door once you leave their side.

Signs of Separation Anxiety In Chihuahuas

  • Claws at the carpet when you shut the bathroom or bedroom door behind them
  • Follows you around throughout the house
  • Constantly jumps and whines for you to pick them up
  • Tears up linens, pillows, sheets, clothes, etc. when left alone
  • Defecates or urinates inside the house when left alone
  • Acts overly excited when you come home
  • Barks, whines or howls when left alone

Multicolored Chihuahua suffering from separation anxiety

What Causes Separation Anxiety In Chihuahuas?

There are several different factors that may contribute to a Chihuahua’s separation anxiety, the most influential being a change in the family. Chihuahuas, like all dogs, are social animals that are highly loyal to their family. Taking them out of their current environment and thrusting them into a home with a completely new family is bound to create some type of emotional distress, including separation anxiety. This typically goes away once the Chihuahua settles down and becomes comfortable with their new family.

In addition to changes in their family, abuse is another factor known to cause separation anxiety in Chihuahuas. If they were physically and/or mentally abused in their previous home, there’s a higher chance of them exhibiting behavioral disorders.

Note: punishing or disciplining your Chihuahua for exhibiting this behavior will only make the problem worse. Separation anxiety isn’t something they can control. Veterinary behavior specialist Dr. Stefanie Schwartz com suggests that canine separation anxiety is similar to panic attacks in humans. There’s a psychological element beyond their control that manifests this behavior. Yelling, scolding, or forcing your Chihuahua to go to ‘time out’ will only increase their anxiety.

Confining your Chihuahua to a crate also doesn’t work. Once you leave their sight, they’ll scratch, yell and possibly even soil their crate. This may help keep your house clean when you’re away, but it doesn’t help their anxiety — which is the real problem at hand.

How To Treat Your Chihuahua’s Separation Anxiety

Unfortunately, most owners take the wrong approach to their Chihuahua’s separation anxiety by punishment and/or confinement. In order for your Chihuahua to overcome this behavioral problem, you must work to downplay your exits and arrival. Rather than cuddling and pampering them before you walk out the door, go ahead and leave in a quiet, subtle manner without talking or making eye contact. This shows your Chihuahua that leaving, and returning, isn’t a big deal.

Owners should work to treat their Chihuahua’s separation anxiety slowly to prevent further psychological stress. Start by leaving the house for just 10 minutes a day, and gradually increase this duration over time. After being away from your Chihuahua for 10 minutes a day for a full week, perhaps you could bump it up to 20-30 minutes a day. Taking slow steps allows your Chihuahua to grow accustomed to these new changes, essentially dampening their separation anxiety.

For severe cases of separation anxiety in Chihuahuas, owners may want to discuss the pros and cons of various medications with their veterinarian. Benzodiazepines, oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for canine separation anxiety. Of course, these are only temporary solutions and shouldn’t be used as a long-term treatment option.

Tips For Treating Separation Anxiety:

  • Ignore your Chihuahua when you leave and enter the home
  • Leave the television running to offer them company (DogTV or Animal Planet are both great choices)
  • Make sure your they get plenty of exercise throughout the day
  • Leave some toys behind to help occupy their time
  • Teach your Chihuahua the basic obedience commands, such as sit.
  • Confine your Chihuahua ‘loosely’ rather than using a crate
  • Some veterinarians suggest giving a sock or some other piece of dirty laundry to your Chihuahua, as the scent of their odor may help calm them

You can’t expect your Chihuahua to overcome their separation anxiety immediately. Behavioral disorders are something that takes months, sometimes even years to develop, and treating it may take equally as long. Remain persistent and follow the tips listed here to help your Chihuahua overcome their disorder.

References:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-help-dog-anxiety

Comments

    • Shawna
    • September 21, 2021
    Reply

    My long haired Chihuahua is 10 yrs old, she has been with her “daddy” for her entire life and me for only a yr but when we are both in the same room she doesn’t want anything to do with him anymore she actually growls at him. She prefers me. I am with her 24/7. I bonded with her quickly I take care of her play with her I don’t scold her yelling like he does etc she only sleeps with me. But he works in the building we live in and when he goes to work esp since she has been sick she won’t eat she sits by the door she only perks up when he comes in. She can hear him outside the door. I’m in here with her and giving her special treatment and when we both leave she is fine. So I don’t know how to help her with her desperation anxiety from him. Especially since he might be leaving her with me for good. How can I help this precious girl?

    • Simona Gary
    • January 20, 2021
    Reply

    My little one has separation anxiety with his dad. Whenever dad is taken out for a walk without him he howls and whines incessantly. When his mom goes for a walk he sits patiently and waits. He’s a year old and a Chihuahua Maltipoo mix. Only has separation anxiety with Dad.

    • jason
    • March 12, 2020
    Reply

    I think I get as much separation anxiety as my chihuahua does. ..but i cant imagine doing anything different. Im sad to leave him and excited to see him when i get back. I worry about him having a bad time when im gone and i genuinely want that to be better; thats why im on here. But i dont want to act unnatural myself and these emotions of love and connection are a big part of what we are alive for.

      • Reshma Arora
      • June 28, 2021
      Reply

      Love, connection and caring throughout, is what my Chihuahua lived for and taught

    • Cheryl
    • September 3, 2018
    Reply

    My chi is biting people that come near me he’s 12 years old and I need to have someone give me some advice he’s not very sociized it usually just him and I. He strikes so unexpectedly and bites where ever he can sometimes jumping up in the air to grab them. What can be done about this

      • Jesse Barron
      • May 11, 2021
      Reply

      I love my dog. I’m sad when I leave her and happy to see her too, but I don’t want her to get hurt and I wish that I could do something.

    • Micha
    • August 30, 2017
    Reply

    Hi there just wanted to say I’ve just got a 2 year old rescue and she is so super intelligent that I think I under estimated my previous dogs, at the end of the day though they are canines and need to be treated as such, with love, respect and a firm but fair hand but most of consistency. A crate is a must if there is destruction going on and this will provide them with a safe place to be. Confirmation through feeding inside the crate and their fav toys and a bit of tough love will help them know where they stand. You can leave the house and know your place isn’t gonna be trashed either.

    Separation anxiety comes from not knowing where they stand in the hierarchy within the household. There up then down then cuddled then told off. I don’t eat meals in front of any of the dogs I’ve had. Stick to their meal times and walks every day. That kind of thing really works. Don’t keep picking the dog up as they are not meant for this – let them be for as long as poss. Don’t let them on furniture unless invited by you. Leave them in another room for half hour a day while your in the house – this will get them used to you not being in the same vicinity but your there in case they get too stressed for the first month or so. There no timescales or magic wand but routine and more routine will help the dog feel secure and safe in their surroundings and they will soon know what’s expected of them. I’m sure this is on every training website out there but these little gods are sooo intelligent they need a bit more input.
    I’ve just taught Amber to sit today and she was amazing. Good luck peeps and Amber I wish you all the best! X 🐶

      • Bec
      • December 28, 2017
      Reply

      No offense but no animal needs to be dealt “with” with any type of hand. They are like children but should never be punished like you are implying. I think this article should be followed instead.

        • ChiLove
        • March 28, 2018
        Reply

        To Bec. I’m pretty sure she didn’t mean “hand” literally with meaning being delt with. I’m sure it was a figure of speech. Don’t be so sensitive.

        • Ingrid Guido
        • August 10, 2018
        Reply

        I agree. They have a brain but never can they comprehend or think to suggest “oh let me tear this place apart”. Being cruel can never teach an animal anything other than fear!!

      • Bri
      • March 30, 2018
      Reply

      Great advice.

      • Sandra
      • October 6, 2018
      Reply

      No need for crates that intensifies the anxiety. They have emotions/feelings like we do. If we were confined to a cage our anger/frustration/anxiety will grow and possibly build unneeded resentment. With patience kindness and a SOFT yet firm tone of voice we can accomplish much. All my animals have been rescues and even my two cats would respond to my commands. Ditch the cage let’s be compassionate healing humans that learn to connect tonour animal needs. Every person that I know or met that uses a cage, their pet deals with other health issues that unfortunately are attributed to confinement.

        • Skye
        • July 16, 2019
        Reply

        When introduced correctly, crates can actually be a calming safe space for many dogs. Think of it like their den. The goal is to make it a comfortable place they actively WANT to be in. This can be achieved by placing a bed and toys in the kennel and by always keeping the door to their crate open when you’re home so they have free access to it when they’re tired. That way they think of a the crate as a GOOD place and not just where they have to go when you go away. When first training them, you can also give them treats when they go in the kennel so they attribute it with positive emotions.

          • Debra Wilson
          • November 16, 2021
          Reply

          Always, always treat your chi with love and affection. You will find that to be a far better training tool. I lost my 17 year old chi to natural causes in May. He was a very affectionate obedient chi. The phrase “good boy” along with treats and a lot of repetition was all that was needed. Never scold, confine or hit a chi! They are a companion dog, treat them as such. I now have an adorable 4 month old male chi, and I’m training him the same way. It’s going great! Finally if you don’t have time for a chi, don’t get one.

      • Lesley
      • April 26, 2019
      Reply

      Fabulous advice, my chi Maltese Cross is the best girl! My hubby disabled and she is brilliant, stays home for a couple hours if we have to go hosp or such but for longer stuff I’ve got good friend who takes her! She’s amazing!

    • Lori
    • August 26, 2017
    Reply

    My chihuahua has bad anxiety when I ask her to do something. I know that I’m not supposed to pay attention to her when I leave or come home right away. Yet if I ask her to sit or stand somewhere she squirms and spins and wines and starts peeing all over and I don’t know hot to get her to stop bc if I say “stop peeing” or I express any kind of anger due to her freaking out and peeing it only makes the anxiety worse and I get no where. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong or can you help me or give me advice. She is not a young puppy. She just turned 6.

    • Sheila
    • August 10, 2017
    Reply

    Hi I got my chiauchua about 2 moths ago she is comeing upto 12 mths old everything was good with her til last week wen she totally starting to ignore me she won’t come to me in the house at all she just runs in to the bedroom can any body help me

      • Holly
      • April 14, 2018
      Reply

      Maybe you should spend a little more time with your Chi a couple minutes after you get home. You know, play fetch, watch TV together, then go to a different room–alone–for about 5 minutes to “say” to your Chi “Hey, you have to calm down. I’ll be with you soon.”

      • MDogmous
      • June 19, 2018
      Reply

      Do you live in an apartment or with close neighbors? Did your dog used to bark when you came home or maybe bark while you were gone? If so it’s possible one of your neighbors purchased a device that sends out a high pitched sound that only dogs can here evey time she barks so maybe if she used to bark when you came home when she did this hurt her ears scared her and now makes her hide. I am only suggesting this because that is exactly how a dog may act when one of these devices are used.

    • Rhonda
    • July 19, 2017
    Reply

    My problem is worse than that. I do all of that. Even when I Leave him with my mother which he loves very much he still will carry on with it. She said it takes almost an hour before he settles down. I try not to but sometimes I go into tears while I am gone.

      • Kelly
      • August 10, 2017
      Reply

      Hi I got a chi he’s 4 months first time I got him he was sleeping with me because he was very scared, but now I brought him his bed and all, he still does not want to sleep on his own bed he keeps cryin and moaning when I put him there, keeps jumping in my bed. GUYS HELP

        • Bri
        • March 30, 2018
        Reply

        Make a consistent routine and stick to it. Ignore the whines and segregate the dog so it isn’t in your room. After one or two nights of whining, the dog will assume normal canine behaviour and sleep through the night. Don’t give in and reward the whining.

        • Teali
        • April 12, 2018
        Reply

        This is exactly what I’m going thru with my 6 weeks Chihuahua, did you get a resolution on how to handle this yet???

    • Vanessa Overton
    • January 9, 2017
    Reply

    I’ve tried potty training my chi. I got him at 4 wks, he’s now 4 months. I put pad down & he grabs it & rips it up!!
    He goes into his crate & pee’s.
    Please help!!!

      • Stacie
      • February 27, 2017
      Reply

      Our two do this n we have trained them to go out side. After a few months they will let us know they have to go outside.

      • Bella
      • August 8, 2017
      Reply

      Did u try the puppy spray for the pee pad? It helps them to know that’s where u go.

        • Britt
        • April 13, 2018
        Reply

        What kind of puppy spray?

      • Holly
      • April 14, 2018
      Reply

      Instead, put pads in his crate and leave the door open a crack, so he can push it open when he’s done. Watch him. If he tears up the pad, firmly but quietly say no. If he does not tear up the pad, give him a treat. Gradually, he’ll learn that not tearing up the pad may lead to good things and he will not tear it up eventually when you set them around the house.

      • Rose
      • June 17, 2018
      Reply

      My Chihuahua is about a month he wont stop crying like 3/4 times a night.. Do you maybe have any tips?

    • Juliet
    • January 4, 2017
    Reply

    Hi I have a 2 month old chiwawa and she never stops crying when she’s the cage what can I do to stop all the barking or crying.

      • Carly
      • November 9, 2017
      Reply

      Hi girl. I don’t use a crate but when i leave the room And close the door behind me my 12 wk old chihuahua will not stop whining and scratching at the door. She even urinated one time. Did you figure out anything to help this after? Help would be appreciated !!

    • Michael G.
    • December 1, 2016
    Reply

    Hi! I have Minnie the chihuahua, she’s only 11 months old. it wasn’t long before i noticed Minnie refuses to learn after I try to teach her to not go through the garbage in the kitchen, barking at strangers every time they walks past in our front yard. not only that, her behavior recently had gotten worse, such as peeing in our bed. so i start researching and found this website. after reading more about the separation anxiety, course punishing or confide doesn’t work, i knew that but my wife and i was busy most of time. i was wondering if buy one more dog may help with her anxiety and keep her from loneliness?

      • Deejxue
      • September 16, 2018
      Reply

      No, having another dog doesn’t help with this breed.

      I’ve never been around a dog that was so difficult. My mom bred Malteses when I was a kid and we trained them too. NEVER had the problems my gf and I have with Chihuahuas. They are an EXTREMELY difficult breed, particularly if they haven’t been trained or have an abusive background. One of ours does. She’s impossible to train, she waits until we’re asleep or gone to go trash digging or poop in the house. Even crate training has failed. You have to be home and spend an extraordinary amount of time with them, have a schedule that NEVER varies to get anywhere. They’re meant for a one pet family who never goes anywhere and at least one person is present ALL day!

      Most people work and have some sort of life. I work, my gf is a stay at home mom. As long as she’s home, which she is a lot, or the dogs are put in a cage at night and when we all leave, no problems. But be tired or just forget, and you either wake up or come home to a disaster to step in and clean up. Ice never been anti-dog or pet but this breed is making me never want a dog again.

      To be fair, we have a pitbull and he’s no problem. IF you’re gone all day, and twice we’ve had emergencies, one a car accident another where the kid had to go to the hospital, and he’s been indoors all day, he MAY have an accident. But for the most part, he’s an excellent dog, very well behaved.

    • Katelyn
    • October 27, 2016
    Reply

    I took my puppy from a dog foster home about a year ago. I love him to bits; he has a great personality, and I feel that he loves our family so much. BUT he barks A LOT. . So, leaving home is always a challenge for us.
    My husband and I were thinking about taking him to ‘doggy school’, but then again, it’s extremely expensive, and the nearest ‘doggy school’ is far away from us. Maybe you have some advice? THANK YOU!!!!

      • Furry Mommy
      • May 20, 2017
      Reply

      Their is a pheromone spray that emits a loud noise that the animals do not like. I started using this when my cats & I were living with a roommate whose male cat didn’t get along with mine. If they got around each other accidentally there was no stopping them from fighting. The spray I found then was called VetScript in a green aerosol from Walmart. It was the ONLY thing that would scare/separate them. Once I brought home my Chorkie, & started training him, I noticed he would consistently bark & bark & bark when my bf & I would leave. We could hear him outside our condo. He would also bark at the cats sometimes for no reason, or at a specific noise in the condo. So after trying to spray a water bottle, & every other possible thing I could find on the internet, I considered a mini bark collar but with him so small it made me very nervous. It just so happened I found a very similar product to the spray I used for the cats, in Petco. It was called Pet Stop. After reading the label I decided it was worth trying. Well now my Chorkie is 2 years old & continues to live with three cats, & one of the most common questions I get asked is “How did you get so lucky that your dog never barks?” Lol. (Especially since both breeds he is from are very ‘happy’ typically). PetStop is amazing. It’s a completely harmless way of using classical conditioning to teach your dog that certain actions are unacceptable, in addition to also getting his or her attention. Plus, after a while you don’t actually even new to spray it. My cats & my dog know that if they start to get too loud or rough & arent listening when I attempt to stop them, all they need to hear is the cap come off of the aerosol spray & they all immediately STOP & scatter. It’s 100% worth trying.

        • Furry Mommy
        • May 20, 2017
        Reply

        ‘Yappy’ breed * lol.

          • Daniella
          • December 24, 2017
          Reply

          And your “Yappy” Too !

        • Betty
        • January 17, 2022
        Reply

        My 6 year old Chi barks when there is a package delivered, and I tell him what a good boy he is. He also barked when some guy tried to break into my car. Again, I praised him. Then he started barking when people walked by the front of the house….I have a water filled spray bottle. Only twice did I actually spray him with water. He only needs to SEE the bottle to know that he can’t bark at walkers.

        It only took a weekend to train him. He was an abused 10 week old baby when I rescued him. He is greeted when he walks in the room, walked in the backyard every morning before breakfast and again after he eats. I am self-employed so I can spend more time than most and it shows in his demeanor. As a baby, he hated children because of the noises and to this day, if our music or TV is too loud, he leaves the room and goes to his bed in the office. I might mention he has a bed in almost every room in he house so he has a place to go when I am working on the computer, washing dishes, Showering or watching TV. He feels comfortable anywhere. Spoiled? Sure he is, but he is Loved 🥰! And ladies, my husband will let me sit in the car with our baby, while he does the grocery shopping with my list, just so he isn’t left alone at home. He deserves a ride in the car everyday because he wants to.

        Love your babies because they love you more!

    • Holly
    • October 5, 2016
    Reply

    My chi is 5 months, we got him at 2-3 months old. He has always been obsessively close to me. I can’t even leave the room. We can be hanging out on the couch and he could be in a deep sleep, if I even move he’s up! I don’t leave often but he knows when I’m preparing to go. He will start excessively licking his paws. Anyone else have a chi that does this?

    Is it unhealthy for him to be so close to me? How do we get him to go to other people in the family as well? He sleeps under the covers at my feet. My husband started to worry about him and would try to move him and he would growl. I’ve never seen him aggressive other than in that case.

      • Santina
      • October 18, 2022
      Reply

      My little Chuchawaua is 9. When I leave he screams like no to tommorw. I don’t know what too do. He is very spoiled. If I sit and watch T.V. he sits on my lap. I have 2 other Chuchawaua s and they are fine. But they are Girls. Please help. And when I come home he screams too. I love him so much and I don’t want him too get sick. Thank you.

    • Judy
    • August 31, 2016
    Reply

    I recently went home for a visit. I was gone for a week. My husband said my chi didn’t eat for three days. He drank water but wouldn’t eat.

    • amberley
    • July 6, 2016
    Reply

    hi,
    I have just bought a 10 week old chi, i have learnt so much about these beautise since owning one, and i have had pets before living with my parents

    however i live by myself now and have to work 8 hours a day 5 days a week,
    i have neighbours that said they can come over throughout the 8 hours to maike sure hes alright, but is there anything i could do? as im worried little elvis is going to get anxiety separation…

      • Tina Harrison
      • November 14, 2016
      Reply

      Doggy day care? I wouldn’t leave a dog that long to be honest 🙁

      • Daniella
      • December 24, 2017
      Reply

      You shouldn’t have a dog for that specific reason.. if you’re gone that long and 5 days a week is alot.. it’s just not fair for your fur baby…

        • Sheila Driskill
        • December 31, 2017
        Reply

        Lots of people who own dogs work 8 or more hours a day. That is no reason not to have a dog get him a buddy they will keep each other company while your working

    • Sandy r
    • July 3, 2016
    Reply

    Hey guys,
    For those of you concerned about newer pups soiling bedding or kennels, please keep in mind how long it takes human babies to be able to control their bladders. It takes dogs of any size at least three months, maybe four. So babies cry if they are wet, cold, hungry, lonely… new parents only get a couple hrs sleep at a time. Be patient. Dont punish baby for something they can’t yet control.

    Retired vet assistant

      • Betty
      • January 17, 2022
      Reply

      Excellent advise. I had a long potty training time with my baby. All I said to him, was “mommy fix” and no yelling. You wouldn’t scream at your new baby.
      I love this guy so much, I really didn’t care how many mistakes he made. He is now using his puppy door and he is so proud. I walk out my door and called him from outside his door. I removed some of the magnets because it was too hard for him to push the door open. He was so darn little and precious.

    • Steve.
    • March 24, 2016
    Reply

    An interesting read, I put pads down on my laminate flooring, and newspaper on top..and change it every day..I have 2 cream n white smooth haired, that are lay in my lap as I’m typing this..Mary my bitch ignores my commands..but Joseph my dog is more submissive and nervous, but in a cute innocent way..they’re brother and sister..and I ignore them when I go out and they seem fine…when I get home after a few hours they’re usually asleep in they’re dog bed..I’m going to watch out for stress and anxiety..they’re 3 months old..and most of the family babysit, and they seem fine with that..

    • Vanessa
    • March 21, 2016
    Reply

    I have a teacup chihuahua i’m not sure if she as seperation anxiety, but she always barks and whines when I leave or go to bed what should I do??

    • Christina
    • September 7, 2015
    Reply

    so my Chihuahua is a six-year-old Chihuahua mix and I rescued her from the shelter 2 years ago she was abused in the previous family and for the longest time I put a sweater on her because of the cold conditions even though she was an inside dog and she didn’t used to do the stuff as much.. and for the longest time when we moved in our new house she wasn’t getting your stuff except for most recently but I’m pregnant so I’m thinking she’s got some jealousy going on so I was thinking about putting her sweater back on and sticking her in the kennel while I’m work and seeing how That will work.. What do you guys think??

      • lisa
      • September 19, 2015
      Reply

      for what its worth, I have done alot of research regarding the ‘Thundershirt” and from what I’ve seen, its been a godsend for alot of ppl with dogs that exhibit anxiety… either seperation, or from social interaction, thunder etc..
      they are pricey just to try out… around $32/$34 regardless of the size of the pet, which personally i think is not right, but I’m guessing that you pay for the design behind it, not the amount of materials.
      here are a few links, that show before/after effects trying this product for anxious dogs
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7lilXT8Img
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdh8QO_-MGo
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkp9rGZ6_bA
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7VTv-9kC8M
      I found it to be extreemly helpful and dont for one second regret, finally going ahead and buying one. I didnt realize how much the destructive behavior of a 4# chihuahua, was increasing my own anxiety and causing me to limit my own normal life activity.
      I have no interests in the company that sells these shirts, but I do benefit from having purchased one.
      🙂 Lisa and Krikit

        • lisa
        • September 19, 2015
        Reply

        I mentioned “the thundershirt” specifically in the previous comment, but there are other similar shirts like ‘the anxiety wrap” out there in the market as well.

      • Dan
      • October 16, 2015
      Reply

      Personally I wouldn’t leave them out in the kennel even with a sweater on as they’ll still feel the cold. You also have another risk of the Chihuahua being stolen by someone.

      Just make sure that your dog gets the same amount of attention as you’ve always given them, even once the baby arrives. That way they’ll know that they shouldn’t feel threatened about it.

    • charlotte
    • July 30, 2015
    Reply

    My boyfriend works out of town 2 weeks at a time, so when he’s home he spends pretty much all day with our 2 year old chihuahua. The problem is when he’s away and I have to work 9 hours, 6 days a week.
    She either poops on the carpet or gets into the trash. I leave her to roam around the house and she has a doggy door, but most days it’s not enough for her. Im so frustrated and feel guilty for punishing her. I can’t get her on a schedule since my boyfriend is here half the time and spoils her with his time. Would getting a cat help ease the lonliness??

      • Cynthia W
      • August 13, 2015
      Reply

      Hi Charlotte,
      For what it’s worth, I have 3 cats that stay with “Harley” my 3 yr old Chi and he still exhibits SA behaviors. IMO, I also don’t believe getting another animal, cat or dog will help. It will just add to your lil ones stress. I noticed my guy likes routine. Right down to the bowl he eats from 🙂 What might help is having your boyfriend adapt “your” routine with your pup. O, Lordy … I feel your pain. It is soooo aggravating to come home and clean up their mess but yelling and punishing her will actually exasperate your problem. Trust me, Im not trying to lay on the guilt, just speaking from experience! I spent time training my 4 year old (who I adopted as an abused pup @ 3)to use wee-wee pads. This way when he must relieve himself because of anxiety he uses the pads instead of my carpets! I just put him on the pads until he knew that was where he goes while he’s inside. I did that straight and then took him back outside while I was home. You’ll have to find what works for your lady. Just make sure the pads are always down when you leave. Try and keep her in a room with no carpets if you can & definitely pick up the garbage and put on counter where she can’t reach. Hang in there, and when you come home to a mess, just try and remember, its the product of a pooch who desperately misses you because she really loooves you 🙂 Good luck!

      • Holly
      • April 14, 2018
      Reply

      Maybe you should buy another Chi. It said in another article that Chihuahuas prefer the company of other Chihuahuas more than other pets. So consider another Chihuahua, it just may work!

    • Nikki
    • July 1, 2015
    Reply

    Around November 2013 my mom was home from work and was bringing in groceries. Then this little chi was just walking up to our house and just walked in. Long story short he was abused and we took him in and turns out he has bad separation anx from our other dog Beast. Once when we took beast to get a bath outside for about 15-20 mins. Our little dog Paco stood by the front door whining and pawing at the door during Beasts bath. It was cute at first, but we can’t leave paco at home without beast.(Paco is 5 and Beast is 13)

    • Kristi
    • June 17, 2015
    Reply

    our Chi is 8 weeks old and we have had him for 2 days. Last night was pretty hard, but I finally went in with him and rubbed him to sleep and left very quietly and he was fine the rest of the night. He is very attached to me. Great info. so i was planning to get a crate and train him that way but after reading this i’m worried now. Any body have any suggestions?

      • Hipsy
      • July 5, 2017
      Reply

      I just wanted to quickly comment on crate training. I crate trained my, now one year old, Chi named Emmi because I have a very erratic work schedule and it’s been such a godsend. Personally, I would crate train ANY type of sign I own UNLESS they were abused, beaten or left in a crate for really long periods of time. And I means 24+ hrs at a time.
      I also feel that crate training Emmi has not only made her happier but also made any other type of training easier.

      And someone mentioned punishing their pup for defecating inside when they got home from work and I just want to tell you that punishing your pup after the fact will only cause more anxiety & confuse your poor puppy! Unless you catch them in the act they will Not know why you’re punishing them. Even if you stick their nose in it they won’t understand why. ONLY punish your puppy if you CATCH THEM IN THE ACT!

        • Hipsy
        • July 5, 2017
        Reply

        *…I would crate train any type of dog I own..*

        • Holly
        • April 14, 2018
        Reply

        Honestly, I think it’s best to not punish your dog at all… Just firmly but quietly say no and ignore him for a couple of minutes.

    • Whit
    • May 6, 2015
    Reply

    Hi I have a 3 year old Chi and she is my baby and favors me over my mom . I’ve moving two hours away and she is staying with my mom . Is there anyway to prepair her for this? I don’t want her to get depressed or anything . She’s my baby and it just scares me to leave her ):

      • Jack
      • July 12, 2015
      Reply

      One solution, if you are to take on the added responsibility, is to get a second chi to keep him or her company. I have one really anxious chi who was a rescue and probably caged for most of the first year of his life. For this reason I do not crate him. I found crating to be traumatic for the dogs I have rescued that have been abused, neglected or caged for long periods. I have had sucess with crate training, however, with a dog I got as an 8 week old puppy. Having a second more mellow chi helps my anxious chi so much. There is no howling or whining as long as he has his buddy home with him. They curl up together, clean each other, and play together. Both are much happier together than they would be apart. The non-anxious chi would often get bored if I didn’t exercise him enough because ofcold snowy weather or because my own mobility difficulties. Since I added the second chi he never exhibits signs of boredom. They run around and wrestle together all of the time. They arent perfect and do sometimes have accidents. If things are left out, ie food or trash, and they are unattended they will get into it. But neither dog is destructive to furniture or anything like that. Most importantly they are both happy and the anxious one is so much more well adjusted then I thought possible.

    • fran
    • January 19, 2015
    Reply

    Saw you posting about Chihuahua with separation anxiety. I have a 5 yr old Chi that is now on meds and Melatonin from Vet. Nothing seems to work. I love my little guy so much. it tears me up when I have to leave him here along while I work. I never use to crate him in his kennel cage. until he tore up vertical blinds to patio doors. then he tore up carpet under my closet door. and chew bottom of my closet door. smh…. i’m pulling my hair out.

    • Katlyn
    • January 8, 2015
    Reply

    My male is only 9 weeks and I’ve been trying to get him to stop his incessant whining when he’s put in his crate. I’ve owned plenty of dogs before him and I’ve never had a dog /not/ stop when I follow instructions like the ones on pet websites. I even play soft music,but he seems to be just getting worse. It’s very stressful, since he’s being potty trained with his crate, and it cuts down on my sleep, giving me roughly two hours a night.
    I love my puppy, and I don’t want to immediately take him to a vet for drugs for separation anxiety, but he sounds like I’m murdering him when I leave the room… and it just keeps going! I would let him sleep with me, but he first needs to learn basic potty training. He’s already soiled most of my blankets.
    Is there anything I can do that would make him calm down??

      • rebecca
      • April 4, 2016
      Reply

      I’m in the same EXACT situation with my 12 week old pom-chi, have you found any way to help reduce his anxiety??

    • lubna
    • November 10, 2014
    Reply

    hello, we got our chi about two weeks ago for my 8 year old daughter. He is not aggressive with the kids, but favors me more than anyone and will not go to anyone if i am around. will he grow to follow and adore my daughter like he has me?

    • steph
    • August 27, 2014
    Reply

    My one yr old male chi just started with peeing around the house when I’m not in the room with him about 2 months ago from day one he has always wanted to be held 24/7 less he sleeping in his pack and play but I nvr thought him being wanted to be held all the time was anxiety I just thought he was a big love bug

    • Bobbie
    • August 26, 2014
    Reply

    I get it now, but their not the only ones who get separation anxiety, I hate leaving them 🙁 I think I would cry if I couldn’t give my babies a kiss and cuddle before going to work.

    • Jennifer C
    • July 24, 2014
    Reply

    thanks for the info! helps alot! 🙂

    • Cathy
    • June 7, 2014
    Reply

    My Chi seems to pout when I have to leave her, when I come back she is very excited but then just ignores me. I think I’m her 3rd or 4th owner,she’s over 7 months old. After reading some of your information I can see things I have done wrong. I’ve had a Poodle, and a Cock a poo.

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