Yorkie separation anxiety is one of the most common behavior problems most Yorkie owners face, and these can lead to unnecessary behaviors problems.
In this post, we will outline and discuss some of the most common Yorkie separation anxiety signs you should know.
Finally, we will also outline and discuss some common ways to help your Yorkie avoid separation anxiety to avoid unnecessary behaviors.
When your Yorkie suffers from separation anxiety, it normally manifests immediately after the owner leaves home, aggressive behavior is one of the signs.
Yorkie separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a disorder that affects Yorkies when they are separated from their owners for an extended period of time or even when they are not left alone unsupervised for an extended period of time.
Separation anxiety in Yorkies is characterized by biting, nipping, barking, self-isolation, injuries, and destructive chewing.
It is important to note that separation anxiety in Yorkies is induced by leaving them alone at home, which may be prevented by providing them with a friend.
Signs of separation anxiety in Yorkies
The following are some of the most prevalent separation anxiety symptoms in Yorkies:
1. Constant freezing when owner leaves or returns
When you get home from work or are about to leave, your Yorkie freezes or becomes rigid because he is afraid of being alone.
Freezing in your Yorkie all of the time can be dangerous to both you and your Yorkie, as it can develop to behavioral issues.
It’s an indication that your Yorkie is upset and won’t be able to handle the situation, which might result in a bite if your Yorkie begins to freeze needlessly as you depart.
Constant freezing in tiny dogs, such as Yorkies, when their owners leave or arrive is a frequent indicator of anxiety that should not be overlooked.
2. Constant whining when owner leaves or returns
If your Yorkie is upset, worried, or suffering from separation anxiety, he may whimper at any time especially when owner leaves or returns.
If the stressor is anything like loud sounds that your Yorkie can’t escape, whining will usually be followed by pacing.
If your Yorkie isn’t yelling because he has to go outdoors or is in pain, it’s most likely stress.
When dogs become stressed due to separation anxiety, they sometimes lose control of their natural whining.
It is, however, a symptom that something is troubling your Yorkie’s environment. Whining is one way that anxiety may present itself.
3. Exceedingly deep digging in yard or bed
One of the most prevalent reasons for your Yorkie digging up your yard is separation anxiety.
They dig to pass the time when they are bored or have nothing better to do.
As a result, if you come home one day to find your Yorkie digging in your yard, you must intervene.
That is an obvious sign that your Yorkie is bored, and ignoring it will only make things worse.
4. Chewing everything
Depression, irritation, stress, and loneliness are the most common causes of chewing furniture in Yorkies, all of which can be prompted by separation anxiety.
Something is awry if your Yorkie is biting everything he sees. It might be a sign of separation anxiety.
According to some, spray areas where you don’t want your Yorkie to chew or hide your valuables and computer cords.
Rather than spraying or concealing things, why not figure out what’s causing the destructive nibbling and solve it once and for all?
If you want to keep your Yorkie away from your valuables, provide him something to gnaw on.
5. Scratching of doors or walls on a regular basis
Yorkies with separation anxiety experience tension and despair, which can lead to clawing at doors and walls.
If your Yorkie has separation anxiety, you’ll notice him clawing the exit door as you leave for work.
You may also see your Yorkie scratching at your walls, which is an evident sign of anxiety brought on by being alone.
If you arrive home to find scratches on your walls or doors, don’t disregard your Yorkie’s separation anxiety; it’s a symptom of displeasure.
6. Urination or feces that is uncontrollable
If your Yorkie is fully potty trained but still has accidents every time you leave the house.
This is a telltale sign that your Yorkie is worried while you’re away.
Your puppy or adult Yorkie may start eating his or her own faeces as a result of anxiety, so keep an eye out for this.
Although this symptom is unpleasant, you may take actions to avoid it or just treat the underlying cause, which may be a concern.
7. When the owners leave, the Yorkies barks a lot
As a result of separation anxiety, excessive barking can induce despair, aggravation, stress, tension, and loneliness in Yorkies.
Separation anxiety in Yorkies develops over time, however it might manifest itself within minutes of the owner’s departure, as previously stated.
Because he is terrified of being alone, your Yorkie may bark excessively when you go for work or somewhere else.
As a result, if your Yorkie begins to bark much more than normal when you leave or enter, you should pay attention.
8. Following you when you are leaving
When your Yorkie is nervous or has separation anxiety, he will do all he can to get out of the home and locate you as you leave.
Your Yorkie could hit his head and teeth against the crate bars, harming himself in the process, all in the name of forcing him to go because he’s afraid of being alone.
Don’t ignore it if your Yorkie attempts to flee the house every time you leave; it might lead to unpleasant behavior concerns.
This is a serious issue since it indicates that your Yorkie is afraid of being alone, which leads to separation anxiety.
9. When hiding behavior has become more prevalent
Increased hiding behavior in a Yorkie can be induced by a variety of factors, the most common of which are separation anxiety and fear.
When a Yorkie is agitated, he may take refuge in a small chamber or a smelly piece of the owner’s clothes.
To relieve himself, your dog may spend hours curled up beneath the table or elsewhere in the house.
If your Yorkie begins to hide needlessly, don’t ignore it; instead, attempt to figure out why. This is one of the most visible signs of separation anxiety in Yorkies.
How to prevent separation anxiety in Yorkies
If your Yorkie already suffers from separation anxiety, I recommend seeing your veterinarian or scheduling time to spend with your Yorkie.
There are, however, various methods for avoiding or alleviating Yorkie separation anxiety, such as the ones listed below.
Some of the most common techniques for treating, halting, or avoiding separation anxiety in Yorkies are as follows:
1. Provide a window view of outside world
If you live in a busy area, your Yorkie will enjoy sitting by the window and watching the world go by.
Allow the window view to be unobstructed, and make sure your Yorkie climbs up and down to keep him occupied while you’re gone.
Make sure your windows have safe screens if your Yorkie is prone to leaping out the window.
You must properly socialize your Yorkie with other dogs, animals, and humans to avoid annoying barking at passers-by.
2. Provide a second dog
Yorkies are prone to separation anxiety since they were carefully developed to be a human companion and thrive solely on human connection.
If you are not always available, having a second companion pet as soon as possible is one of the finest, if not the best, techniques to prevent separation anxiety in Yorkies.
Your Yorkie will be less prone to develop separation anxiety if you have another pet.
To minimize separation anxiety, you could get a second companion pet for your Yorkie.
3. Being crate training program early
Crate training is a common puppy training strategy for a multitude of concerns, including separation anxiety.
When you’re gone for a lengthy amount of time, crate training may provide a safe and pleasant environment for your Yorkie.
The idea is for the dog to associate enjoyable objects such as chew toys and food-releasing puzzle games with his kennel so that he loves spending time there.
Some dogs feel safer and more at peace when they are left alone, so keep a watch on your puppy’s behavior to see whether his anxiety symptoms lessen or worsen.
4. Leave the radio or television when leaving
Teaching Yorkies to associate calmness with watching TV or dog shows is another common way for reducing separation anxiety.
While you are away, you may show your Yorkie a selection of dog shows to help them relax and watch.
Get as many dog movies as you can and let your dog choose the ones that will keep them engaged and quiet.
While you’re busy with other activities, teach your Yorkie to sit and watch dog shows on TV while you’re busy with other things.
5. Provide a treats dispenser
There’s no denying that Yorkies enjoy goodies; thus, you may take advantage of this, but only in moderation, to avoid obesity.
This is a wonderful method to keep your Yorkie busy while you’re away from home; Yorkies adore treats and food, so you can use those to keep them occupied.
Treats in excess can also be a concern for Yorkies, as they can lead to health issues.
As a result, moderation is necessary; you can program the dispenser to sprinkle rewards for your Yorkie over a set length of time.
Start the reward dispenser training when you’re at home so that the goodies will fall when you leave your dog and sit.
For a while, one reward at a time will keep him engaged. You and your dog can try out several times to find which works best for you.
Chewy has a suggested treat’s dispenser, or Amazon has this one too.
7. Invest in pet cameras
Another option is to purchase one of the remote cameras available on Amazon.
While you’re at work, you’ll be able to see and chat to your dog. This may provide you with a great deal of relief.
These dog cameras have high Amazon reviews and might be a decent alternative if you plan to leave your dog alone at home for an extended amount of time.
8. Maintain an appropriate daily schedule
Make a schedule for your Yorkie and yourself that includes time to play, walk, game, and eat. Because your Yorkie will always know what to expect, he will be more comfortable.
Your Yorkie will never be bored or notice your absence since he will be engaged for the most of the day.
Create and stick to a daily regimen that works for both you and your Yorkie, and transfer duty to your Yorkie wherever possible.
If it’s time for a meal, for example, don’t forgo it in favor of something else; instead, practice until your Yorkie is confident.
Most concerns can be alleviated if you and your Yorkie establish a routine that works for both of you.
9. Create a relaxing and stress-free environment
Make your Yorkie’s environment as calm and comfortable as possible.
While creating a potentially stressful setting for your Yorkie, you should bring the same bed, blanket, or mat with you.
Reward your Yorkie for relaxing behaviors on the mat on a regular basis, even if stress levels are low, to encourage your Yorkie to associate the mat with relaxation.
When they leave the house, go to the vet, or are presented with anxiety triggers, they have a secure place to go.
Read more: Why Do Yorkies Shake: 12 Common Reasons
10. Get a pet sitter
If you’ll be gone for the most of the day, it’s a good idea to hire a pet sitter for your Yorkie to avoid separation anxiety.
Depending on your state, agreements, and who will sit your Yorkie, a pet sitter for your Yorkie will cost between $20 and $35.
As a consequence, the pet sitter will visit your Yorkie on a regular basis while you are away till you return.
11. Talk to your Veterinarian
If you have tried everything on this page and nothing seems to work, then it’s time to talk to your veterinarian for anxiety medication.
Your vet may also recommend some anxiety products.
I hope your concerns about Yorkie Separation Anxiety were resolved!
Read more: Why Do Yorkies Cry So Much (8 Reasons)
