Separation training needs to start with your Whippet puppy right away if you want to avoid the risk of your puppy developing separation anxiety. A good breeder will have already begun this process, and after a day or so to settle in, it should be continued. Either way, it needs to be part of your routine from the very beginning.
There are two key areas you need to focus on:
1. Learning to Be Left Completely Alone
Your puppy needs to think that being left alone in the house (with no humans present) is completely normal. At 8 weeks old, most puppies will naturally follow a routine of being awake for around 2 hours and asleep for around 2 hours throughout the day. The best time to leave your puppy alone is just before one of their regular naps, ideally when they are settled in their crate where they are safe and comfortable. You will quickly get to know how long your puppy naps for, so start by leaving them alone for around an hour and gradually build up. As a general guide:
8-10 weeks – no more than 1 hour at a time
11-14 weeks – up to 2 hours
4-6 months – 2-3 hours
Adult Whippets – up to 4 hours if they are well trained and have toileted beforehand
Note these are maximum guidelines and should not be repeated multiple times a day. Crating for long periods every day is not suitable for a Whippet.
When leaving your puppy, do it in a calm, matter of fact way. Make sure they are settled in their crate or safe area, then simply leave. No long goodbyes, no fuss – just leave like it is the most normal thing in the world. If you are feeling unsure, use a camera to watch them so you can monitor how they are doing. Do not return unless absolutely necessary. It may be difficult to hear them cry, but it usually does not last long and it is genuinely in their best interest in the long run. In fact, leaving them for a nap can be especially helpful when your puppy is overtired and getting fussy or ‘tantrumming’ – some alone time and space is often exactly what they need to settle and sleep.
2. Learning to Be Independent While You Are Home
Your puppy also needs to learn how to self entertain when you are still in the house. For example, if you have had a full play, training, or socialisation session in the morning, then after their next nap, they should be able to entertain themselves while you get on with work or house chores. This might include: playing with toys, chewing a treat or enrichment item, exploring the garden in good weather or a mix of all these. By alternating periods of full attention with times when you are present but not interacting, your puppy learns that it is okay not to have your focus all the time.
Routines and Life Changes
If your routine suddenly changes, it is important to think about separation training again. One of the biggest problems seen after the COVID lockdown was that dogs became used to having their people home all day, then everyone returned to work or school and separation issues began. If you suddenly find yourself at home more often, still make sure to leave your dog a few times a week. Even something as simple as a drive to a local drive thru or leaving the house to go for a walk without the dog can help.
Why Separation Training Matters So Much
Whippets are especially prone to separation anxiety, but if you build in a calm, consistent, no fuss routine from the start, they will not even realise they are being ‘trained’ for it. It simply becomes part of everyday life. Separation anxiety is one of the most common reasons Whippets are surrendered to rescue. It is incredibly stressful for them and very difficult to undo if the right habits are not in place early on. Getting it right from the start helps prevent future distress, ensures a more confident and secure adult dog, and supports a happier, healthier environment – not just for your Whippet, but for your entire household. Investing time in this now sets you all up for success.
