In the first weeks your dog is in its new home, it will likely experience separation anxiety each time you leave. Gradually acclimate your dog to your prolonged absences.

When you’re leaving, don’t make a big production. Calmly say, “Good dog” and give it a small treat — then leave. Don’t say, “Good-bye.” Make sure it has a favorite toy or two when you’re away for hours. When you return, resist acting excited along with the dog. Calmly praise it for being good. (Also, you’ll probably need to let it outside immediately to do its business.)

If a dog reacts by barking and trying to pursue you when you leave, you can train it to relax with a simple exercise, although it can take several weeks for the behavior to take root. Go through your routine of leaving. Before walking out the door, gently tell the dog, “Quiet.” Then leave and stand silently outside the shut door. Count to 10 in your head, then open the door and walk back in. If the dog stayed quiet the whole time, praise it. If not, gently grasp its muzzle and say, “Quiet.”

The dog will learn to expect that you will return, and therefore won’t be inordinately stressed when you’re gone.