I have an old girl, just about 16, who is the last of four dogs.
I have to strongly agree with eeeefarm, that leaving surreptitiously, or quietly isn’t a great idea.
When I leave little Tess, I’ve found that it is important that I calmly let her know I am leaving. I get the things I take with me, my purse, etc., wake her from her slumber and say that I’ll be back soon. I am upbeat, but not excited.
She’ll go back to sleep, and will be fine when I return.
Should I be in a hurry and forget, I come home to a sad, mournfully howling basenji. I might even find an accident.
She just needs to know.
The fact that I was home so much did make it a little harder for her when I went back to work.
I love the suggestion of the Adaptil. Also that of leaving for short periods of time with a puzzle treat, or frozen peanut butter in a basenji sized Kong. Slowly but surely increasing the time you are away is a good idea.
Initially, 10 minutes may actually be too long.
10 minutes in puppy time is a very long time.
I am so sorry your little dog is having separation anxiety, but I know you will help your puppy through it.