Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common behaviour problems seen by UK vets and animal charities. Many dogs struggle when left alone, showing distress behaviours such as barking, house soiling, or destructive behaviours. For pet parents, it can feel overwhelming and sometimes even frustrating.
In this guide you’ll learn how to spot symptoms of separation anxiety, understand why your dog feels this way, and find effective treatment options.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety in dogs is a condition where a dog becomes extremely anxious when their family member or main caregiver is not around. It is more than boredom—many dogs with this condition show panic-like behaviour during the owner’s departure and while left alone. These behaviours include howling, pacing, scratching at doors, and in some cases self-injury.
Separation anxiety may look different in individual dogs. Some dogs spend the whole time whining quietly, while others become destructive within minutes of being left alone. Puppies and new dogs are at higher risk of developing separation related behaviours if they have not been taught to cope gradually.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often show clear signs that they are distressed when left alone. These symptoms may start within minutes of the owner’s departure and can continue until they return.
Common symptoms include:
-
Vocalisation: barking, howling, or whining loudly.
-
Destructive behaviours: chewing doors, scratching windows, tearing cushions, or damaging furniture.
-
House soiling: urinating or defecating indoors, even if the dog is completely house trained.
-
Excessive excitement: jumping, panting, drooling, or pacing when the owner prepares to leave.(departure cues like picking up keys or putting on shoes can trigger this).
-
Distress behaviours: self-licking, chewing paws, or escape attempts.
Pet parents should also watch for subtle changes in their dog’s behaviour. Some dogs dealing with separation anxiety simply refuse food toys or toys when left alone, which is unusual for dogs that normally love treats.
Causes of the Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not being “naughty”—they are genuinely distressed. Most dogs can learn to cope, but some develop separation anxiety due to a mix of triggers. Here are the main reasons:
-
Natural social needs: Dogs are pack animals. When a family member leaves, stress hormones rise, leading to distress behaviors like howling or pacing.
-
Departure cues: Small actions such as picking up car keys, putting on shoes, or closing the inside door can make a dog start panicking because they predict the owner’s departure.
-
Early stages and upbringing: Puppies or a new dog that never learned independence can easily develop separation related behaviours. Lack of crate training or alone-time practice in the early stages increases the risk.
-
Sudden changes: Moving house, a change in the daily routine, or the loss of other animals can make dogs with separation problems worse.
-
Medical problems: Pain or illness may increase a dog’s anxiety and lead to behaviour problems such as house soiling. A vet check rules this out first.
-
Boredom dogs: Dogs dealing with little mental stimulation, no puzzle toys, and limited free access to exercise may show destructive behaviours when left alone.
-
Individual dogs: Both male dogs and female dogs can be affected. Some dogs are more emotionally attached to their owners, making them more likely to develop separation anxiety.
Understanding these causes helps pet parents apply effective treatment, from behaviour modification to systematic desensitization.
How Separation Anxiety Differs from Other Health Issues
Not every problem that happens when a dog is left alone is true separation anxiety. Dogs may chew, bark, or toilet indoors for other reasons, including boredom dogs, lack of training, or even medical problems.
For example, house soiling can be linked to urinary tract infections or digestive issues rather than separation related problems. Likewise, destructive chewing can also be caused by teething in young dogs or under-stimulation in adult dogs. Some dogs simply need more mental stimulation and exercise.
The PDSA stresses the importance of visiting your vet first if you suspect separation problems, because only a vet can rule out medical issues. A veterinary behaviourist may also be recommended if your dog’s behaviour continues despite early training.
This distinction matters because treating separation anxiety requires systematic desensitisation and behaviour modification, while medical conditions may need drug therapy or other treatment. If a dog’s anxiety is misdiagnosed, the problem can get worse over time.
How to Train Separation Anxiety in Dogs
The most effective treatment for dog’s separation anxiety is gradual training. Behaviour modification is built around systematic desensitization—helping the dog learn that being left alone is safe.
Steps to try:
-
Start small: Leave the dog behind a baby gate or inside a laundry room for a few seconds, then return before they panic.
-
Gradually increasing absences: Slowly increase the time away across a few days, from seconds to minutes, then longer periods.
-
Use puzzle toys and food stuffed toys: Give enrichment only during training sessions so the dog feels positive when you leave.
-
Mix up departure cues: Pick up your keys and sit back down to break the link between cues and anxiety.
-
Stay calm on return: Avoid excessive excitement when coming back—help the dog remain calm.
How to Help Your Puppy or New Dog Get Used to Being Left Alone
Puppies and new dogs are at higher risk of developing separation anxiety if left alone too soon. Early stages are critical for teaching independence.
Steps for pet parents:
-
Start training sessions as soon as your new dog arrives.
-
Leave the dog behind an inside door for a few seconds, then return calmly.
-
Slowly increase time apart, adding food toys or puzzle toys to keep the dog’s mind busy.
-
Avoid rare occasions where the dog spends too long alone, as this can undo progress.
Why Punishment Won’t Help
Some pet parents may feel tempted to scold dogs suffering from separation problems, but punishment only makes the problem worse. Dogs with separation anxiety are not misbehaving out of spite—they are showing signs of distress.
Punishment after returning home, such as shouting about house soiling or chewing, does not work. The dog cannot connect the behaviour modification with your anger; instead, they learn that your return can be scary. This increases the dog’s anxiety and can trigger more destructive behaviours.
Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) shows that punishment in the early stages can lead dogs to develop separation related behaviours later in life. Positive training and systematic desensitization are far more effective treatment options.
When to Call the Vet
If your dog continues to show distress behaviors after a few days of training, or if the dog injures themselves, it’s time to call the vet. Your vet will rule out medical problems and may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.
Under the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006, pet parents have a duty of care to meet their dog’s needs, including emotional welfare. Ignoring signs of separation anxiety can risk both the dog’s health and legal responsibility.
Treating Separation Anxiety
Helping dogs with separation anxiety takes patience and structure. Effective treatment often combines training, enrichment, and sometimes veterinary support:
-
Gradual behaviour modification: Use systematic desensitization—start with a few seconds of absence and slowly increase time, so the dog learns to remain calm.
-
Use enrichment: Give a food stuffed toy or puzzle toys when leaving, so the dog’s mind is busy and positive.
-
Break departure cues: Pick up your coat or keys and then sit down again, so these signals stop triggering excessive excitement.
-
Safe spaces: Provide crate training or a quiet laundry room where the dog feels secure and relaxed.
-
Professional help: If progress is slow, a veterinary behaviorist can guide behaviour modification plans.
-
Medication support: In severe cases, vets may suggest drug therapy or anti anxiety medication. This helps extremely anxious dogs stay calm enough to learn, but is only safe under veterinary advice.
-
Daily structure: Mix in short training sessions, mental stimulation, and regular walks to reduce stress and prevent boredom.
With consistency, most dogs improve within a few days to a few months, depending on the severity of the problem.
Recovery and Management of Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Recovery from dog’s separation anxiety is not instant, but progress builds with time. Pet parents can manage separation related problems by following these steps:
-
Gradually build independence: Keep practising short absences and slowly increase time away, so the dog learns to cope with longer periods.
-
Avoid setbacks: On rare occasions, if the dog spends too long left alone, go back to shorter sessions and rebuild.
-
Keep routines steady: Dogs feel calmer when daily routines for feeding, walking, and training sessions are predictable.
-
Provide ongoing enrichment: Continue giving food toys, puzzle toys, and opportunities for mental stimulation even after progress is made.
-
Plan for longer absences: Use a dog sitter, neighbour, or family member if you must be out for longer periods than your dog’s limits allow.
-
Watch for behaviour changes: If your dog continues to show distress behaviors, house soiling, or destructive behaviours, return to gradual training and consult your vet.
-
Celebrate small wins: Every time the dog remains calm, even for a few minutes, it means the training is working.
Recovery is about helping the dog feel secure, reducing stress hormones, and preventing the problem worse over time. With patience, pet parents can achieve effective treatment and give their dogs happier, calmer lives.
How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Prevention is always easier than cure. Pet parents can help by:
-
Starting crate training or independence training in the early stages.
-
Avoiding excessive physical contact all day—let the dog learn to settle on its own.
-
Providing regular mental stimulation with puzzle toys and training sessions.
-
Making owner’s departure cues less stressful by mixing them into daily life.
The PDSA advises that prevention should be part of every new dog’s training plan. With a little planning, pet parents can stop separation related problems before they start.
FAQs
How do you help a dog with separation anxiety?
Start with gradual behaviour modification—short absences and rewards for calm behaviour. Use puzzle toys, food stuffed toys, and crate training if your dog enjoys it. For extremely anxious dogs, a dog sitter may help. Always consult your vet if the problem continues.
How to train your dog to be calm when you leave?
Begin by mixing departure cues into daily life so they lose meaning. Then use systematic desensitization: leave for a few seconds, return calmly, and slowly increase the time away. Reward the dog when they remain calm, and keep training sessions short and positive.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety in dogs is tough, but it’s not hopeless. With the right approach—behaviour modification, systematic desensitization, enrichment, and veterinary support when needed—dogs can learn to remain calm and safe when left alone.
