Managing Separation Anxiety
Step-by-step guidance for helping dogs feel confident when left alone
Not Veterinary Advice
Understanding Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders in dogs. It occurs when a dog becomes distressed upon being separated from their attachment figure(s). This isn't "naughtiness"—it's genuine panic that requires patience, understanding, and systematic behaviour modification.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may show:
- Destructive behaviour (especially near exits)
- Excessive barking, howling, or whining
- House soiling despite being house-trained
- Pacing, drooling, or panting
- Attempts to escape
- Refusing to eat when alone
The Root Cause
Separation anxiety can develop due to various factors:
- Changes in routine or household
- Loss of a family member (human or animal)
- Moving house or significant environment change
- Traumatic events when alone (storms, burglary)
- Lack of gradual independence training as a puppy
- Over-attachment or sudden change in owner availability
Step-by-Step Management Plan
Follow these steps for the best results
Rule Out Medical Issues
Always consult your vet first. Some medical conditions (pain, cognitive decline, incontinence) can mimic separation anxiety. Your vet can also discuss medication options for severe cases.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a comfortable area where your dog feels secure:
- Use a crate if your dog is crate-trained and views it positively (never force)
- Provide familiar bedding with your scent
- Keep the area calm and quiet
- Consider a white noise machine to muffle external sounds
- Leave safe chew toys and enrichment activities
Gradual Desensitisation
This is the gold standard treatment. Start small and progress slowly:
Week 1-2: Pre-departure cues
- Pick up keys/coat without leaving
- Walk to door and return immediately
- Repeat 10-20 times daily until your dog shows no stress
Week 3-4: Brief absences
- Step outside for 5 seconds, return
- Gradually increase to 30 seconds, then 1 minute
- Only progress when your dog is calm
Week 5-8: Extending time
- Build up to 5 minutes, then 10, then 15
- Vary the duration—don't always increase
- Practice multiple times daily
Week 9+: Real-world absences
- Start with very short real errands
- Always return before your dog reaches threshold
- Gradually extend time over weeks and months
What to Avoid
These approaches can make anxiety worse:
- Never punish anxious behaviour
- Don't make departures or arrivals a big event
- Avoid "flooding" (forcing long separations)
- Don't use anti-bark collars or similar aversive devices
- Don't skip steps in the desensitisation process
Environmental Enrichment
Leave puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, or snuffle mats to provide distraction during the first few minutes of alone time. Time these to run out before anxiety typically starts.
When Medication May Help
For severe cases, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to reduce distress during behaviour modification. This is not a "quick fix" but can make training more effective and improve your dog's quality of life during the process.
Action Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you're covering all the important steps