Separation anxiety in dogs is a common behavioural issue that can cause a lot of stress for both pets and their owners. Many dogs become anxious or distressed when left alone, leading to unwanted behaviours like barking, destruction, or even attempts to escape. While it’s upsetting to see your dog struggle, the good news is there are effective ways to help. Understanding the signs and taking proactive steps can make a huge difference in your dog’s wellbeing—and your peace of mind.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog experiences intense distress when left alone or separated from their primary caregiver. This isn't just your dog missing you—it’s a deeper emotional response that can significantly affect their wellbeing. Dogs are highly social animals, and some form stronger-than-usual attachments to their humans, making alone time particularly stressful.
Unlike simple boredom or a bit of whining, separation anxiety can trigger panic-like reactions. In many cases, dogs begin to associate certain cues—like picking up keys, putting on shoes, or closing a door—with being left alone, and their anxiety can start to build even before you leave the house.
This condition affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It’s more commonly seen in:
- Rescue dogs or rehomed pets, due to past trauma or changes in environment
- Dogs who have never learned to be alone, especially those constantly surrounded by people
- Pets with a sudden change in routine, such as owners returning to work after extended time at home
Separation anxiety is not a result of poor training or a dog being ‘naughty.’ It’s a behavioural issue rooted in fear and emotional dependence, and it needs to be treated with patience, consistency, and the right techniques.
Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For
Dogs can’t tell us they’re anxious—but their behaviour speaks volumes. If your dog starts acting out only when you’re not around or begins showing signs of stress as you prepare to leave, they may be suffering from separation anxiety.
Here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Vocalisation – Persistent barking, howling, or whining that often starts shortly after you leave and may continue for extended periods. This isn’t just ‘complaining’—it’s a sign of panic.
- Destruction – Chewing furniture, scratching at doors or windows, tearing up bedding, or even chewing through crates. These behaviours are often attempts to cope with stress or to try and escape to find you.
- Pacing and restlessness – Your dog may walk in circles, pace up and down hallways, or move from window to window. These repetitive movements show their rising anxiety levels.
- Toileting indoors – Even house-trained dogs may urinate or defecate when left alone. This isn’t out of spite—it’s a stress reaction.
- Escape attempts – Some dogs will try to dig under fences, break through doors, or climb over barriers to follow you. These behaviours can result in injury and are usually a sign of extreme distress.
- Drooling, panting, or trembling – Physical signs of anxiety like excessive drooling, shaking, or heavy panting can also occur, especially in the minutes leading up to your departure.
If your dog only displays these behaviours when you’re away—or even when you’re preparing to leave—it’s likely that separation anxiety is the cause. It’s important to distinguish these behaviours from those caused by other issues like lack of exercise, general anxiety, or health problems. A proper assessment can help you choose the right approach.
Common Causes of Separation Anxiety
Understanding why your dog is experiencing separation anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively. While every dog is different, there are a few key reasons that separation anxiety may develop:
Sudden Changes in Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and a major change—like an owner returning to work after months at home, a move to a new house, or a shift in daily schedule—can trigger anxiety. For example, many dogs developed separation anxiety after lockdown periods ended and their humans began spending less time at home.
Rehoming or Previous Trauma
Dogs adopted from shelters or rehomed from previous families are especially prone to separation anxiety. Past abandonment, neglect, or a lack of stability in early life can make it harder for them to feel secure when left alone, even for short periods.
Lack of Socialisation or Independence Training
Puppies that are never taught to be on their own, or dogs who are always surrounded by people, may become overly dependent. If a dog has never had a chance to learn how to cope with being alone, they may panic when it finally happens.
Over-Attachment to One Person
Dogs who form a strong bond with a particular family member may struggle most when that person leaves the house—even if others are still home. This attachment can become a problem if not managed with healthy boundaries and independence-building exercises.
Boredom and Understimulation
Although boredom alone doesn’t usually cause true separation anxiety, a lack of physical and mental stimulation can make symptoms worse. A dog with too much pent-up energy and nothing to focus on is more likely to become anxious and destructive.
Genetic Predisposition and Personality
Some breeds are naturally more people-oriented and may be more likely to develop separation anxiety (e.g. Border Collies, Labradors, or Spaniels). Individual temperament also plays a big role—some dogs are simply more sensitive or emotionally reactive than others.
What You Can Do to Help Your Dog (Management Strategies)
Separation anxiety can’t be fixed overnight, but making the right changes to your dog’s environment and daily routine can create a strong foundation for recovery. These management strategies are about setting your dog up for success—not triggering their anxiety while building their confidence slowly.
1. Establish a Calm, Predictable Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping feeding, exercise, and sleep schedules consistent helps reduce stress and gives your dog a sense of stability. If your schedule is changing, make transitions gradually where possible.
2. Provide a Safe, Comfortable Space
Designate a quiet area where your dog can feel secure. Whether it’s a crate (for dogs who enjoy it), a playpen, or a separate room, it should include:
- Their bed or favourite blanket
- Familiar toys
- An item of your clothing (your scent can be comforting)
- Calming background noise (white noise, classical music, or even the TV)
This space becomes a go-to “calm zone” during alone time.
3. Use Enrichment Tools to Reduce Boredom and Anxiety
Mental stimulation is vital. Offer puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, frozen stuffed Kongs, or lick mats filled with peanut butter or dog-safe yoghurt. These encourage focus and self-soothing behaviours.
Rotate enrichment items to keep things interesting and prevent frustration.
4. Practice Low-Pressure Alone Time While You’re Home
Encourage your dog to settle in another room, behind a baby gate, or in their crate while you’re still at home. Ignore them for short periods so they get used to being physically apart without feeling abandoned.
Reward calm behaviour once the session ends—not during—to reinforce relaxation, not attention-seeking.
5. Keep Exits and Entrances Low-Key
Avoid turning departures and reunions into emotional events. Quietly leave and come back without fuss. Over-excitement can heighten anxiety and make your absence more intense than it needs to be.
6. Avoid Unintentional Triggers
Dogs pick up on routines—grabbing keys, putting on shoes, or picking up a bag can spark anxiety. Occasionally do these actions without actually leaving to help break the negative association.
Behaviour Training Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety
While management makes your dog’s environment less stressful, dog behaviour training focuses on changing their emotional response to being alone. These exercises help build independence, increase resilience, and shift your dog’s focus away from panic.
Desensitisation Training: Start With Brief Absences
This structured approach involves teaching your dog that being alone—even for short periods—is safe. Here's how:
- Start by walking out the door for a few seconds, then return before your dog shows signs of distress.
- Gradually extend the time, only increasing duration if your dog remains calm.
- Vary the routine (e.g. different doors, leaving keys behind) to prevent pattern recognition.
Consistency is key—short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones.
Counter-Conditioning: Create Positive Associations
Pair your departures with something your dog enjoys:
- Give a frozen Kong or chew only when you're leaving.
- Take it away when you return, so they learn that good things happen when you go—and end when you come back.
This turns alone time into a positive experience rather than a feared one.
Train “Place” or “Settle” Commands
Teaching your dog to relax in one spot helps build independence. Start in the same room and reward them for staying calmly on their mat or bed. Over time:
- Increase your distance.
- Leave the room briefly.
- Build up until they remain settled for several minutes out of sight.
This lays the groundwork for calm, relaxed separation.
Reward Calm, Independent Behaviour
Catch your dog being good. If they lie down on their own or choose to rest away from you, calmly mark the behaviour with praise or a treat. These small moments reinforce self-settling.
Avoid reinforcing clingy behaviours—don’t reward whining, following, or leaning when you're about to leave
Avoid Over-Correction or Punishment
Fear-based training or “tough love” methods like ignoring prolonged distress or using bark collars can damage trust and worsen anxiety. Stick with gentle, positive-based techniques that help your dog feel safe and supported.
Track Progress With a Camera or Journal
Use a pet camera or a simple log to track your dog's behaviour when you’re gone. Note the time anxiety begins, what works, and when to adjust. This helps guide the pace of your training and highlights early signs of progress.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many dogs with mild separation anxiety improve with structured training and environmental changes, some need additional support. If your dog’s anxiety is severe, persistent, or worsening despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer in Sydney.
Signs That Your Dog May Need Extra Help
- Your dog becomes destructive, injures themselves, or tries to escape when left alone
- They show extreme distress for long periods, not just the first few minutes after you leave
- Progress with desensitisation and training is minimal or reversing
- Their anxiety is interfering with basic daily activities—eating, resting, or settling down
- You feel overwhelmed or unsure how to proceed safely and effectively
It’s not a failure to seek help—some dogs simply need a more tailored, expert approach.
Certified Dog Trainers and Behaviourists
Look for trainers who specialise in anxiety and use positive reinforcement techniques. A qualified behaviourist can:
- Identify subtle triggers and patterns
- Design a customised behaviour modification plan
- Help you pace the training appropriately
- Provide real-time feedback during sessions
In Australia, trainers certified through organisations like the Delta Institute, PPGA, or IAABC often have specialised knowledge in behaviour modification.
Veterinary Involvement
Sometimes, anxiety is so severe that behavioural training alone isn’t enough. Your vet may recommend:
- A full health check to rule out underlying medical issues
- Short-term anti-anxiety medication or supplements to reduce panic responses during training
- Referral to a veterinary behaviourist for advanced cases
Medication isn’t a “last resort”—it can be a helpful bridge that supports the training process and improves quality of life for both pet and owner.
Support for the Owner Matters Too
Living with a dog that has separation anxiety can be draining. A professional can also help support you, guide realistic expectations, and reduce the emotional burden of dealing with the behaviour on your own.
Preventing Separation Anxiety in Puppies
The best time to address separation anxiety is before it starts. Teaching puppies how to be comfortable alone is just as important as teaching them to sit or come when called. Early socialisation and gradual independence training can significantly reduce the risk of anxiety later in life.
1. Start With Short, Positive Separations
Don’t wait until your puppy is older to introduce alone time. Begin by:
- Leaving the room for a few minutes while your puppy is safely confined (e.g. crate or playpen)
- Returning quietly and rewarding calm behaviour
- Gradually increasing the time and distance
The goal is to normalise brief separations as a routine part of life—not something to fear.
2. Encourage Independent Play
Puppies don’t need constant attention, even if they act like it. Help them develop confidence by:
- Providing chew toys or treat-dispensing puzzles they can enjoy without you
- Ignoring clingy behaviour and rewarding moments when they settle on their own
- Avoiding the habit of always responding immediately when they seek attention
This builds resilience and reduces emotional dependence.
3. Crate Training as a Confidence Tool
When introduced properly, crate training can provide a safe, secure space for your puppy. Start slowly:
- Let them explore the crate freely with the door open
- Feed meals or offer treats inside to build positive associations
- Never use the crate for punishment
A crate-trained puppy is more likely to tolerate alone time calmly.
4. Limit Over-Attachment
It’s natural to want to be with your puppy all the time—but too much constant contact can lead to over-dependence. Make sure they experience:
- Time alone in a separate room
- Opportunities to self-soothe without being picked up or comforted
- A mix of social time and solo time throughout the day
Balanced interaction helps them grow into a more confident, independent adult dog.
5. Expose Them to a Variety of Experiences
Puppies who are well-socialised are often more adaptable in new situations, including being alone. Introduce:
- New environments and people
- Different sounds and objects
- Gentle exposure to being left with other trusted people (pet sitters, family, etc.)
Confidence in general helps reduce the likelihood of developing anxiety-based behaviours.
Final Thoughts
Separation anxiety can be challenging—for both you and your dog—but it’s important to remember that it’s not a permanent condition. With patience, structure, and compassion, most dogs can learn that being alone isn’t something to fear.
Whether you're dealing with a newly anxious puppy or an older dog who’s suddenly struggling, the key is to take things step by step. Support your dog with the right environment, use training techniques that focus on positive reinforcement, and don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help when needed.
You’re not alone in this, and your dog doesn’t have to be either. With time and consistency, you can rebuild their confidence—and restore a sense of calm to both your lives.
