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Hello hello, Pet Parents! Carlos here. If you’re worried about your dog developing separation anxiety, you’re not alone. This is a common concern for pet parents, especially if your pup shows signs of distress when you leave. The good news? With the right strategies, you can help your dog feel calm and confident while you’re away, preventing separation anxiety before it starts.
1. What Is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes overly stressed or fearful when left alone. Signs include:
Excessive barking, whining, or howling
Pacing or restlessness
Destructive behaviors (chewing furniture, scratching doors)
Attempts to escape
Loss of appetite or excessive salivation
Not all dogs who dislike being left alone have separation anxiety, but these behaviors are signals that your pup is struggling to cope with your absence.
2. Why Do Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety can stem from several factors:
Attachment Issues: Dogs who are highly bonded to their pet parents may struggle with alone time.
Changes in Routine: A new job, move, or other life changes can unsettle your pup.
Past Trauma: Rescue dogs or those with a history of abandonment may be more prone to anxiety.
According to research in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, proper early socialization and training can reduce the risk of separation-related behaviors. (Source: ScienceDirect)
3. Steps to Prevent Separation Anxiety
1. Gradually Teach Alone Time
Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the time. Make departures and arrivals low-key to avoid creating a sense of drama around leaving or returning.
2. Create a Safe Space
Provide a comfortable, secure area where your dog feels safe. This could be a crate (if they’re crate trained) or a designated area with their favorite bed or toys.
3. Use Enrichment to Keep Them Occupied
Offer puzzle toys, KONGs stuffed with treats, or chew toys to keep your dog mentally engaged while you’re away.
4. Practice Leaving Without Leaving
Put on your shoes, grab your keys, or do other “departure cues,” but stay home. This helps desensitize your dog to the signals that you’re leaving.
5. Reward Calm Behavior
Wait for your dog to be calm before leaving and upon returning. Reward them for relaxed behavior to reinforce that calmness is rewarding.
4. Common Concerns (and How to Address Them)
“My Dog Follows Me Everywhere!”
Solution: Teach your dog independence by encouraging them to settle in their bed or crate while you move around the house. Reward them for staying calm in another room.
“My Dog Gets Anxious as Soon as I Pick Up My Keys.”
Solution: Practice desensitizing them to departure cues by randomly picking up your keys, putting on your coat, or opening the door without actually leaving.
“What If My Dog Cries When I Leave?”
Solution: Don’t return immediately—wait for a brief moment of calm before coming back. Gradually increase the time they’re alone as they become more comfortable.
. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog shows severe signs of separation anxiety or their distress doesn’t improve with training, consult a certified behavior consultant or your veterinarian. Severe cases may require a tailored behavior modification plan or medical support.
Final Thoughts
Pet parents, helping your dog feel secure when you’re away takes patience and consistency, but the payoff is worth it: a confident, happy pup who trusts that you’ll always come back. By starting early and reinforcing calm, independent behaviors, you can prevent separation anxiety and give both you and your dog peace of mind.
Have questions or need personalized advice for your pup? Reach out—I’m here to help!
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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