Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Understanding & Treatment

It was January 2016, new year and a new puppy was joining the home. Things were supposed to be chaotic to a degree, puppy biting, blending one dog selective dog with a mouthy energetic puppy, but what I didn’t expect was an 18 week old dog with a serious case of separation anxiety. It left me utterly bewildered and I was already a trainer but I didn’t know anything about this. I couldn’t leave Rodger’s sight without him panicking, and crating only worsened his distress. He would barely sleep during the day, constantly startled by my movements, fearing I had left the room. Early attempts to leave Rodger resulted in intense panic—screaming, drooling, jumping at doors, panting, and even refusing to eat. After six months of nearly daily work, Rodger could manage being alone for about two hours.  We worked up from there with lots of ups and downs, including several months during the pandemic where he wasn’t able to be alone at all. Today, he can comfortably stay alone for 4-5 hours, though he still prefers my company.

In 2017 I became a CSAT , a trainer specializing in separation anxiety in dogs, to help others going through similar struggles. If you’re reading this, perhaps you have a dog who can’t bear being alone, or you know someone who does. Whether you’ve tried various solutions or are unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of dogs experience separation-related behaviors every year.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a panic disorder. If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know how overwhelming it is—your chest tightens, your heart races, you shake, feel dizzy, and everything feels like it’s spinning. Dogs with separation anxiety feel a similar intense panic when left alone or when they sense they might be left alone soon. They cannot control their actions in these moments, much like how someone with an intense fear of heights or snakes cannot control their terror. The fear and panic are very real for them, and their behaviors won’t stop until they feel safe again.

Dogs don’t understand that you’re just going to the mailbox or that you’ll always return from work. Their emotional state takes over, flooding their system with cortisol and adrenaline, with the amygdala (the brain’s emotion center) in control. Each dog’s response is unique; some may start panicking as soon as you pick up your keys, put on your shoes, or step out the door. Some may respond several minutes later or their anxiety may creep up as time goes on.

Observing Your Dog

If you’re unsure whether your dog has separation anxiety, observe them when you leave. Is your dog new to your home? Maybe you've had a few neighbor complaints or your dog has always been ok being alone, but something is different suddenly. This is where gadgets come in. Set up a tablet, laptop, phone, or security camera to monitor their behavior. Signs of anxiety include vocalization (barking/howling), pacing, panting, drooling, scratching at doors or windows, destructive behavior (especially near exits), and refusal to eat. If crated or confined, you might see biting at the bars, digging, or clawing at the door. If these behaviors persist for more than a few minutes and worsen before improving, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. Just one symptom may do it, they don’t need to be suffering from all of the above.

So, you've watched your dog, and saw what you hoped you wouldn't….

Next Steps

First, try to leave your dog alone less often. This doesn’t mean just leaving them home with another dog; most dogs with separation anxiety need a human presence. If you work full-time, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a neighbor or friend who can stop by. This won’t solve the problem but will reduce your dog’s stress levels, which is crucial for starting treatment.

Next, seek professional help. Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) are specially trained to address this condition. We work remotely, making it accessible no matter where you are. Our training strategies are kind, gentle, and effective, ensuring we’re helping your dog overcome their separation anxiety as efficiently as possible while minimizing stress and anxiety every step of the way. I offer a comprehensive assessment that can start you on the path to understanding how to tackle your case.

Speak to your Veterinarian

A thorough medical checkup is essential, as sudden behavior changes can sometimes be due to underlying health issues. Behavior medications, used alongside a behavior modification plan, can be very effective. They should not be considered a last resort but rather a helpful tool in your dog’s recovery.

Treatment and Hope

Separation Anxiety is complex, but there is hope. Recovery takes time and involves gradually desensitizing your dog to being alone. Through predictability in training, addressing underlying health challenges and meeting emotional and physical needs recovery is possible. No other behavioral issue has the impact on the household that separation anxiety does. This process, though straightforward, requires patience and consistency, which is why trainers like myself and other CSATs are here to help. We are trained by Malena DeMartini, the world’s leading expert in treating separation anxiety in dogs.

If you believe your dog is suffering, please get help. If you know they are, please get help. If you’ve tried other methods without success or feel trapped in your home because of your dog’s anxiety, please get help. There is hope, and with the right approach, your dog can learn to feel safe and secure when alone.

Set up a complimentary discovery call, I’d love to see if I can help you.