Separation Anxiety in Dogs: A Guide for Owners

Whether you are bringing home a new puppy or have had a pet for years, you might face separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs is normal; in fact, it’s one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs.

It may be overwhelming at first, but there are many ways to relieve your sweet pup’s anxiety—and foster your own peace of mind when you aren’t able to be with them.

Below, we’ll walk you through what separation anxiety looks like in dogs, why it happens, and how you can help your dog feel safe, calm and confident when you leave the house.

Quick FAQs about Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Before we dive in, here's some commonly asked questions we get from customers:

1) What are the first signs of separation anxiety in dogs?

Common early signs include whining when you leave, pacing, and clinginess. Dogs may also bark excessively or become destructive.

2) Is separation anxiety common in puppies and rescue dogs?

Yes, both puppies and rescue dogs are more prone to separation anxiety, especially if they've experienced sudden changes in environment or routine.

3) Can separation anxiety in dogs be cured?

While some dogs fully overcome it, most benefit from ongoing training and management. With consistency, symptoms can significantly improve.

4) How can I help my dog while I’m at work all day?

Try using enrichment tools like puzzle feeders, calming music, gradual alone-time training, and pet cameras to monitor behavior.

5) Should I consider medication for my dog’s separation anxiety?

In severe cases, yes. Talk to your veterinarian about options. Medication works best alongside behavior modification training.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs occurs when they exhibit signs of distress while alone or separated from their owners. This could be one or more people in your household. They may act anxious, insecure, or unsettled, and act out in concerning ways while home alone.

Common signs of separation anxiety in dogs include destruction of furniture and belongings, going potty indoors (after being potty trained), or showing overexcitement and extreme greetings when you return home.

Separation Anxiety in Golden Retrievers & Goldendoodles

Separation Anxiety in Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles is a prevalent concern among owners of these affectionate breeds. Known for their strong bonds with family members, both Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles often experience heightened anxiety when left alone. 

The social nature of these breeds means they thrive on companionship and can struggle with feelings of loneliness. 

Recognizing the Symptoms

Separation Anxiety in dogs can be seen in various behaviors, including excessive barking, destructive chewing, or even house-soiling.

Good news: if you know what signs to look for, you can spot separation anxiety early.

Common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include:

• Barking, howling or whining persistently when you leave or when you’re gone.

• Pacing or inability to settle when alone.

• Destructive behaviors only or mostly during the owner’s absence—like chewing things, attempting to escape, digging at doorways or windows.

• House-soiling (urinating and defecating) despite being house trained—especially when separated.

• Excessive salivation, panting, trembling, shivering while you prepare to leave or while you’re gone.

• Over-attachment when you’re home (following you from room to room, separation from you causes distress) and signs of anxiety when you prepare to leave.

If your dog is showing several of these signs, especially timed around your departures or when you prepare to leave the house, then it’s likely your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.

Why Does It Happen?

It’s important to understand that your dog’s separation anxiety is not your fault. It doesn’t mean your furry friend is “spoiled” or “acting out” on purpose. It simply means that your dog doesn’t feel secure when you’re gone, for a variety of reasons, including:

• Changes in daily routine: If you’ve been home a lot (working from home, for example), and suddenly start to leave home regularly, your dog may become anxious.

• A new environment or major life event: moving, a change in family, loss of a family member or another pet, or other big transitions.

• The dog’s background: dogs who are rehomed or spent time in shelters may have a higher risk. 

• Medical issues or pain can also cause  anxiety or make the behavior worse. Always rule out health causes first!

Once you understand why your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, you can figure out the best approach to handling the issue and enhancing their ease. 

A Step-By-Step Plan to Help Your Dog with Separation Anxiety

Here’s a positive-reinforcement and behavior-modification approach to help your dog feel better when you’re preparing to leave, while you’re gone, and when you return.

1. Prepare Your Dog Before Departure

Before you leave, prepare your dog for the separation. 

Start by teaching them calm behaviors, such as settling on a mat. Reward calm quiet time so that they learn the importance of calm behavior.

When you do leave, don’t get overly emotional. When you remain calm, low-key, and drama-free during your departures and returns, they are more likely to take these cues to remain calm themselves.

If you’re going to be leaving for longer periods (since you work from home but may have to step out), try to build up gradual absences. Leave for 2–5 minutes, reward calm upon return; then extend to 10, 20, 30 minutes. Over time build up hours.

Finally, provide a safe space: Some dogs feel more secure in a specific spot (dog bed, crate if they’re used to it). But beware: if the dog panics when crated it may worsen things. Always observe how your dog responds.

2. Occupy Your Dog During Your Absence

The harder it is for your dog to be bored while you’re gone, the less likely they are to experience separation anxiety.

Before you leave, give your dog something to do, like a food puzzle, a treat-filled toy, something that engages their mind and distracts from their loneliness. 

Additionally, you should let your dog get some exercise before you leave. A bit of physical activity and mental engagement can do a great deal to reduce excess energy and anxiety while you’re gone!

Finally, keep a normal background. Some dogs find a radio or low TV soothing. Some find calming pheromones helpful. Talk to your vet about the best options in this department. 

3. Manage the Return

A calm return is just as essential to reducing separation anxiety as a calm departure. Don’t make a huge event out of it every time you get back—this can reinforce the anxiety of “big deal leaving = big deal coming back.” A calm hello helps your dog learn that departures and returns are normal!

Reward calm behavior immediately when you return to reinforce the behavior you want. Then engage in your normal activities—like playing and cuddling. But let the calm time come first so the dog learns the baseline is calmness, not hyper-excitement.

4. Use Behavior Modification Techniques

In addition to calm departures and returns, behavior modification techniques can come in handy. 

Consider desensitization & counter-conditioning. This is about gradually exposing the dog to the trigger (your departure) in a controlled way, paired with positive rewards so the dog learns that when you leave, it isn’t scary—in fact, good things can happen while you’re gone!

For example: 

• Pick up your keys, walk to the door, then go back inside: At first for seconds, then minutes. 

• Offer a treat when you come back, so your dog’s brain associates your departure with positive stuff. 

• Do this many times until your dog barely notices you leaving. Then increase the duration.

5. When to Consider Medication or Professional Help

If despite your efforts the behavior is severe (self-harm, damage, repeated accidents, panic), then it might be a good idea to speak to your vet or a certified veterinary behaviorist (VCA Animal Hospitals).

There are anti-anxiety drugs approved for separation anxiety in dogs. But medication alone is rarely enough—it works best alongside behavior modification. If you film your dog when you leave (using a camera) and watch how they behave, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s happening and whether additional help is needed. 

Practical Day-to-Day Tips for Easing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Here are a few extra tips to help you as you bring your pup a greater sense of calm:

• Routine matters: Try to keep your leaving times, durations, and returns as consistent as possible. After all, dogs thrive on predictability.

• Work-from-home angle: If you’re often at home but moving around (office space, living room, errands), try training your dog to be okay with you being present without giving them a lot of attention—you working, them resting. This helps them build confidence.

• Teach independent behaviors: Encourage activities where your dog can be happily on their own—chew toy in another room, their bed away from you, etc. This nurtures independence.

• Avoid punishing the behavior: If you return to destruction, accidents or whining and respond with anger or frustration, that can increase anxiety. 

• If you go out, do short practice runs: Leaving for 10 minutes, then 20, then an hour. Build gradually so you and your dog both feel confident.

• Celebrate calmness: Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise) for calm behavior—not only when you’re home but especially when you return and your dog is settled, or when they’ve behaved well during a short practice absence. 

• Provide the right space: A comfy dog bed, maybe near a window so they feel connected to the home, or a quiet crate if they’re already familiar with it and comfortable. The space should feel safe.

• Professional resources: If you feel stuck, reach out to a certified positive-reinforcement trainer or veterinary behaviorist rather than trying to “go it alone” with punishment. Behavior modification takes patience and consistency.

What to Expect Over Time

Remember: just like any other type of training, patience is key when it comes to treating separation anxiety in dogs. Changes don’t happen overnight! Dogs with mild separation intolerance may improve in weeks, but those with moderate-to-severe separation anxiety may take months of consistent training and support. 

It’s important to celebrate small wins and not to expect perfection right off the bat. Each moment of calm, each stress-free departure, and each quiet return is one small step toward your dog feeling secure.

Bottom Line

If you feel your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, you’re not alone—and you’re already taking the right first steps by understanding what it is and how to treat it. When you commit to taking the time to foster change with these practical steps, you’re making strides toward an environment your dog can thrive in—whether or not you’re right there beside them.