Does your dog panic the moment you leave the house? Do they bark, pace, or even destroy furniture while you’re away?
These behaviors might seem frustrating, but they could signal a deeper issue: separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is an increasingly more common behavior that guardians face, and it can significantly impact your dog’s emotional well-being.
In Episode 2 of unPACKed, certified trainers Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) and Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) worked with Christina and her mini poodle mix, Penelope, who struggled with symptoms of separation anxiety.
Let’s explore how to identify separation anxiety and the steps you can take to help your dog feel calmer and more confident.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences extreme stress and panic when separated from their owner.
While some clinginess or mild whining is normal, dogs with separation anxiety often show behaviors that go beyond the occasional protest.
Common Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
Excessive Vocalization: Barking, howling, or whining that persists for long periods.
Destructive Behavior: Chewing furniture, scratching doors, or tearing items apart.
Pacing: Walking back and forth in a fixed pattern, a sign of physical agitation.
Inappropriate Elimination: Urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained.
Self-Injury: Licking or chewing themselves out of stress.
In Penelope’s case, Christina noticed a mix of these behaviors, including pacing and vocalizing for hours when left alone. These symptoms were signs of something deeper than simple boredom.
How to Recognize Separation Anxiety in Your Dog
Understanding whether your dog has separation anxiety requires close observation.
Here are some common indicators:
Clinginess: Dogs with separation anxiety often shadow their owners, refusing to leave their side, even in the bathroom.
Pre-Departure Anxiety: Agitation starts before you leave. If your dog becomes visibly stressed when you grab your keys or put on your shoes, they’re reacting to these cues.
Inability to Relax While You’re Gone: Use a pet camera to monitor your dog’s behavior. If they don’t settle and instead pace, bark, or whine for hours, it’s likely separation anxiety.
If you recognize these patterns in your dog, you can take action.
How to Help Your Dog Overcome Separation Anxiety
The good news? With the right strategies, you can help your dog feel calmer and more confident when they’re alone. Let’s break it down.
One: Establish a Predictable Routine
Consistency is key for dogs with separation anxiety. A regular schedule for meals, walks, and playtime provides stability and reduces stress.
Christina helped Penelope by ensuring every morning began with a walk and play session, burning off extra energy before leaving for work. The consistency gives Penelope something she can expect and count on.
Two: Desensitize Departure Cues
Dogs with separation anxiety often react to your “leaving routine”—picking up keys, putting on a jacket, or lacing up shoes.
By desensitizing your dog to these cues, you can reduce their pre-departure stress:
Perform these actions randomly throughout the day without leaving the house.
Pair departure cues with treats or praise to create positive associations.
Jerri and Mattison asked Christina to practice this step consistently, helping Penelope stay calm as she prepared to leave.
Three: Encourage Independence
Gradually teaching your dog to feel secure without constant interaction is essential:
Start with short absences, leaving for just a minute or even just being at a distance in the same room and gradually increasing the duration.
Provide your dog with engaging activities like puzzle toys or chew treats while you’re gone.
Puzzle toys can keep your dog busy and focused instead of anxious. If your dog can't engage with any food unless you’re right by their side, that’s a perfect place to start.
Four: Create a Safe Space
A designated area where your dog feels secure can help them relax when you’re away:
Use a crate, playpen, or baby gate to limit their access to the home.
Make the area inviting with a comfortable bed, familiar toys, and calming scents.
Although Penelope wasn’t destructive, Christina began gently conditioning her to a soft fabric crate for future use, especially during agility events.
Five: Provide Mental and Physical Enrichment
An enriched dog is less likely to panic because you don’t have a bucket overflowing with energy they don’t know what to do with.
Balance physical activity with mental stimulation to keep their mind and body engaged:
Daily walks or runs to burn energy.
Interactive toys and sniffing games to challenge their brain.
Christina’s weekly agility classes were the perfect outlet for Penelope’s energy and a great bonding activity for both of them.
Six: Consider Medication if Necessary
For some dogs, medication can help reduce their anxiety enough to make training more effective.
Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to explore:
Daily Anti-Anxiety Medication: Reduces baseline stress levels.
Situational Meds: Helps during particularly stressful events, like extended absences.
Supporting Your Dog Through Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety won’t go away on its own and can worsen if left unaddressed.
Dogs with chronic stress are at risk for physical health problems, not to mention the strain it places on your relationship.
Separation anxiety can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, your dog can learn to feel safe and confident when you’re apart.
By establishing routines, addressing triggers, and providing the right mental and physical outlets, you’ll be setting your dog up for success.
Want to learn more about separation anxiety?
Listen to Episode 2 of unPACKed to hear how Christina helped Penelope overcome separation anxiety with guidance from Jerri and Mattison.
about unpacked
unPACKed was created by Jerri Scherff and Mattison Skoog-Simpson. This is a community-focused project to provide transparent education within the dog training industry. Tune in every month for a new episode to unPACK real canine behavior cases.
Connect with us on Instagram @unPACKed.stream
Jerri Scherff (CPDT-KA) - Tulsa Pack Athletics
Mattison Skoog-Simpson (CDBC, CPDT-KA) - Freed by Training
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for working directly with a qualified dog training or behavior professional. Always consult a professional for guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Comments