It’s a heartbreaking scene: You’ve only been gone a short while, and when you return, your dog is drooling, shaking, and staring at you wide-eyed in panic. The entryway is a mess, the TV remote is chewed up, and the sofa cushions are in pieces.

This isn’t just ordinary mischief — it could be separation anxiety. This condition causes extreme stress for your dog and can also be very stressful for you.

Here’s how you can help your dog overcome separation anxiety and keep them safe and healthy.

What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety happens when a dog feels stressed or panicked when they’re away from the person they are most attached to.

Trainer Tina Flores, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), says it’s similar to a human panic attack. For example, if someone afraid of heights is put on top of a tall building, their body reacts with sweaty palms, a dry mouth, and a fast heartbeat. For a dog with separation anxiety, the same stress hormones flood their body every time they’re left alone.

How to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety

The main goals are to:

1. Help your dog feel less dependent on you.

2. Teach them how to relax when you’re not home.

This takes time and patience—there’s no quick fix. Because the process can be complex, it’s best to work with a qualified professional, such as a CSAT or a veterinary behaviorist (who can prescribe medication if needed). Always choose a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods.

1. Behavior Modification

The best approach is to change how your dog feels about being alone. This is done through systematic desensitization—gradually increasing the time your dog spends alone without triggering anxiety.

• Start small: leave the room for just a few seconds, then return before your dog gets anxious.

• Slowly increase the time as long as they stay calm.

• If they show signs of stress, go back to a shorter time.

• Include “leaving cues” like picking up your keys or putting on shoes during training so your dog learns these don’t always mean long absences.

2. Avoid Leaving Them Alone for Too Long

During training, your dog should not be left alone for longer than they can handle. If you can’t be home, ask a friend, family member, neighbor, dog walker, or daycare for help.

Breaking this rule can undo progress. For example, if your dog is okay for 30 minutes but you leave them for 2 hours the next day, they may lose trust that you’ll return before they panic.

3. Give Plenty of Exercise

Extra physical and mental activity can help, especially for dogs with milder separation intolerance.

• Take them for a walk before leaving.

• Play puzzle games that hide treats.

• Try scent games like “find the toy.”

A tired, mentally stimulated dog is more likely to rest while you’re gone.

References

https://www.petmd.com/dog/training/how-help-dog-separation-anxiety