Dog Separation Anxiety: Your Questions Answered
- beverly538
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Reading time: 5 minutes
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If your dog becomes anxious when you pick up your keys, barks excessively when you leave, or destroys things while you're gone, you're not alone. Dog separation anxiety affects a significant portion of our canine companions, and the worry you're feeling is completely valid.
Research shows that approximately 17% of dogs show signs of separation-related behaviors, with some studies suggesting rates as high as 20-40% depending on the population studied (Salonen et al., 2020). More recent research reveals that separation anxiety increased notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as dogs adjusted to changes in their guardians' routines (Christley et al., 2021).
Here's the encouraging news: separation anxiety in dogs is highly treatable when approached with patience, consistency, and the right support.
In honor of Separation Anxiety Awareness Day, I've partnered with Jo Sellers, the founder of this important awareness day and a leading separation anxiety specialist, to answer the questions we hear most often from concerned dog guardians like you.
Is My Dog Just Being Naughty?
TL;DWatch: Understanding the difference between misbehavior and genuine panic is the first step to helping your dog. Watch this video to learn why your dog isn't being spiteful—they're experiencing real fear.
One of the most painful misconceptions about dog anxiety when left alone is that dogs are "acting out" or trying to punish you for leaving. This couldn't be further from the truth. Your dog isn't being naughty or seeking revenge. Separation anxiety is a panic disorder—your dog experiences genuine fear and distress when left alone. The destructive behaviors you're seeing, the house soiling, the excessive barking—these are all symptoms of panic, not spite or disobedience. Just as a person having a panic attack can't simply "choose" to calm down, your dog can't control their fear response when you leave.
Will More Exercise Fix Separation Anxiety?
TL;DWatch: Many people suggest that a tired dog is a calm dog—and while exercise is important, discover why it won't cure your dog's separation anxiety in this video.
This is one of the most common pieces of advice dog guardians receive, but it's based on a misunderstanding of what separation anxiety actually is. Exercise is absolutely beneficial for your dog's overall wellbeing and can help with general anxiety, but it won't cure separation anxiety. A dog with separation anxiety can be physically exhausted and still experience panic when left alone. The issue is emotional, not energy-related. Think of it this way: if you had a fear of flying, going for a run before getting on a plane wouldn't eliminate that fear. The same applies to your dog's fear of being alone.
Should I Just Let My Dog Cry It Out?
TL;DWatch: This outdated advice is still commonly shared online and can make your dog's panic worse. Watch to understand why "crying it out" doesn't work and what harm it can cause.
Never let your dog "cry it out." This approach is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how separation anxiety works in dogs. When you force a dog to endure panic without support, you're not teaching them coping skills—you're flooding their system with stress hormones and potentially intensifying their fear of being alone. This method can actually make the problem significantly worse and may lead to more severe anxiety behaviors. Dog separation anxiety treatment requires systematic desensitization, which means gradually and carefully building your dog's confidence in being alone, not forcing them to face their worst fear all at once.
Will Leaving an Enrichment Puzzle Out for My Dog When I Leave Fix It?
TL;DWatch: Puzzle toys and enrichment activities are wonderful tools for dogs, but can they address the panic of separation anxiety? Watch to learn when they help and when they don't.
Enrichment puzzles, food toys, and interactive games are fantastic for preventing boredom and keeping your dog mentally stimulated. However, a dog experiencing genuine panic cannot engage with toys or food. If your dog ignores even high-value treats or their favorite puzzle toy when you leave, that's a clear sign you're dealing with anxiety, not boredom. A bored dog will happily munch on a stuffed Kong while you're gone. An anxious dog won't touch it until you return. Puzzles and enrichment activities are excellent supplements to proper separation anxiety training, but they're not standalone solutions for dogs who panic when alone.
What About Behavior Medications or Supplements?
TL;DWatch: There's often confusion and sometimes stigma around using medication for dog separation anxiety. This video addresses when these tools are appropriate and how they support healing.
For many dogs struggling with separation anxiety, anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a veterinarian can be truly transformative. These medications don't "fix" the problem on their own, but they can help your dog feel calm enough to actually learn new coping skills through training. Think of medication as lowering your dog's baseline anxiety so that training can be more effective. Some guardians also try supplements, which may offer mild support for some dogs, though the evidence is less robust. It's important to understand that neither medication nor supplements are "quick fixes"—they work best when combined with proper behavior modification. There should be no shame in using medication to help your dog. It's a compassionate tool that can significantly accelerate progress and reduce your dog's suffering during the training process.
Do I Need to Crate or Confine My Dog to Fix the Problem?
TL;DWatch: Some trainers recommend crating dogs with separation anxiety, while others strongly oppose it. Watch this video to understand the nuances and what's best for your individual dog.
Crating a dog with separation anxiety typically makes the problem worse, not better. When a dog is already panicking about being alone, confining them to a small space can intensify that panic dramatically. Many dogs with separation anxiety will injure themselves trying to escape from crates—breaking teeth, damaging nails, or cutting their paws and muzzles. Confinement doesn't address the underlying emotional distress; it just limits where your dog can express their panic. Most separation anxiety training is more successful when dogs have freedom to move around, find comfortable spots, and self-soothe in ways that work for them. There are rare exceptions, but in general, if your dog is already anxious about being alone, adding the stress of confinement is counterproductive.
What Are the Signs That My Dog Is Struggling with Separation Anxiety?
TL;DWatch: Recognizing the signs of dog separation anxiety is the first step toward helping your pet. This video walks through the common indicators so you can identify what to watch for in your own dog.
The signs of separation anxiety in dogs can vary in intensity and presentation, but there are common patterns to watch for. Your dog may show distress behaviors that begin either when you prepare to leave or shortly after you've departed. These can include destructive behavior—especially focused on doors, windows, or your personal items with your scent. You might notice excessive vocalization like barking, howling, or whining that persists while you're gone. Some dogs pace continuously, drool excessively, or have accidents in the house despite being housetrained. You may see your dog panting, trembling, or attempting to escape. The key distinction is that these behaviors happen consistently and specifically when your dog is left alone or separated from you. If you're observing multiple signs of dog separation anxiety on a regular basis, it's time to seek professional support.
You've Taken the First Step—Now Let's Take the Next One Together
Reading this blog post means you're already doing something incredibly important: you're seeking to understand and help your dog. That compassion and commitment is exactly what your dog needs right now.
My dog has separation anxiety is one of the most common and heartbreaking statements we hear from dog guardians. The good news? Separation anxiety doesn't improve on its own, but with proper treatment, it absolutely can get better. Every day your dog spends in panic is a day they don't need to suffer.
Both Jo and I specialize in helping dogs and their guardians work through separation anxiety with proven, systematic protocols. We've seen hundreds of dogs go from being unable to tolerate even 30 seconds alone to confidently resting while their guardians are away for hours.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit our websites to learn more about our programs and book a consultation:
During your consultation, we'll assess your dog's specific situation, answer all your questions, and create a personalized roadmap for your journey to freedom—both for you and your beloved companion.
Your dog is lucky to have someone who cares enough to seek answers. Let us help you find solutions.
About the Author Beverly Lassiter is a Certified Separation Anxiety Specialist dedicated to helping dogs overcome their fear of being alone. Check out my bio here.
References
Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Tiira, K., Araujo, C., & Lohi, H. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 36, 8-16.
Christley, R. M., Murray, J. K., Anderson, K. L., Buckland, E. L., Casey, R. A., Harvey, N. D., & Upjohn, M. M. (2021). Impact of the First COVID-19 Lockdown on Management of Pet Dogs in the UK. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 240, 105329.
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