Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety is, in simple terms, an umbrella phrase we use to describe a range of behaviours shown by dogs who struggle emotionally when left alone. It’s not always dramatic or obvious, either. For some dogs, the moment the front door closes behind you, they’re overwhelmed by a flood of panic and distress. Others might seem okay at first glance, but clues appear in your absence – such as chewed-up furniture, bark complaints from neighbours, or signs of distress that greet you at the door.

Each dog is different, and so too is the way this anxiety reveals itself. Some may bark, howl, or whimper for hours. Others might pace constantly, leave behind messes, or scratch furiously at doors and windows in a desperate attempt to escape and find you. I’ve seen it all, from mild signs like a bit of whining, right through to concerning extremes. I’ll never forget one dog who, in a blind panic, actually tore through a wooden door trying to escape. That sort of behaviour paints a vivid picture of the emotional storm these dogs experience, a true 10 out of 10 on the panic scale.

But what’s important to remember is this: no matter where on that scale your dog might fall, their stress is real and valid. They’re not being “naughty,” they’re frightened. Our job is to help change that experience for them to show them that being alone can be okay, even safe, and eventually even restful.

Reading the Signs: A Range of Behaviours

Separation anxiety doesn’t always look the same. While some dogs are vocal, others internalise their distress. You might find puddles of drool, scratch marks around exit points, or items of clothing dragged from the laundry basket to a favourite corner, chewed and slobbered over. It’s all part of your dog’s desperate effort to reconnect with you or to find comfort in your absence.

There’s also what I call the ‘shadow dog’ behaviour, those dogs that follow their owners everywhere. You get up to make a cuppa and they’re right there beside you. They sleep pressed against your feet, they never let you out of their sight. While it can seem endearing, and often is to begin with, this level of constant closeness can point to a deeper issue if your dog simply cannot relax unless you’re within touching distance.

Then there are the more subtle signs that only come to light through observation, or sometimes through a concerned neighbour letting you know there’s been constant barking during the day. It’s not uncommon for owners to feel surprised or even guilty when they discover just how stressed their dog has been behind closed doors.

But let me reassure you: this is not your fault. Separation anxiety is more common than people realise, and it affects dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. What matters is what we choose to do next.

Why It Happens: The Roots of Separation Anxiety

Understanding the causes of separation anxiety can help us approach it with compassion. Sometimes it’s due to a traumatic experience, such as being rehomed, kennelled, or abandoned in the past. Other times it develops slowly and subtly, especially in dogs who haven’t had much experience of being left alone during their early development. And in some cases, the bond between dog and owner becomes so intense that the dog simply doesn’t know how to feel safe without their human nearby.

It’s easy to see how owners, out of love, can unintentionally feed into this cycle. Constant attention, doting interaction, or even over-apologising when we leave the house can all reinforce a dog’s dependency. But when we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, we realise we have the power to gently shift things, and to lead our dogs towards independence and calmness with kindness and structure.

Why I Love Working With Separation Anxiety

You might be surprised to hear this, but helping dogs and their owners with separation anxiety has become one of my favourite parts of the job. There’s something deeply rewarding about seeing a dog that used to panic the second the front door clicked shut, now able to snooze peacefully while their owner pops out. Those moments of transformation stay with me.

What I enjoy most is working closely with owners, getting into the rhythm of the home, understanding the daily habits, the nuances, and gently guiding things in a better direction. The heart of this work is not just about the dog’s behaviour, but the relationship. And that’s where real change happens. My role is to be your guide through this process, offering support, insight, and a calm plan of action as we work towards that turning point together.

Owner Behaviour Matters (More Than You Might Think)

Dogs are extraordinarily sensitive creatures. They pick up on our energy, tone of voice, posture, and even our intentions. If we’re anxious or flustered, they feel it. If we’re calm, confident, and consistent, it helps them feel safe. That’s why owner behaviour is such a big part of the recovery process. We’re not just training the dog, we’re rebalancing the whole relationship.

Sometimes that means adjusting routines, tweaking how you come and go from the house, or becoming more mindful of how you interact with your dog when you’re home. It’s not about becoming robotic or cold, it’s about offering the kind of calm, stable leadership that makes a dog feel anchored and secure.

When we get this right, the change is often remarkable. I’ve seen owners go from feeling hopeless and trapped by their dog’s anxiety, to feeling proud, empowered, and free again. The dog benefits, the owner benefits, it’s a shared win, and one that leaves a lasting sense of achievement.

A Word of Caution: Crate Use

I want to gently mention one common pitfall. Placing a dog with separation anxiety into a crate (or dog cage) without a slow and thoughtful introduction can backfire terribly. A crate can be a safe haven for some dogs, but for others, especially those in a heightened state of panic, it can feel like being locked in a trap.

I’ve seen dogs injure themselves trying to escape from crates, breaking teeth, tearing claws, and in some cases, ending up with severe trauma. Crates can be wonderful tools, but only when used with care, patience, and a proper build-up. We’ll talk about whether a crate is right for your dog and, if so, how to introduce it in a way that makes your dog feel safe and secure, rather than confined.

The Road to Recovery: Patience, Structure, and Support

Changing separation anxiety isn’t about a magic fix or a fancy gadget, it’s about consistent practice, a structured plan, and a shift in energy. It’s also about time. Some dogs make progress quickly, others take longer.

The good news is that with the right approach, most dogs show significant improvement. We build up tolerance gradually with very short moments of absence, layered one on top of the other like gentle stepping stones. We set your dog up to succeed, not to fail. We teach them that being alone is safe. We adjust the environment, build confidence, and celebrate small wins along the way.

And in doing so, we don’t just “fix a problem.” We nurture a dog who feels secure, calm, and at peace. This help you, as the owner, feel confident and connected once more with your dog.

You’re Not Alone, Help is at Hand

If you’re reading this and recognising your dog in any part of it, please don’t feel discouraged. Separation anxiety can feel isolating and life limiting for the onwer, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right support, change is absolutely possible.

Many of the families I work with feel a deep sense of relief just from knowing that someone understands, and that there’s a plan in place. So if you’re unsure where to begin, or feeling overwhelmed, that’s okay as I’ll be there to support you through the process.

I’d love to help you navigate this journey and see your dog thrive again. If you think you might need support with separation anxiety or other behavioural concerns, feel free to reach out. A calm, balanced life with your dog is not only possible, it’s waiting for you.