Separation Anxiety FAQ

​Separation Related Problematic Behaviours

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Some dogs struggle when left alone. This is not stubbornness or bad behaviour. It is a fear response known as separation anxiety.

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What It Looks Like

• Barking or howling
• Pacing or restlessness
• Panting or drooling
• Destruction near exits
• Escape attempts
• House soiling despite training
• Refusing food

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Why It Happens

Separation anxiety has many contributing factors including genetics, early life stress, lack of positive alone-time exposure, and major life changes such as adoption or moving homes. Dogs do not develop this because they were spoiled.

 

Puppies Can Struggle Too

Early, gentle alone-time exposure helps. Prevention is easier than intervention.

 

What Helps

The most effective treatment is gradual desensitization. Dogs learn that being alone is safe through short, calm, and controlled exposures that slowly increase in duration.

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What Does Not Help

• "Crying it out"
• Crating to stop panic
• Getting a second dog
• Enrichment alone
These do not address the fear and can worsen distress.

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Medication

Medication can support training when anxiety levels are high. It does not replace training but can make learning possible.

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Good News

Separation anxiety is treatable. Many dogs make full or near-full recoveries with the right plan and support.

If you would like help, you can book an online behaviour consultation.

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Want to read more? Read my blog post

Krisztina Harasztosi CDBC, ADT-IAABC, CSAP-BC
TGD Behaviour & Training
formerly known as The Gibsons Dogrunner