A dog with separation anxiety is a dog who is having a panic attack. It literally feels in distress when left alone. This is an emotional response, not a behavior. Dogs do not have control over their emotions, much like people, but we can help dogs learn to handle their emotions more appropriately with intentional behavior modification.
Separation Anxiety training requires a multi-faceted approach to overcome it, often combining behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and in some cases, medication. Gradual desensitization is the cornerstone of treating Separation Anxiety. The goal is to slowly acclimate your dog to being alone without triggering anxiety.
Practice Departures and Returns
The process to help a dog with Separation Anxiety requires intentionally practicing your departures and returns when you are not actually going to leave your dog alone. Begin by preparing to leave your dog alone for very short periods, no longer than your dog can handle being alone without getting stressed. This might be seconds or minutes. Before I leave my dog, I like to use the phrase “I’ll be back”, and when I return, I say “I’m back” very matter-of-factly, not with any emotion. Your emotions must stay calm while you are practicing your departures, and in real life when you actually leave your dog, you want to make your leaving and returning very uneventful for the dog.
As you practice your departures and returns in training sessions, gradually increase the duration of your absence from the dog, but only go away for as long as the dog is not starting to stress. A camera on your dog will help you know how your dog is handling your absence. Monitor your dog’s behavior while you’re away to understand their “threshold”, the point at which their anxiety begins. As soon as you see signs of stress, come back. Early signs of stress include panting, pacing, whining, drooling or barking. At first, you might only leave the room where your dog is located, but not actually leave the house.
Desensitize your dog to the things you do before leaving, such as grabbing the keys, putting on your shoes, picking up a purse, or putting on a jacket. Dogs are very good at learning predictable patterns of behavior. We want the dog to learn that picking up your keys does not always mean you are going to leave it alone for a while. Do these actions frequently without actually leaving so these actions do not become a predictor to your dog that you are going to be leaving for awhile.
It cannot be overstated that you must keep your departures and arrivals low-key. Avoid making a big fuss when you leave or return, as doing so can heighten your dog’s anxiety. Reward calmness. When your dog remains calm during practice separations, reward them with treats, praise, or a favorite toy.
Establish a Routine
Exercising the dog before you leave helps the dog release energy which helps them relax or sleep. Before you have to leave, take your dog for a good sniff walk or engage with them in active play sessions, such as a game of tug or fetch. Dogs thrive on predictability. Consistent feeding times, walks, and playtime can help lower anxiety levels. When dogs know what to expect, they are less stressed. When you do leave, provide the dog with long-lasting chews such as a stuffed Kong or lickmat, an interactive food puzzle toy or a treat-dispensing puzzle to keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated while you’re gone. Lickmats can provide a soothing activity for dogs, as licking is a self-calming behavior.
Minimize Disturbances
If your dog barks at outside noises or sights, close curtains or blinds, leave a radio or TV on with soothing music or sounds of people talking, or use white noise
to muffle sounds from the environment. Create a comfortable, safe space for your dog. Ensure your dog has a designated “comfort spot” like a crate, if they are crate-trained and comfortable with it, or a cozy bed in
a quiet room.
Medication or Products that
Could Help
It’s crucial to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your dog’s anxiety. Consult your veterinarian, who can also discuss medication options. For severe separation anxiety, medication may be necessary in conjunction with behavior modification. Pheromones, products like Adaptil diffusers or collars release synthetic dog appeasing pheromones (DAP) that can have a calming effect for some dogs. Calming supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or passion flower may help reduce anxiety. Before using any supplements, consult your veterinarian.
Two common medications approved for separation anxiety in dogs in the US are Reconcile (fluoxetine) and Clomicalm (clomipramine). These can take weeks to become fully effective and may be combined with shorter-acting drugs (like trazodone or gabapentin) in the initial stages to manage panic. Medication is not a stand-alone solution; it’s a tool to help your dog be receptive to behavior training. Products like a ThunderShirt apply gentle, constant pressure, which some dogs find comforting, similar to swaddling a baby.
Seek Professional Assistance
For moderate to severe cases, working with a professional experienced in separation anxiety is highly recommended, as they can develop a tailored behavior modification plan for your specific situation. Professionals with the credentials you need for this type of training include a Veterinary Behaviorist, which is different than a regular veterinarian, or a certified professional dog trainer experienced in helping dogs with Separation Anxiety.
What Not To Do
Never punish your dog for
destructive behavior or accidents that occur due to separation anxiety. This will only increase their fear and anxiety and increase their negative emotions about being left alone. It also would damage their trust of
you. Remember, your dog is having
a panic attack, which is not a behavior, it is an emotion that your dog has no control over.
Avoid leaving your dog alone while you are working on their Separation Anxiety. This might mean using dog sitters, enrolling them in doggy daycare, or taking your dog along with you whenever possible, so they don’t have to be left alone until they become comfortable with the situation. If you leave your dog alone for periods that trigger their anxiety, it will take longer for the behavior modification plan to work. Consider enlisting assistance from others.
Patience and Consistency is Key
Consistency and patience is key to successfully helping your dog become more comfortable being left alone. Helping a dog with separation anxiety takes time and cannot be rushed. There will be good days and bad days. Don’t get discouraged, it is a process. It is possible to help your dog be able to cope with being alone for reasonable periods of time if you are dedicated to putting in the time and effort to go through the process. By implementing a combination of these strategies, you can significantly help your dog overcome separation anxiety and live a happier, calmer life.