Understanding Separation Anxiety

In today’s blog, we’ll dive into what separation anxiety really is—and what it isn’t. At its core, separation anxiety is an emotional response that occurs when a dog is left alone. While we often use the blanket term "separation anxiety," it's crucial to recognize that there are various separation-related behaviors that may stem from different emotional triggers.

Common Behaviors to Watch ForSome of the most common behaviors associated with separation anxiety include:

• Barking, howling, crying, and whining: These vocalizations are often the first signs of distress when a dog is left alone.
• Destructive behavior: Dogs may chew on furniture, scratch at doors or windows, or destroy belongings as a way of expressing their anxiety.
• Frantic escape attempts: I once worked with a dog named Kevin, who was so desperate to escape that he climbed onto his shed roof and jumped down, resulting in injuries. While he was lucky to escape serious harm, this highlights the lengths some dogs will go to avoid being left alone.

Other signs can include inappropriate toileting, where a previously house-trained dog may relieve itself indoors when its guardian leaves. In adult dogs, this can indicate severe anxiety—especially if they only do it in your absence.

Triggers and Other Signs of Distress
Many dogs become anxious even before their guardians leave, recognizing the pre-departure (or leaving) cues that signal a looming separation. Common triggers can include:

• Keys jingling
• A specific uniform or shoes
• Grooming routines like brushing hair or putting on makeup

When these cues occur, you might notice your dog becoming hyper-vigilant, trembling, or pacing—behaviors that indicate they are experiencing emotional distress.

The Spectrum of Behavior
While many of these behaviors can signal separation anxiety, it’s important to differentiate between anxiety-based issues and behaviors stemming from boredom or frustration. A young, energetic dog may engage in destructive behaviors simply because they’re not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. In these cases, the behavior may not be rooted in fear but rather in what’s known as FOMO—fear of missing out.

Understanding the underlying emotional triggers behind these behaviors is crucial for effective intervention.

If a dog’s actions stem from frustration rather than fear, it may be quicker to resolve than a dog having a full-blown panic attack.

The Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our dogs. Many spent 24/7 with their guardians during lockdowns and subsequently struggled when life returned to normal. Even dogs that were previously fine being left alone faced challenges as their owners resumed regular activities. This sudden change can be confusing and stressful for dogs, who rely on routine and predictability.

The Importance of Addressing the Behavior
If your dog is showing signs of distress when left alone, it’s vital to recognize that exposing them to these fears repeatedly can escalate the situation. Many clients come to me after trying to let their dogs "bark it out," only to find that this method has exacerbated the problem. While a robust and confident dog might handle a little discomfort, for anxious dogs, this approach can lead to increased fear and panic.

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding separation anxiety in dogs, feel free to reach out at [email protected].

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