Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs and a Step-by-Step Plan

Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is educational and is not professional behavior advice. Separation anxiety is a real distress condition. If your dog hurts themselves, panics intensely or is not improving, speak to your vet and a qualified behavior professional. Some links are affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, PetBoo earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

⚡ Quick answer

Separation anxiety is panic or distress that happens when a dog is left alone. Typical signs are barking or howling, destruction near doors, accidents, drooling and pacing, often within the first 15 to 30 minutes after you leave. Rule out boredom and medical causes, then teach your dog that being alone is safe with gradual training that starts at seconds, never pushing past the point where your dog gets worried. Severe cases need a vet or a qualified behavior professional.

✅ Key takeaways

It is fear, not spite. Punishing makes it worse.
A camera is the best way to see what really happens when you leave.
Gradual, short absences are the core of training. Go slowly.
Exercise and enrichment help, but they do not cure true separation anxiety.
Progress takes weeks to months and is rarely a straight line.

Dog lying down and resting on the ground — A calm dog at home can still struggle when left alone, so watch for the signs.

Signs of separation anxiety

🏠 Before you leave

Following you from room to room
Panting, trembling or whining as you get ready
Reacting to keys, shoes or bags

🚪 After you leave

Barking, howling or whining non-stop
Chewing or digging at doors and windows
Urinating or defecating indoors
Drooling, pacing or escape attempts

Separation anxiety or boredom?

Clue	Separation anxiety	Boredom or under-exercise
When it starts	Within minutes of you leaving, often 15 to 30 minutes	Builds more slowly
Behavior	Panic: frantic pacing, drooling, constant vocalizing, escape attempts	Calmer chewing, playing or exploring
Where	Focused on exits, doors and windows	Anywhere with interesting objects
When you are home	Often clingy and shadows you	Often fine, but has excess energy
What helps	Gradual alone-time training and professional support	More exercise, puzzle toys and training

Also rule out medical issues. Accidents, restlessness or new fears can come from pain, urinary problems or, in older dogs, cognitive changes (see dog dementia). Noise phobia can look similar too.

Step-by-step plan to teach your dog to be alone

Step 1. Film your dog. Use a phone or pet camera to see when stress starts. This tells you your dog’s starting point.

Step 2. Exercise first. Give a good walk and sniffing time before you practice, so your dog is relaxed. See how much exercise a dog needs.

Step 3. Defuse leaving cues. Pick up keys, put on shoes or grab a bag many times a day without leaving, until they stop meaning “I’m gone”.

Step 4. Start tiny. Step out for a few seconds, come back calmly and reward. Build from seconds to a minute, then longer, always returning before your dog gets worried.

Step 5. Go back a step when needed. If your dog shows stress, shorten the next absence. Progress is rarely in a straight line.

Step 6. Keep departures and returns calm. Skip dramatic goodbyes and greetings, and wait until your dog is settled before giving attention.

Step 7. Manage real absences. While you train, avoid leaving your dog alone longer than they can cope. Use a sitter, a daycare, a family member or take your dog with you.

Watch: separation anxiety explained by behavior experts

This educational conversation features veterinary behaviorists and a separation anxiety specialist explaining what separation anxiety is and how it is treated. It is included for information only and is not affiliated with PetBoo.

Separation anxiety demystified (veterinary behaviorists and a separation anxiety specialist)

Do and don’t

✅ Do

Go slowly and stay below your dog’s stress threshold
Provide exercise, sniffing and mental enrichment
Keep a steady routine
Ask your vet about medical causes and medication
Consider a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist

🚫 Don’t

Punish destruction or accidents
Force a panicking dog into a crate
Rely on a bigger or stronger crate to “fix” it
Leave your dog alone for long periods during training
Assume a second dog or puppy will solve it

💡 About crates: a crate can be a safe place for some dogs, but for a dog with separation anxiety it can increase panic and cause injuries from escape attempts. Only use one if your dog is truly calm in it, and see our crate training guide and crate buying guide.

When to get professional help

Situation	Who can help
Sudden behavior change, accidents, signs of pain	Your vet, to rule out medical causes
Moderate to severe panic, self-injury or no progress	A veterinary behaviorist, or a certified separation anxiety trainer with your vet
Anxiety that is intense enough to block training	Your vet, who may discuss anti-anxiety medication alongside training
Neighbor complaints or risk to your home	A qualified trainer for a management plan while you work on the anxiety

🛒 Helpful tools

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, PetBoo earns from qualifying purchases. Tools can support training but do not replace it.

Short-coated brown dog portrait — Dogs are social animals, and some find being alone very hard. Photo: Camylla Battani / Unsplash

Preventing separation anxiety in puppies

Teach short, calm alone time from the first weeks.
Give puppies a safe, comfortable resting place and reward calm behavior there.
Do not make every minute of the day about the puppy.
Build up gradually, and keep routines predictable. See our new puppy checklist and potty training guide.
Combine with basic training from our training commands guide, and see how to stop a dog from barking for noise issues.

🧠 Quick quiz

What is the safest way to start alone-time training?

With very short absences of a few seconds, returning before your dog gets worried and building up slowly.

Does getting a second dog fix separation anxiety?

Usually not. Most dogs with separation anxiety are attached to their person rather than to other dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dog destroy things when I leave?

It could be boredom or separation anxiety. Destruction aimed at doors and windows, along with drooling and panic, suggests anxiety. A camera helps you tell the difference.

How long does it take to fix separation anxiety?

It depends on severity and consistency. Many dogs improve over weeks to months, but it can take longer for severe cases.

Can I use a crate for a dog with separation anxiety?

Only if your dog is calm in it. For many anxious dogs, a crate adds stress and risks injury.

Do calming supplements work?

Some owners find calming aids helpful, but evidence varies and they do not replace training. Ask your vet before giving any supplement.

Will medication help?

In some cases, vets prescribe anti-anxiety medication alongside behavior training to lower distress. It is not a standalone fix.

Can older dogs get separation anxiety?

Yes. A sudden change in an older dog can also signal medical or cognitive problems, so see your vet.

Final thoughts

Separation anxiety is stressful for both dog and owner, but it can improve with patient, gradual training, good veterinary care and support. Start with your vet, record your dog’s behavior and move at your dog’s pace. For more detail, read the ASPCA’s guidance on treating separation anxiety.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary or professional behavior advice.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes and a Step-by-Step Training Plan