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Separation Anxiety in Dogs Best Tips
Many pet owners, especially of rescue dogs, experience some challenges. Separation anxiety in dogs is fairly common and will need training to help the pet acclimatise and settle in their new home with new owners. Read on to learn some expert training top tips.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Practical Training That Actually Helps
Watching a dog spiral into panic the moment the front door closes is heartbreaking.
The whining. Destroyed couch cushions. Angry note from neighbour about howling at 2pm… Ad nauseam. It’s draining. Here’s the worst part though:
Punishment makes it worse.
Separation anxiety is caused by fear. Screaming at a fearful dog only teaches them to be afraid of you as well. That’s why reward-based dog training (training that utilizes treats, praise, and positive associations) is the most effective method for treating dogs with separation anxiety – because it slowly teaches a dog that being alone won’t hurt them.
This guide breaks down exactly how it works.
What you’ll discover:
- What Separation Anxiety Really Looks Like
- Why Reward-Based Dog Training Works Best
- Practical Training Steps That Actually Help
- Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Separation anxiety occurs when dogs experience stress due to being left alone or separated from their favourite person.
It is not bad behaviour. It is panic.
Surely your dog whines when you leave him. However, a dog suffering from true separation anxiety will:
- Bark or howl non-stop
- Chew doors, windows, or furniture
- Pee or poop indoors (even if fully house-trained)
- Pace, drool, or pant excessively
- Try to escape (sometimes injuring themselves)
They typically begin within minutes after the owner departs. Believe it or not, it’s actually quite common. According to a recent poll, over three-fourths of American dogs experience symptoms of separation anxiety.
The good news?
Through proper conditioning, most dogs can be taught to be okay alone.
Why Reward-Based Dog Training Works Best
Dog training breaks down into two primary schools of thought on how to handle separation anxiety in dogs. Traditional methods use punishment, dominance and corrections. Modern, science-based methods use rewards.
For separation anxiety, the difference matters a lot.
Why should you avoid punishment-based training? Because it increases stress. You don’t want a dog that’s scared to be alone just feel more scared. You want them to feel safe.
Reward-based training works the opposite way. Reward-based training creates calmness, trust and confidence by associating scary situations (being alone) with good things (food treats, toys and praise). Eventually your brain will rewire itself. Being alone won’t feel threatening anymore – it will feel rewarding.
For more information, check out these professional dog training resources, which include step-by-step protocols using reward-based training.
Research supports this. Reward trained dogs have lower levels of cortisol (stress hormone), learn quicker and form stronger attachment bonds with their owners. Punishment training has the opposite effect.
Practical Training Steps That Actually Help
Now to the practical stuff. These are the steps that actually move the needle regarding separation anxiety in dogs.
Start With Tiny Absences
Many people “try to tough it out” by crating their dog for hours every day and hoping they will adjust. They won’t.
You need to start tiny – like 5 seconds tiny.
Step out of the room. Come back. Reward calm behaviour. Repeat.
That is referred to as desensitisation. You want to keep your dog BELOW their panic threshold so they can actually learn there is nothing to fear. This form of training usually works to help you manage separation anxiety in dogs.
Build Up Time Slowly
When your dog’s good with 5 seconds away, try 10 seconds. Then 30 seconds. Then a minute.
Photo credit – Jamie Street
Watch for stress signals like:
- Pacing
- Whining
- Drooling
- Restless body language
If you experience any of these, you were going too fast. Back off to a shorter time and work your way back up.
Progress isn’t always linear. You’ll have weeks where you take massive steps forward and weeks where you have to take a step back. That’s okay.
Make Departures Boring
Owners tend to make a big dramatic scene when they depart. Prolonged cuddles, mournful tones, “I’ll miss you darling!”
This actually feeds the anxiety.
Example: Instead of making a big deal when you leave, take your keys and walk out the door. Go home and ignore your dog for a couple minutes until they settle down. Say hello.
Boring departures = boring arrivals = a less anxious dog.
Use High-Value Rewards
Not all treats are equal. When you are working to resolve separation anxiety in dogs, you need the good stuff:
- Small pieces of cooked chicken
- Cheese
- Liver treats
- Anything your dog goes wild for
Use these high value rewards only for solo potty training sessions. You want your dog to begin to associate leaving you with getting the best treats EVER.
A Kong filled with peanut butter or wet food frozen solid is excellent. It keeps them occupied and builds a great positive association with you departing.
Create a Safe Space
Your dog needs a spot in the house where they feel completely safe. This is supremely important when you training issues related to separation anxiety in dogs.
It can be a crate, their bedroom or a corner with blankets on the floor. Make it comforting there and feed them in their safe place. Play soothing music or leave the television on for noise.
A safe space is one of the most under appreciated tools you can use in reward based dog training. It allows your dog to have a place they can go to feel relaxed.
Photo credit – Hanson Lu
Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
Even with the best intentions, owners often make these mistakes:
- Punishing destruction: The damage already happened. Punishing now just adds fear.
- Leaving for too long, too soon: You can’t skip the slow build-up phase.
- Inconsistent routines: Dogs feel safe with predictable patterns.
- Missing exercise: An exhausted dog is a happy dog. Ensure they get plenty of physical and mental exercise every day.
According to a PetMeds survey, 44% of pet owners worry about their pets suffering from separation anxiety. If that’s you, don’t sweat it – you aren’t alone, and you don’t have to struggle alone either.
Final Thoughts on Separation Anxiety in Dogs & Training
Separation anxiety is one of the most prevalent (and maddening) behaviour problems in dogs. But it’s also one of the easiest to fix – with the correct treatment plan.
Reward-based dog training is effective because it communicates using the language your dog’s nervous system understands. It creates confidence rather than fear. It creates trust rather than coerced compliance.
To quickly recap what you should do regarding training for separation anxiety in dogs:
- Start with tiny absences and build up slowly
- Use high-value rewards every single session
- Keep departures and arrivals boring
- Set up a safe space at home
- Be patient – progress takes weeks, not days
If your dog’s anxiety seems extreme or you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, consider reaching out to a certified force-free trainer or veterinary behaviourist. Some dogs require medication in addition to training and that’s perfectly okay!
Take it one tiny step at a time. Your dog will get there.
Further Reading
At Housesit Match.com we always try to share useful and informative blogs and practical advice with our members. Read on to find some helpful articles with useful tips such as this article on separation anxiety in dogs and what to do.
Adopting a dog – 5 lifestyle changes to make
Dog sit – What is it and where can you go?
Dogsitters’ tips – Dog’s body language and how to read it
