Separation Anxiety is when a dog exhibits high levels of stress when crated or left alone. But how can you tell if a dog is showing separation anxiety behaviors, or is just frustrated and showing attention-seeking behaviors? It’s important to monitor for signs of separation anxiety in dogs. While the signs and severity can vary between dogs, middle-aged dogs often show the most pronounced behaviors.
Fortunately, separation anxiety can be addressed through training. Let’s start off by discussing why some dogs incessantly bark, whine, or howl when separated from their owners.
Sign 1: Loudly Protests When Left Alone
Have you ever left the house to go to the shops, and you can hear your dog howling like a wolf as you leave? Though it’s not uncommon for dogs to bark, whine, or howl. However, if this behavior is excessive and lasts for more than 15 minutes when they are alone, it can be a sign of separation anxiety. We have observed this behavior in many different dogs of all ages and breeds. Though separation anxiety behaviors often peak when a dog is middle-aged. This behavior has been observed in scientific studies, such as research by Lenkei et al. (2021), which shows a correlation between excessive barking, whining, and howling when left alone and separation anxiety behaviors.
Sign 2: Restlessly Pacing Around and Destructive Behavior
Dogs with separation anxiety behaviors are more likely to be restless, destructive and pace when left alone. If you have cameras set in your home, you may notice your dog struggling to relax, while dogs without signs of separation anxiety are often comfortable in their own company. Perhaps your dog takes a long time to calm down when you return home. This can be particularly noticeable if you have a dog who doesn’t have separation anxiety and settles down quickly.
Your dog can be destructive and destroy your belongings. You may come home to pillow stuffing across the room. Or you could find the corner of the couch has been torn up. It’s always a good idea to providephysical and mental enrichment to prevent boredom and keep your dog occupied. This could includestuffed Kongs, Benebones, and Puzzles.
A study by Silbermann and Gansloßer (2023) found a correlation between separation anxiety and restlessness with dogs who are left alone. If this behavior is accompanied by excessive vocalization, it is likely a sign of stress.
Sign 3: Your Dog is Your Shadow
Does your dog always want to be with you? Maybe they whine at the door when you are in the bathroom, or they feel a need to lie on your feet when you are at your desk. It’s normal for a dog to want your attention. If you notice that your dog is distressed when they can’t always be near you, it can be a sign of separation anxiety behaviors.
This behavior is more likely to occur with dogs who are always used to their owner being home. Such as when a family member works from home.
Sign 4: Going Potty Inside the Home, Even when Potty Trained
A more severe sign of separation anxiety in dogs is urinating or defecating in the crate or in the home when left alone. This can occur even when a dog is potty-trained due to stress. For dogs who need help with potty training, we have published a blog on “How Early Should I Start Potty Training My Puppy”.
Sign 5: Harmful Behaviors
Unfortunately, dogs with severe signs of separation anxiety can engage in self-harming behavior such as scratching and biting at the crate and exit doors, overlicking, and excessive chewing that can cause injuries. Studies, including Konok et al. (2015), have noted a correlation between destructive and self-harming behaviors and separation anxiety. If your dog is showing severe signs of separation anxiety, we recommend contacting your Veterinarian or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.
We Are Here to Help
We hope that our blog helps you better identify signs of separation anxiety in dogs. If you have any behavioral or training questions for your dog, you can contactone of our pet behavior experts for a free consultation.
At Beyond the Dog, our behavioral wellness training programs are developed through over 20 years of experience and science-based training methods. Co-founded by Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), our programs draw from her research and decades of hands-on work.
We understand that every dog is unique, which is why our training is fully personalized to your goals. We offer training programs that include virtual consultations, board and train retreat programs, and private one-on-one sessions held at your home or in your local neighborhood.
References:
Konok, V., Kosztolányi, A., Wohlfarth, R., Mutschler, B., Halsband, U., & Miklósi, Á. (2015). Influence of owners’ attachment style and personality on their dogs’ (Canis familiaris) separation-related disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1306. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01306
Lenkei, R., Faragó, T., Bakos, V. et al. Separation-related behavior of dogs shows association with their reactions to everyday situations that may elicit frustration or fear. Sci Rep 11, 19207 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98526-3
Silbermann, J., & Gansloßer, U. (2023). Factors influencing isolation behavior of dogs: A holder-based questionnaire and behavioral and saliva cortisol responses during separation. Animals, 13(23), 3735. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233735
