What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is an involuntary panic disorder experienced by some dogs, which usually presents itself through three main behaviours: Vocalisations Toileting Destruction Many dogs will show one or more of these behaviours when experiencing alone time, along with many other stress related behaviours such as pacing, drooling and panting.

Do food toys help with separation anxiety in dogs?

Food toys do not cure separation anxiety Unfortunately, food toys are often ineffective in treatment for separation anxiety cases. Many dogs will not eat when anxious and so may leave the toy untouched until their owner returns. Even if they do use the food toy whilst their owner is gone, there are negative consequences that can come of this: - The dog is only distracted for the time that it is eating the food, and eating the food itself does not mean they are not feeling anxious. As soon as they finish eating, their anxiety will build again. - If you are filming your dog whilst gone, this can give you a false representation of how long they can cope. - The presentation of the food toy can become a negative cue that you are about to leave. In these situations we have essentially conditioned the dog that the toy is a bad thing.

Does exercise help separation anxiety?

Exercise doesn't solve separation anxiety problems. Although exercise is essential for a dog generally, it is not a solution in itself for separation anxiety. An exercised dog is just a tired dog. They will still have the ability to panic, feel anxious and afraid and so will have very little impact during alone time. Exercise is just a small part of the picture in helping to treat a dog with separation anxiety, along with a number or other measures.

Is my dog behaving out of spite?

Your dog is not behaving our of spite. One of the common misconceptions about separation anxiety is that the dog is intentionally exhibiting the behaviours as it is resentful that you have left them. Unlike humans, dogs do not have the cognitive ability to behave out of spite. They are behaving this way because they are panicking.

Does spoiling a dog create separation anxiety?

Spoiling your dog has no impact on whether it will suffer separation anxiety. “Spoiling activities such as allowing the dog on the owners bed or feeding the dog from the table also were not associated with separation anxiety” – Gerrard Flannigan and Nicholas H Dodman 2001. The scientific understanding of separation anxiety is that it is an evolutionary trait in almost all social animals. Like PTSD, OCD, generalised anxiety and phobias, separation anxiety is an involuntary panic disorder, essentially A fear of being alone.

Should I crate my dog if it has separation anxiety?

Crating a dog is not a solution in itself for separation anxiety. Confinement anxiety (fear of being confined in a small space, crate or pen) has been found to be strongly linked to separation anxiety. Although general crate training is great for many reasons and allows a dog to have a safe space when their owners are home, it can be in-effective in helping dogs with separation anxiety behaviours. With separation-related behaviours, crates will only work to contain the dog from destroying items or toileting in the house, and not to treat the anxiety itself. Crating your dog does not stop the panic they are feeling and they may actually feel less anxious being free in the house.

Can separation anxiety be cured?

Separation anxiety will not go away on its own, but it CAN be treated. The best method for treating separation anxiety is a process called Systematic De-sensitisation. This is a specific programme of exposing your dog to micro-separations at a very slow pace, and at a level where they remain relaxed at all times. Their panic level (threshold) is determined on the individual dog's behaviour and body language whilst experiencing alone time. Through separation anxiety training, the dog determines the pace every step of the way.

What do you need to start separation anxiety training?

Separation anxiety training is performed online, therefore all you need is: - Cameras or smartphones - Separation anxiety is best treated remotely with the use of internal cameras, phones or laptops. This enables us to monitor our dog's natural behaviour without the presence of a stranger. - Internet - A good internet speed is essential. - Commitment to training - Owners need to be very committed and patient to deal with separation anxiety. Progress is often measured over months rather than weeks, and regressions are very common.

Where do I start with separation anxiety training?

It is important when starting your separation anxiety training journey that you contact a specialist. CSAT's (Certified separation anxiety Trainers) have had extensive training and understand how to read a dog's body language and identify individual stress signals. I have had the pleasure to train to be a CSAT with Malena DeMartini, and can help you to create a personalised training programme which helps your dog to understand that alone time can be safe.

Why Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language Around Children Is Crucial

Dogs and children can develop wonderful, meaningful relationships, but only when adults take responsibility for ensuring safety on both sides. One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of dog safety around children is understanding canine body language.

Many dog bites involving children are preventable.

In most cases, dogs give multiple warning signals long before a bite occurs. The issue is not that dogs “bite without warning,” but that their communication is misunderstood, ignored, or misinterpreted—especially in busy family environments.

Learning how dogs express stress, fear, and discomfort, and understanding the ladder of aggression is essential for preventing incidents and creating safe, respectful interactions between dogs and children.

Why Dogs and Children Require Extra Supervision

Children naturally behave in ways that can be stressful for dogs. From a canine perspective, children often:

Move unpredictably
Invade personal space
Hug tightly or grab
Make loud noises
Stare directly into faces

Even well-socialized, gentle dogs have limits. When those limits are crossed repeatedly without relief, dogs may escalate their behavior to protect themselves.

This is why understanding dog body language around children is not optional—it is critical.

How Dogs Communicate: Understanding Canine Body Language

Dogs rely almost entirely on body language to communicate. They do not growl or snap as a first response; instead, they begin with subtle signals designed to reduce conflict.

When these early signs are missed, dogs may feel forced to escalate. This progression is commonly referred to as the ladder of communication.

The Ladder of Communication: How Dogs Escalate When Signals Are Ignored

The ladder of aggression describes the predictable steps a dog may take when feeling uncomfortable or threatened. Most dogs move through these stages gradually, not suddenly.

1. Stress Signals and Calming Behaviours

These early warning signs are frequently overlooked.

Common stress signals include:

Lip licking or tongue flicking
Yawning when not tired
Turning the head or body away
Avoiding eye contact
Freezing momentarily
Lifting a paw

Around children, these signals often appear during hugging, leaning over the dog, or crowding their space.

2. Avoidance and Distance-Creating Behaviours

When stress signals are ineffective, dogs attempt to remove themselves from the situation.

Examples include:

Walking away
Hiding behind furniture
Moving to a crate or bed
Seeking an adult for support

When a child follows or corners a dog attempting to escape, the dog may feel trapped.

3. Warning Signals

If avoidance fails, dogs escalate to clearer warnings.

These may include:

Stiff or tense body posture
Hard eye contact or “whale eye”
Growling
Showing teeth
Air snapping

Growling is a form of communication—not aggression. Punishing a dog for growling often suppresses warnings, increasing the risk of a bite.

4. Bite

A bite is typically a last resort, occurring when the dog feels it has no other option. Many bites to children happen at close range and involve the face or hands.

Key Dog Body Language Parents Should Recognise

Signs of a Relaxed Dog

Safe interactions are more likely when a dog displays:

Loose, wiggly body movement
Soft eyes
Relaxed facial expression
Gently wagging tail at mid-height

Signs of Stress or Discomfort

Red flags that require immediate intervention include:

Stiff or frozen posture
Ears pinned back
Tail tucked or held rigidly
Excessive panting
Whites of the eyes showing
Licking lips and yawning

If these signs are present, the interaction should stop immediately.

Teaching Children How to Interact Safely With Dogs

Infants and Toddlers

Never allow unsupervised interaction
Prevent hugging, climbing, or face-to-face contact
Use baby gates and physical barriers
Teach “hands to self”

Older Children

Teach consent: the dog chooses interaction
Respect when a dog walks away
Never disturb dogs while eating, sleeping, or chewing

Management Is Responsible Dog Ownership

Using management strategies does not mean a dog is unsafe—it means adults are proactive.

Effective management includes:

Providing dogs with safe, child-free spaces
Limiting interaction time
Clear household rules
Consistent adult supervision

These steps reduce stress, protect children, and prevent dogs from being pushed beyond their limits.

Understanding Dog Body Language Prevents Bites

Most dog bites involving children are preventable. By learning to recognise canine stress signals and respecting what dogs communicate, families can significantly reduce risk and build safer relationships.

Dogs deserve to be understood.
Children deserve to be protected.
Adults are responsible for both.

Final Toughts

Dog bites do not happen without warning.
Stress signals are communication.
Understanding your dog’s body language around children is essential—not optional.

Dog Training

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Written by

Katie Brill – CSAT / PACT-KSA / ABTC-ATI / KAD-AP
Separation Anxiety Specialist, Dog Training Instructor & School Dog Specialist

11th February 2026