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.

When to Seek Help for Separation Anxiety in Dogs: A CSAT Trainer’s Guide

Separation anxiety in dogs is more common than many pet owners realise. As a Certified Stress and Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), I frequently work with dog owners struggling to manage their pets’ distress when left alone. Recognising the signs of separation anxiety in dogs and knowing when to seek professional help is essential for your dog’s well-being and your peace of mind.

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences excessive fear, stress, or distress when separated from their owner or primary caregiver. Unlike simple boredom, dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit destructive behaviors or intense panic, making it a serious behavioral concern.

Common symptoms include:

Barking, whining, or howling when left alone
Chewing furniture, doors, or household items
Urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained
Pacing, drooling, or excessive panting
Attempts to escape confinement, sometimes causing injury

While some dogs may show mild stress when left alone, persistent, intense behaviors indicate separation anxiety that needs attention, and is likely to get worse over time if not addressed.

Signs You Should Seek Help for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

1. Persistent Behavioral Changes

Destructive behaviors continue even after attempts at training or enrichment.
Anxiety behaviors escalate over time instead of improving.

2. Physical Signs of Stress

Excessive drooling, panting, trembling, or pacing
Loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea linked to anxiety

3. Emotional Distress

Intense panic when left alone, even briefly
Obsessive attachment to owners or reluctance to explore the home independently

4. Safety Concerns

Attempting to escape confinement, breaking windows or doors
Injuring themselves or damaging property due to stress

5. Impact on Your Daily Life

Anxiety interferes with work, travel, or normal routines
Owners feel emotionally or physically strained managing the dog’s behaviour

Why Early Intervention Matters

Separation anxiety in dogs can worsen if ignored, leading to:

Increased destructive behaviors
Physical injuries or health complications
Heightened stress for both dog and owner

From a CSAT perspective, early intervention is key. Addressing the problem quickly reduces stress, improves behavior, and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Professional Help for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

If you notice persistent signs, it’s time to seek professional guidance. Options include:

1. Certified Dog Behaviorists or Trainers

CSAT trainers and certified canine behaviourists provide customised anxiety management plans.
Techniques include gradual desensitisation, counterconditioning, and structured routines.

2. Veterinary Support

A veterinarian can rule out medical causes of stress and may discuss medication for severe anxiety.

3. Dog Daycare or Pet Sitters (For management)

Seeking the help of dog walkers, daycare providers or pet sitters allows you to leave the home knowing that your dog is not struggling while alone.

4. CSAT-Recommended Strategies at Home

Gradual departures based around your dogs threshold
Consistent routines for feeding, walks, and playtime to reduce uncertainty

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your dog’s anxiety includes self-harm, dangerous escape attempts, or extreme panic, seek professional help immediately. A combination of expert training and veterinary guidance is often necessary in severe cases.

Key Takeaways from a CSAT Trainer

Separation anxiety in dogs is common but persistent or severe symptoms require professional help.
Early intervention prevents escalation and supports emotional well-being for your dog.
A combination of professional guidance, structured routines, and at-home strategies works best.
Recognising the signs early allows you to manage anxiety effectively while maintaining a happy, safe home environment.

As a CSAT trainer, my goal is to help owners understand their dog’s anxiety, respond appropriately, and implement effective interventions that create calm, confident pets.

Separation Anxiety

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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