Some dogs become very stressed when they are left alone. This is common in rescue dogs, who may have lost a home before. The good news: with a slow plan, most dogs learn that being alone is safe.
Signs of separation anxiety
- Barking, howling or whining soon after you leave
- Chewing or scratching at doors and windows
- Accidents in the house only when alone
- Pacing, panting or drooling
- Following you from room to room and becoming upset when you get ready to leave
Boredom can look similar. A camera or phone video while you are away can show what really happens.
A step-by-step plan for alone time
1. Start very small
Leave for a few seconds, then come back before your dog becomes stressed. Slowly increase the time: 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes. Go back a step if your dog shows stress.
2. Make departures boring
Pick up keys or put on shoes many times a day without leaving. Keep goodbyes and hellos quiet.
3. Give a calm job
A frozen lick mat or puzzle feeder gives your dog something pleasant to do when you leave.
4. Exercise first
A walk before you leave helps your dog rest while you are away.
5. Use a safe space
Some dogs feel safer in a crate. Others panic in one. Watch your dog and choose what keeps them calm.
6. Consider calm support
A calming chew can support a relaxed mood while you build alone time. Our Vegan Calm Chews use L-theanine, L-tryptophan and lemon balm. Give a chew about 30 to 60 minutes before you leave. It works best together with the plan above.
When to get help
Call a certified trainer or your veterinarian if your dog hurts themselves, if the problem gets worse, or if there is no progress after a few weeks. Strong separation anxiety sometimes needs a behavior plan and prescription medicine from your vet.
The short version
Build alone time in very small steps, keep departures calm, give your dog a job and get help early for strong cases.
Read next: How to Calm an Anxious Dog and How to Train a Rescue Dog: The First 30 Days.
Every Second Paw order gives 10% of profits to dog rescue groups. Learn more.
This article is for general information. It is not veterinary advice. Talk to your veterinarian before you start any supplement.