What is Separation Anxiety?

The most common indicators of SA include persistent vocalizing (barking / whining / howling), destruction and escape attempts (chewing or digging at windows and doors, “crowding” the exit, tearing up household items), and sometimes elimination accidents (peeing / pooping indoors). Of course the syndrome affects dogs differently from one to the next, such that some will pace through the home continuously, others will tremble or drool, others will look around frantically hoping to find family and/or avoid the nebulous danger of being alone. The best way to determine if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety is to schedule an online consultation. During the appointment we’ll gather information about your dog or puppy, and do a live assessment, watching as you leave your dog alone. Much like putting together a puzzle, we’ll look at all the pieces to determine what is going on. If it is separation anxiety, we can customize a training plan to help your dog learn to feel safe and relaxed when home alone. You can read more about the symptoms of separation anxiety here. 

Separation anxiety training requires treatment of an emotional response, rather than simply teaching a new behavior or trick. Much like a human seeing a counselor for help with a fear or phobia, there’s no way to predict a timeline for a “cure.” Each dog is different (as are owners and their abilities to carry out the training exercises), so progress can start to happen within a few weeks or several months. While separation anxiety is a highly treatable disorder, the rate of progress is slow, particularly in the early stages. Thankfully, learning begins to accelerate once we’ve made careful initial gains. You can affect the rate of your progress by being consistent and devoting time to the process. Here is a great overview of the training process for treating separation anxiety.

Unlike some behavior issues, dealing with separation anxiety does not require the trainer to be physically present. In fact, virtual training works better than in-person work for separation anxiety, particularly during “alone time” exercises. Being physically present can actually inhibit progress with anxious dogs and puppies. The “trainer effect” is also a very real phenomenon where a dog will show progress in the presence of the trainer but revert back into their previous habits when the trainer is not around. Remote sessions help avoid these challenges. This article has more information about why virtual training is ideal for treating separation anxiety.

During the training, suspension of absences is absolutely essential. Of utmost importance is your commitment to make sure your dog is NEVER left alone longer than we’ve determined they can comfortably handle for the duration of our work together. Think of yourself as your dog’s “chief of security” taking responsibility that your dog will never have to experience the terror of being left alone beyond their ability. Some options for coverage during this time include pet sitting with family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, or professional dog walkers/sitters/trainers; daycare for part of a day; coordinating work schedules with your partner, etc. We will help you think creatively about how to arrange coverage for when you can’t be with your dog.

Probably not. While a small percentage of dogs can feel safe enough when another dog is present, it’s not all that common. A large percentage of dogs will still feel afraid and experience problem behaviors even when another dog is with them. Moreover, multi-dog households are a LOT of work – even without separation anxiety. We recommend you work on your dog’s separation anxiety separately from considering whether to adopt another dog into the family. Psychology Today has a helpful article about adding another dog to treat separation anxiety.

Absolutely NOT! While it’s tempting to interpret our dog’s behavior as vindictive (after all – we humans certainly can be that way), dogs don’t have the same cognitive and emotional machinery as humans. Vengeance requires strategic, cause-and- effect thinking across time and space. Dog’s are NOT good at that. Neither do they have the equipment to experience resentment, guilt, or moral indignation. Your dog isn’t angry and getting back at you for leaving (nor for anything else) – he’s terrified of being alone and the behaviors that result are practically all involuntary. 

No! Take some peace of mind knowing that dogs of any breed and background can be vulnerable to separation anxiety. It doesn’t matter whether you do or don’t “coddle” your dog (it’s fine to talk sweetly and give lots of treats and toys, celebrate your dog’s birthday, let them sleep in the bed if there aren’t other issues with that). It doesn’t matter whether or not your dog was in a rescue shelter, experienced harsh treatment in another home, is pure bred or mixed breed, was kennel trained, has gone through formal training, or experienced any of a host of other factors. None of those factors cause or prevent separation anxiety. Your dog’s fear of being alone is NOT your fault! 

Maybe. Whether and which medication might be appropriate for your dog requires consulting with your veterinarian. In some cases, a dog’s experience of separation anxiety is so persistent that a prescription for anxiety medication is needed. We begin by assessing your dog’s behavior when exposed to alone time long enough to tell us your dog’s starting point for training. Over the early weeks, we monitor their progress. When puppies and dogs have difficulty progressing beyond their baseline, we work in partnership with veterinarians to consider whether medication might be useful on a case by case basis.