If you’ve ever walked out the door only to hear heartbreaking whimpers or returned home to chewed-up furniture, you know just how tough separation anxiety can be—for both you and your furry friend.
As dog owners in Marlton, we want our pups to feel safe, secure, and confident, even when we’re not around. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or just stepping out for a bit, the last thing you want is to worry about your dog feeling anxious or distressed.
Separation anxiety is manageable with the right strategies, patience, and a little local support from our trainers.
What Separation Anxiety in Dogs Looks Like
Separation anxiety in dogs goes beyond the occasional whimper or sad eyes when you leave—it’s real emotional distress that can lead to destructive and anxious behaviors.
Common signs include:
- Excessive barking or howling when left alone.
- Pacing, trembling, or panting even when they’re not hot.
- Accidents in the house, despite being potty trained.
- Destructive behavior, like chewing furniture or scratching doors.
- Attempts to escape, which can sometimes lead to injury.
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat when alone.
These behaviors often start right before you leave or within minutes of your departure. While they can sometimes be mistaken for boredom, separation anxiety stems from deep distress and a fear of being left alone. Understanding the difference is key to helping your pup feel safe and secure.
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution to Separation Anxiety
Every dog is unique, and so is their experience with separation anxiety. What works for one pup might not work for another because:
- Different Causes: Some dogs develop anxiety due to past trauma, while others struggle with change, like a new home or schedule.
- Varied Severity: Mild cases may improve with simple training, while severe anxiety may require professional help.
- Individual Temperaments: Certain breeds or personality types are naturally more prone to attachment and stress when left alone.
- Household Differences: Dogs in single-pet homes may react differently from those with furry companions, and work schedules vary between owners.
Because of these factors, overcoming separation anxiety requires patience, observation, and a tailored approach. Some dogs benefit from gradual desensitization, while others may need calming aids, training programs, or even medication in extreme cases. The key is finding what works best for your dog’s specific needs.
3 Practical Strategies to Ease Separation Anxiety
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Anxiety Management
A dog’s diet directly impacts their emotional and mental well-being. The gut and brain are closely linked, meaning poor nutrition can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.
A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, probiotics, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a stable mood and stress regulation. Ensuring a dog’s diet includes high-quality proteins and avoiding artificial additives or excessive sugars can also improve overall emotional stability.
Probiotics and gut health supplements can be particularly beneficial in managing anxiety. A well-functioning digestive system helps regulate mood and reduce stress-related responses. Introducing calming supplements, such as chamomile or valerian root, under veterinary guidance may also aid in reducing anxious behaviors.
Small Routine Adjustments for Big Results
Dogs quickly become conditioned to their owner’s habits, which can contribute to anxiety if the routine becomes too predictable. Making subtle shifts—such as putting on shoes without leaving, grabbing keys but staying home, or varying the time spent away—can help desensitize a dog to the cues that trigger anxiety.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many dogs became used to having their owners home all the time, making transitions back to normal routines difficult. This constant togetherness led to an increase in separation anxiety and hyper-attachment. Moving forward, it’s important to teach dogs independence. Gradually introduce alone time, ensuring they feel safe and secure when left alone.
Encouraging brief moments of independence throughout the day also helps. Allowing a dog to spend time in another room with a chew toy or practicing short periods of crate time can reinforce self-soothing behavior. Introducing calming activities, like a structured walk or light training before leaving, can also help expend energy and create a more relaxed state before separation.
One effective method is controlled departures and arrivals—avoiding dramatic goodbyes or greetings can help prevent reinforcing anxious behavior. Slowly increasing your dog’s time alone can also help build tolerance.
Providing engaging mental stimulation is another practical strategy. Puzzle toys, food-dispensing games, and long-lasting chews can keep a dog occupied and redirect focus away from their owner’s absence. Creating a structured environment where the dog associates alone time with positive experiences can ease the distress caused by separation anxiety.
Exploring Medication and CBD Options
For some dogs, separation anxiety is so severe that training alone isn’t enough. In these cases, medication may be necessary.
Consulting a veterinarian is the best way to determine if medication is appropriate. Prescription anti-anxiety medications can help stabilize overly anxious dogs, especially when paired with training to address the root cause.
CBD has also gained popularity as a natural option for managing anxiety. Pharmaceutical-grade CBD can help curb overstimulation, making training more effective by allowing the dog to remain calmer and more receptive.
Not all CBD products are created equal, so selecting a high-quality option designed for dogs is essential. Regardless of the route taken, any medical or supplement-based approach should be used alongside behavioral training to create lasting results.
2 Training Techniques to Build Confidence and Security
Crate Training: Creating a Safe and Comforting Space
For some dogs, the crate represents security; for others, it’s where their anxiety begins. Proper crate training ensures that the space is a positive retreat rather than a place of isolation. The goal is to make the crate feel safe, comfortable, and inviting, not a punishment.
Introducing crate training gradually, using treats, soft bedding, and interactive toys, helps build positive associations. Leaving the crate door open and allowing the dog to enter freely at first can prevent feelings of confinement.
Once the dog is comfortable, practice short durations of crate time while staying nearby to ease the transition to more extended periods of alone time. A well-trained dog understands that the crate is a cozy, safe space rather than a sign of abandonment.
Remote Collar Training: Maintaining a Connection From a Distance
Remote collar training can be a valuable tool for dogs experiencing separation anxiety. When used correctly, the collar serves as a communication link between the owner and the dog, providing reassurance even from a distance.
The key to effective remote collar training is creating a consistent trigger—such as a gentle vibration or beep—while the owner is present and reinforcing calm responses. Over time, the dog learns that the collar is a familiar signal of guidance, even when the owner isn’t physically there. The goal isn’t to correct anxiety but to establish a connection that fosters confidence and stability. By reinforcing calm behavior through remote cues, dogs can develop a greater sense of security, even when alone.
Take the First Step Toward a Calmer, Happier Dog!
Our K9 Basics team can help you by implementing proven strategies, building structure, and creating a stress-free environment for your dog.
Ready to transform your household? Call us at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, NJ 08053, to learn more about our group training classes.
Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!
