Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How to Make Being Alone Easier (Without Stress)

If your dog barks, cries, destroys things, or panics when you leave the house—you’re not alone.

And more importantly… your dog isn’t being “bad”. They’re anxious.

Separation anxiety is one of the most common (and stressful) challenges dog owners face. It can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and even a little heartbreaking. We have been dealing with separation anxiety with Ember, and it definitely isn’t easy. 

Some dogs are more predisposed to separation anxiety than others. No matter the cause or the level of anxiety, it can be extremely difficult to leave your pet when they’re feeling panicked. More than anything, they are unsettled and just want you home, but that can’t always be the case.

The good news is there are ways to help your dog feel calmer, safer, and more confident when they’re alone.

Quick Ways to Help Your Dog Feel Calm When You Leave

If you’re short on time, start here:

✔ Exercise your dog before leaving
✔ Give a long-lasting chew or stuffed toy
✔ Leave for short periods and build up
✔ Create a calm, safe space
✔ Avoid big emotional goodbyes

Signs of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Not all dogs show anxiety the same way.

Several of these can also apply to other conditions; be sure to speak to your vet prior to starting your separation anxiety training if you aren’t certain that’s exactly what your pet is experiencing.

Common signs include:

• Barking, whining, or howling when you leave
• Destructive behaviour (chewing furniture, doors, etc.)
• Pacing or restlessness
• Trying to escape
• Following you from room to room

If this sounds familiar, your dog isn’t being difficult—they’re struggling.

Why Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can develop for several reasons:

• Sudden changes in routine (new job, schedule shifts)
• Moving to a new home
• Being left alone more than usual
• Lack of mental and physical stimulation

Some dogs are also just more prone to anxiety than other

WHAT TO DO WITH MILD SEPARATION ANXIETY

1. Use Mental Stimulation to Keep Your Dog Busy

One of the easiest ways to reduce anxiety is to give your dog something to focus on while you’re gone.

This is where enrichment toys are incredibly effective.

Try:

• Stuffed KONG toys (freeze them to last longer)
• Durable chew toys
• Lick Mats

These:

• Keep your dog occupied
• Reduce boredom
• Help create positive associations with you leaving

👉 Note: if you are leaving your dog alone with a chew or toy make sure it is not one that requires supervision.

👉 For options that actually hold up, check out our guide to indestructible dog toys for aggressive chewers.

2. Tire Your Dog Out Before You Leave

A tired dog is a calmer dog.

Before leaving:

• Go for a walk
• Play fetch
• Do a short training session

Even 15–30 minutes of activity can make a huge difference. If you have more time – check out our guide to Vancouver’s best dog parks.

This reduces excess energy that often turns into anxiety.

3. Practice Short Absences (Build Confidence Slowly)

Don’t go from “always home” to “gone for 8 hours.”

Start small:

• Leave for 5 minutes
• Then 10
• Then 20

Gradually increase the time.

This helps your dog learn: “You leave… and you always come back.”

4. Create a Calm, Safe Space

Some dogs feel better when they have a consistent place to relax.

This could be:

• A dog bed
• A crate (if they’re crate-trained)
• A quiet room

Add:

A familiar blanket
A safe chew toy

The goal is to create a space that feels predictable and secure.

5. Keep Departures and Arrivals Low-Key

It’s tempting to give your dog a lot of attention before leaving or make a big deal when you arrive back home. 

But this can actually increase anxiety.

Instead:

• Stay calm
• Keep goodbyes short
• Wait a few minutes before greeting your dog when you return

What NOT to Do:

Don’t punish your dog.

Destructive behaviour isn’t “bad behaviour”—it’s anxiety.

Punishing your dog can increase their fear and make their anxiety worse.

Don’t ignore severe anxiety

If your dog:

• Injures themselves
• Panics intensely
• Cannot settle at all

Then it may be time to speak to a vet or work with a trainer.

Bonus Tip: Keep a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability.

Try to keep:

• Walk times
• Feeding schedule
• Alone time

Even small consistency helps reduce stress.

Final Thoughts

Separation anxiety can feel overwhelming—but it’s manageable with the right approach.

And remember: your dog isn’t trying to make your life harder. They are just trying to feel safe.

Related Posts

• Indestructible Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
• Activities to Tire Out Your Dog Indoors