Separation anxiety affects 14-20 percent of dogs but it is treatable.
What Is It?
A genuine behavioral disorder, not deliberate misbehavior. Dogs become intensely distressed when their attachment figure leaves.
Signs
While gone: excessive barking, destructive chewing of doors and windows, house soiling, escape attempts. When you return: frenzied greeting that will not settle, appearing physically exhausted.
Root Causes
Rescue history and abandonment fear. Over-attachment. Sudden life changes. Breed predisposition in Border Collies, Vizslas, and Bichons.
Proven Solutions
Remove departure drama: calm departures signal that leaving is normal. Graduated departures: start with 30 seconds and build slowly over days. Safe space training: a crate or dedicated area associated with good things. Pre-departure exercise: a long walk before leaving reduces arousal significantly. Enrichment tools: frozen Kongs, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders. Daycare or dog walker: find options at xpetotel.com.
What Does Not Work
Punishment increases anxiety. A second dog rarely helps. Ignoring it makes things worse.