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Separation anxiety in puppies and dogs
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet or a qualified behaviourist. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. True separation anxiety can be severe and distressing for your dog. If your dog panics, injures themselves, damages doors or windows, toilets from distress, or howls for long periods, see your vet first and ask for referral to a qualified veterinary behaviourist or trainer who uses reward-based methods.
Dogs are social animals, and being left alone is something they have to learn. Many puppies protest a little at first. Separation anxiety is different: it is a genuine distress response when the dog is apart from their people, and it needs patience and kindness rather than discipline.
Normal protest or separation anxiety?
A young puppy may whine, pace or bark for a short time after you leave and then settle, chew a toy or sleep. That is usually ordinary adjustment.
Signs that point to something more serious include:
- Constant barking, howling or whining for much of your absence
- Panicked escape attempts, such as chewing at doors, windows or the crate
- Drooling, heavy panting or pacing that starts as you prepare to leave
- Toileting indoors only when left, in an otherwise toilet-trained dog
- Refusing food or treats when alone
- Following you from room to room and being unable to relax when you are out of sight
Your neighbours may mention barking, or you can use a phone or camera to see how your dog really behaves when you leave. Watching a short clip is often more useful than guessing.
Start with a vet check
Medical problems, pain and age-related changes can all affect behaviour. A vet can rule these out and discuss options. For moderate to severe cases a vet or veterinary behaviourist may talk about a behaviour plan that sometimes includes medication alongside training. That is a decision for them, not for guesswork online.
Building comfort with being alone
The idea is simple: practise absences so short and easy that your dog never gets upset, then build up very slowly. Going too fast is the most common mistake.
- Make the resting spot lovely. A comfortable bed, pen or crate area with a chew or stuffed food toy turns alone time into something good. See our crate training guide.
- Practise while you are home. Settle your dog in their spot and move around the house. Reward calm behaviour. Close a baby gate between you for a minute while you are still in sight.
- Add tiny absences. Step out of sight for a few seconds, return calmly and reward if your dog is relaxed. Gradually extend, but go back a step if your dog shows any stress.
- Keep leaving and returning boring. Long, emotional goodbyes and excited greetings can wind a dog up. A calm word and a quiet return is plenty.
- Practise leaving cues separately. Pick up keys, put on shoes or grab a bag without leaving, so these stop predicting your departure.
- Vary the pattern. Short, random absences throughout the day help more than one long absence.
Progress is rarely smooth. If your dog becomes distressed, you have gone too far, so shorten the step and rebuild. A dog that is repeatedly pushed past their limit can get worse.
Daily life that helps
- Exercise and sniffing. A walk or sniffing session before you leave can help your dog rest. Ask your vet how much exercise suits your puppy’s age.
- Food puzzles. Stuffed rubber toys, lick mats and scatter feeding give your dog something to do. Browse enrichment and play and chew toys. They are listed for convenience, not recommended or rated by us. Always supervise new chews.
- Reward independence. Notice and reward your dog for relaxing on their own while you are in the room, rather than only giving attention when they ask for it.
- Do not punish. Telling off a worried dog adds to their stress.
Hot weather and safety while alone
Australian summers add a safety angle. Make sure your dog has shade, cool water and a safe, secure space whenever they are left. Never leave a dog in a parked car. Read our tick, heat and snake safety guide.
Planning your puppy’s first weeks
Fitting alone time into a routine from the start helps a lot. Our first week with a new puppy guide and toilet training guide cover routines that work alongside this one. If you must leave your dog for long stretches, consider asking a friend, family member or a reputable dog sitter or day care to help rather than expecting a young puppy to cope.
When to get help
Separation anxiety rarely resolves with a quick fix. If your dog is not improving after a few weeks of careful practice, or shows signs of serious distress, get professional support early. A qualified trainer or behaviourist can design a plan around your dog and your work schedule. You can start with our training directory (listed, not endorsed) and always ask about their methods and qualifications.
Be kind to yourself too. Anxious dogs are not a sign that you have failed. With patience, small steps and the right support, many dogs learn to feel safe when they are home alone.
FAQs
Is it normal for a new puppy to cry when left alone?
Yes, it is very common. Your puppy has just left their litter and everything is new. Gradual practice at being alone, in short and easy steps, usually helps. If the distress is intense or is not easing, ask your vet or a qualified trainer.
Should I leave the TV or radio on?
Some dogs find background sound settling, and it costs nothing to try. It will not fix genuine separation anxiety on its own, so combine it with gradual training.
Will a second dog fix separation anxiety?
Not reliably. Some dogs are distressed by the absence of a particular person rather than being alone. Talk to a vet or qualified behaviourist before making that decision.
Should I tell my dog off for destruction or toileting while I am out?
No. A dog in distress is not being spiteful, and punishment can increase anxiety. Focus on helping your dog feel safe, and get professional support.