Helping Dogs Cope with Separation Anxiety

To help dogs adjust to spending time alone, it’s important to build this into their routine gradually. Start by setting aside time each day when they are left on their own. This could be in a separate room with the door closed, even if you’re still at home. Activity toys like stuffed Kongs® or snuffle mats can help keep them occupied and calm during this time.

If possible, leave your dog at home while you pop to the shops or go out for some exercise, even if just for a short while. These brief absences can help them feel more comfortable being alone. Aim to keep a consistent daily routine, including regular feeding, walking, and rest times. Try to walk them around the same time each day, and ensure they have quiet periods when they can settle on their own.

It is important to take more time introducing periods of being left alone. Make sure that they have a safe space in the house, with a comfortable bed. Start by rewarding them for settling in their bed and staying calm and quiet. Once they are happy to settle in their bed, give them a distraction such as a stuffed Kong®, puzzle feeder or safe chew toy and move a little distance apart. If they remain settled in their bed, go back and reward them. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and the time spent away before returning and rewarding them with a treat.

The next step is to shut the door of the room or a baby gate and continue to practice this step with increasing time left alone. When your dog is happy being in the room on their own with the door shut, start leaving them and spending increasing amounts of time in another part of the house. If you are able, once they are happy being left alone with you in the house, start to leave them in the house while you go out, starting with very short periods to begin with, and building up the amount of time that they are left very slowly.

Every dog is an individual, and their ability to cope with being left alone will vary hugely. It is important to monitor them closely for any signs of anxiety, and if they are worried, then take a step back in the process and build up to longer periods alone more slowly. 

If you would like to discuss any specific separation anxiety issues with your own dog then please call Langford Vet Practice and one of our nurses will be pleased to help.