We don't know about you, but we like (ok, looooove) working from home with our pups! Mid-afternoon walks and chats with our furry co-workers are highlights of the work day.  

 

You've enjoyed spending all day with your pups, but you're also looking forward to the freedoms that come with relaxed Covid restrictions – face-to-face interactions with co-workers, adventures with friends, and trips to see family.   

 

Not all destinations are dog-friendly (even though they should be!), so your best friend will be left at home alone a bit more often than they're used to. After spending every moment together for almost two years, you may be concerned about how your pup will handle being solo.  

 

Let's break down the warning signs of dog separation anxiety, identify which dogs are prone to nervousness when their parents leave the house, and go over some tips & tricks to help your pup cope when you leave the house.  

 

What is separation anxiety? 

 

 

Canine anxiety is often thrown around as an excuse for dogs' unwanted behaviors, but it is much more than that.  Canine anxiety is a medical condition that many dogs and owners struggle with every day. In fact, a survey of 13,700 dog owners found that almost 73% of dogs suffered from canine anxiety related behaviors like fear, noise aversion and separation anxiety. 

 

Separation anxiety is a type of canine anxiety defined as "distress in the absence of an attachment figure." This specific kind of anxiety only occurs when a dog is left without "their" person or people for any period of time.  Don't worry, your pup isn't the only one - separation anxiety affects 2 out of every 10 dogs. 

 

Signs of separation anxiety 

 

Ever walk out of the house, close the door, and hear your pup barking? Yup, that's separation anxiety. Separation anxiety behaviors usually occur within 30 minutes of the dog being left alone and include: 

 

• Barking, howling & crying 

• Escaping crates or confined areas 

• Chewing on walls and furniture 

• Pacing & Restlessness  

• Licking and chewing paws or other body parts 

• Lack of interest in food 

• A house-broken dog having an accident inside 

 

It can be hard to know if your pup is pacing or barking when you're out of the house. If you're curious, setting up a baby monitor or pet cam can help you discover what your pup is doing when you leave. 

 

What causes separation anxiety? 

 

There is no conclusive evidence as to why certain dogs develop separation anxiety. What we do know is that (1) certain dog breeds are genetically predisposed to separation anxiety, and (2) particular situations increase the likelihood that any dog will experience separation anxiety. 

 

In 2020, canine geneticist Hannes Lohi and his team of researchers conducted one of the largest studies on canine anxiety to date.  He found that separation anxiety has a genetic component, so some dog breeds are more likely to worry when their parents leave. According to Dr. Lohi, the breeds most prone to separation anxiety are Wheaten Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, German Shepphards, Border Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Labrador Retrievers. 

 

Regardless of breed, separation anxiety is more prevalent in dogs adopted from shelters or rehomed during their adult life than those kept by one family from puppyhood.  

 

Some dogs are predisposed to separation anxiety because of genetic or passed experiences, but most dogs develop separation anxiety in response to a life change or unusual situation. An otherwise confident, happy dog may develop separation anxiety in the following situations: 

 

Dog Boarding or Staying with a Dog Sitter 

We wish our pups could join us on every work trip and family vacation, but now and then life forces us to board our pups or leave them with a dog sitter. Being in a new place, with a new person, and an unknown schedule can easily trigger anxiety. 

 

Change in Schedule 

An abrupt change to your pup's schedule that leaves them alone for an unusual amount of time (like "their" person's return to the office) may result in separation anxiety. 

 

Change in Residence  

Moving to a new home or apartment will leave your pup feeling uncertain of their surroundings and dependent on you for security.  Dogs often experience separation anxiety when left in a new environment. 

 

Change in Household Membership 

The sudden absence of a family member, like a child going to college or spouse being deployed, may also trigger separation anxiety for a pup who misses their best friend.  Welcoming a new puppy or baby to the family can increase stress as well. 

 

If you think your pup is experiencing separation anxiety – don't worry! We'll share several ways to soothe your pup and prepare them for solo couch surfing. 

 

How Do You Resolve Dog Anxiety? 

 

 

Unfortunately, there is no magic solution to your dog's anxiety, and instilling confidence in any dog is a process that requires patient trial and error. But there are a few proven methods to help your pup feel calm when left on their own!  Creating a safe space, counter-conditioning, and calming supplements can all boost your pup's confidence. 

 

Create a Safe Space  

Every pup needs a "safe space" where they are happy to relax by themselves – even when you're home.  When your pup is happy to hang out in their safe space while you're making tea or doing laundry, they're much more likely to return to that space for comfort when you leave the house. 

 

Put some thought into creating the safe space. Does your pup like to doze in a particular room or under a certain desk? Notice where your pup goes to relax. Generally, this will be in a quiet area away from noisy external windows or doors. Then put your pup's favorite bed, blanket, and toy in their safe space – make it super comfy!   

 

Always allow your pup to choose when they enter and exit the safe space - never use it for timeout, confinement or rough housing. Only zen vibes here! 

 

Now that you've set up the safe space, reward your dog when they choose to spend time there. Give them a treat or calm praise every time they voluntarily relax on their bed.  They will start to naturally gravitate to their safe space to hang out. 

 

Once they're comfortable in the safe space, you want to encourage them to stay there by themselves. You can do this by giving your pup a long lasting chew when you leave the room to do household chores or answer a few emails.  

 

It may seem small like a small step - but your pup choosing to stay by themselves in their safe space instead of following you to the bathroom - is a big step toward alleviating separation anxiety! Tail wagging confidence here we come! 

 

Counter-Conditioning  

 A dog with separation anxiety experiences negative emotions – fear, worry, panic - when their owner leaves the house.  You can teach your dog to associate your departure with good things (like a special treat!) through counter-conditioning.  

 

One way to develop the positive association is to offer your pup a high-value, interactive toy in their safe space as you get ready to walk out the door. A bobble toy full of dog food or a frozen KONG filled with peanut butter or spray cheese should distract your pup for at least 15 minutes. Since your pup feels confident about staying in their safe space while you leave the room, they'll be more likely to acclimate well to being alone for a greater period of time. 

 

Make sure you only give your dog this treat when you leave and you take it away as soon as you return home to reinforce the association. After several days, your dog will start to think "treat!" instead of "panic!" when you head for the door. 

 

This is just one example of counter-conditioning - click here for a more in-depth explanation.  This may not work for all dogs – especially those who refuse to eat without their people. If your dog continues to have severe separation anxiety, we suggest teaming up with a certified animal behavioralist or certified professional dog trainer who can tailor a training program to your dog's needs. Don't be afraid to ask for help! 

 

Take A Wholistic Approach 

 

A wholistic approach is the best when trying to resolve your pup's separation anxiety.  Creating a safe space and giving calming treats while engaging in behavior modification training (counter-conditioning) sets your pup up for success! 

 

Keep in mind that every dog and dog parent is different. If you continue to be concerned about your pup's anxiety, talk to your veterinarian, a certified animal behavioralist, or a certified professional dog trainer.  Sometimes we need a doggy-translator to help us figure out how to help our best friends!