Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

What Causes Dog Separation Anxiety?

A boston terrier with separation anxiety who tried to chew through a door to escape a bathroom.

Dog separation anxiety is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects countless dogs and their guardians.

While experts continue to debate the exact causes, one thing is clear: this behavior isn’t about disobedience—it’s about attachment.

We believe separation anxiety stems from a dog’s natural pack instincts and their deep-seated need to stay close to their bonded human. When they’re suddenly unable to see, follow, or reach their person, it can trigger intense emotional distress.

At its core, separation anxiety is about feeling trapped or abandoned—a panic response rooted in emotional dependence, not bad behavior.

Pack Instincts Compel a Dog to Follow You

Dogs are pack animals by nature, hardwired to keep an eye on, stay close to, and follow their pack members—especially those they’re most bonded to.

This is why your dog may shadow you from room to room at home, or tend to stay close by and follow you when off-leash outdoors.

The condition known as separation anxiety stems from the intense frustration and distress a dog feels when it’s unable to see, follow, or remain near its guardian. In essence, the dog is being prevented from fulfilling its deeply ingrained instinct to stay with the pack.

This perceived separation can trigger a primal stress response, similar to what a wild dog might feel if it were lost, left behind, or genuinely trapped—leading to a full-blown state of panic.

Abandonment Trauma: Dogs Who Were Left Behind

A dog who is suddenly abandoned on the side of the road or at a shelter may sometimes develop separation anxiety (but not always).

Many dogs adopted from shelters or rescued from the streets suffer from separation anxiety, prompting an important question: Did the anxiety exist before the abandonment, or was it caused by it?

It’s possible that the trauma of being left behind can trigger the condition since some dogs seem so fearful of losing their new guardians that they can’t bear to let them out of sight. We refer to this condition as abandonment trauma.

However, it's equally likely that some dogs were surrendered or abandoned because they already struggled with separation anxiety—a challenging condition that can be difficult to manage without the right training and support.

In many cases, it’s a heartbreaking cycle—separation anxiety can be both the cause and the consequence of a dog’s abandonment.

Lack of Early Crate Training (and Why It’s Important)

An example of a puppy with separation anxiety freaking out in a crate. He cycles between whining, crying, and barking in his crate, and then digging frantically to try to get out.

Some puppies strongly resist being crated or confined—whether it's in a crate, playpen, or even a small room like a bathroom. They may protest by barking, whining, attempting frantic escapes, or becoming visibly distressed the moment their guardian steps out of sight.

Understandably, many well-meaning guardians give up on crate training and using a playpen, thinking it’s too stressful or even traumatic for their puppy. But avoiding confinement altogether can backfire. Puppies who never learn to tolerate being alone in a safe space are more likely to grow into adult dogs who panic when left alone—setting the stage for full-blown separation anxiety.

Dogs with this condition may regularly destroy household items, bark excessively (resulting in neighbor complaints), or become so distressed that leaving them alone is no longer an option. Many guardians find themselves relying on costly dog daycare, pet sitters, or having to bring their dog everywhere they go just to manage their pet’s anxiety.

That’s why early crate training—done with patience and positive reinforcement—is so important. Teaching your puppy to feel calm and secure when they can’t follow you around helps build independence, prevents long-term issues, and lays the foundation for a more confident adult dog.

Frustration Tolerance and Separation Anxiety

A recent study found that a low tolerance for frustration is one of the leading factors in the development of separation anxiety in dogs.

Just like humans, dogs that struggle to cope with frustration are more likely to act out—barking, chewing, pacing, or trying to escape.

When a dog becomes increasingly frustrated from being confined or left alone, stress hormones like cortisol surge through its body. This activates the amygdala—the brain’s emergency response center—bypassing the slower, more rational cerebral cortex.

In perceived crises, sensory input is rerouted directly from the thalamus to the amygdala, igniting survival instincts. This rapid-fire neural shortcut triggers the fight-or-flight response, flooding the body with adrenaline that fuels nonstop distress calls and panicked escape attempts.

This chain reaction helps explain why some dogs manage to break out of crates or confinement. Their distress isn’t just emotional—it’s biochemical, akin to a human experiencing a panic attack.

Ultimately, these behaviors aren’t signs of disobedience or stubbornness—they’re signs of poor coping skills.

The good news? With the right dog separation anxiety training plan, dogs can learn to manage their frustration and settle into a calm, relaxed state when left alone.

Situations That Can Trigger Dog Separation Anxiety

Puppies with separation anxiety will get upset when they can’t see or follow you.

Separation anxiety can be triggered by a wide range of experiences, especially those involving loss, change, or sudden isolation.

Common scenarios include:

• Being adopted and then separated from a new guardian for the first time

• Being placed in a crate, playpen, or enclosed space like a bathroom alone

• Sudden periods of alone time after constant human contact (such as after a vacation ends)

• Experiencing traumatic events like abandonment, a change in ownership, or prolonged isolation

• The sudden loss of a beloved family member due to death, divorce, or other life changes

• A major disruption in routine or environment, such as moving to a new home or city, or going back to the office after working from home

• Being dropped off at a daycare, boarding, or grooming facility

Understanding what may have triggered your dog’s anxiety is the first step toward helping them feel safe and secure again.

Recognizing the Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety

A puppy with separation anxiety may become destructive when confined alone in a crate or bathroom.

Separation anxiety can show up in a variety of ways, ranging from mild to severe.

Signs may include:

• Loss of appetite or mild depression when alone

• Anxiety before your departure or extreme excitement upon your return

• Sweaty paws and sudden excessive shedding

• Accidents indoors, despite being housetrained

• Trembling, stress panting, or excessive drooling, to the point that a dog becomes soaked in its drool

• Persistent vocalizations such as barking, whining, or howling

• Crate or playpen intolerance, such as whining, barking, or even screaming when placed in a crate, pen, or small room

• Destructive chewing on doors, furniture, or nearby objects

• Frantic scratching, digging, or chewing at exit points or inside crates

• Chronic pacing or circling in a fixed, repetitive pattern

• Extreme escape attempts, including jumping through windows, scaling fences, or breaking out of crates

If you notice one or more of these behaviors, your dog may be struggling with separation anxiety, and the earlier you intervene, the better. Left untreated, separation anxiety can take a serious toll on both your dog’s well-being and your own mental and emotional health.

The Toll Separation Anxiety Takes on Dogs and Their Guardians

Dog separation anxiety can quietly erode the well-being of both pet and guardian.

When a dog is consistently stressed about being apart from their person, their body floods with cortisol and adrenaline—the same fight-or-flight chemicals released in moments of panic.

Over time, this chronic stress takes a toll on their physical and emotional health. They may become mopey, clingy, or start pacing the moment they sense you're about to leave—signs of anticipatory anxiety. Left untreated, prolonged stress can weaken their immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to illness.

But the emotional toll on pet parents is just as real.

You might feel guilty, frustrated, or anxious every time you walk out the door. Some guardians find themselves rearranging their lives—skipping social events, turning down travel, or working from home more than they’d like.

Others spend thousands on pet sitters, walkers, or doggy daycare—just to get through the day. And for many, neighbor complaints about barking add even more pressure and urgency.

Without the right support, this stress can strain the human-animal bond.
What began as deep love and loyalty can get tangled in anxiety and resentment—a painful cycle that’s hard to break on your own.

Why Early Intervention Matters

A puppy with separation anxiety panting heavily and drooling excessively because she is stressed in her crate

At its core, separation anxiety is a stress response tied to your dog’s instinctive need to stay close to their pack. When they can’t see or follow you, it can trigger frustration, fear, or even panic.

If left untreated, separation anxiety doesn’t just disappear—it tends to get worse over time. What begins as mild protest can escalate into full-blown panic, turning life with your dog into a daily struggle rather than a source of joy.

Puppies are much easier to treat than adult dogs, so if you’ve recently adopted a puppy who cries, screams, or panics when placed in a crate, playpen, or separate room, it’s important to seek help right away. Early intervention sets the foundation for a confident, independent adult dog.

For adult dogs—especially rescues who may have experienced abandonment or multiple transitions—separation anxiety can be more deeply ingrained, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. With expert guidance, many adult dogs make significant progress and regain their confidence when alone.

Strategies for Overcoming Dog Separation Anxiety

Watch a Bernedoodle puppy with separation anxiety learn to relax in his crate through gentle, specialized training designed to build comfort and confidence

Addressing separation anxiety takes patience, consistency, and the right training approach tailored to your dog’s age and needs.

For puppies, regular downtime training in a crate or playpen helps them gradually adjust to being alone in a safe, contained space. For adult dogs, a more layered approach is often needed—combining confinement training with gradual alone training.

Doggie Decompression: Downtime Training in a Crate or Playpen

When done properly, puppies benefit greatly from crate training because it helps them learn to relax and self-entertain.

Doggie Decompression is a gentle, low-intensity training method that teaches dogs and puppies how to relax when they can’t follow you around or see you in the home. This “no-follow” protocol helps dogs develop the skill of settling independently—without needing constant proximity to feel secure.

It’s especially effective for dogs with separation anxiety, who often panic when they feel confined or “trapped.” By guiding them through calm confinement and helping them self-soothe, we address the root of their stress and build emotional resilience from the inside out.

Alone Training: Building Your Dog’s Tolerance to Being Left Alone

Alone training is the gradual process of teaching your dog to stay calm and relaxed when you’re not by their side. It begins with short, manageable absences and slowly increases in duration—always staying below your dog’s panic threshold.

This kind of training is essential for adolescent and adult dogs struggling with separation anxiety. Because progress depends on staying within your dog’s comfort zone, the process requires strategy, consistency, and patience. That’s why alone training often takes 6 to 12 weeks or more to complete.

Many anxious dogs show distress whether they’re left in a crate, a playpen, or have full access to the home. Some may even try to escape confinement, putting themselves at risk of injury. In these cases, the wrong approach can do more harm than good.

That’s why professional support is often key. A skilled trainer can help you determine the right pace, avoid common setbacks, and use tools and techniques that keep your dog safe, supported, and set up for success.

When to Seek Professional Help

Dog Savvy offers 6 to 12-week, private virtual programs to help your dog or puppy overcome separation anxiety.

If your dog’s anxiety is escalating, causing injury, or interfering with daily life, it’s time to seek expert help.

A certified professional can create a customized training plan, offer emotional support for both you and your dog, and help you avoid common mistakes that can unintentionally make things worse.

That’s where Dog Savvy’s Virtual Dog Separation Anxiety Training Program comes in.

With personalized one-on-one coaching and unlimited support from a dog separation anxiety specialist, you’ll receive expert guidance every step of the way.

Our structured, two-part training program is designed to help your dog or puppy gradually feel calm, secure, and safe when confined or left alone.

Through strategic, step-by-step exercises, we’ll teach your dog to self-soothe and settle—so they can stay relaxed when you step out of sight, and you can finally leave home without worry.

You don’t have to face this challenge alone.

Book an introductory session today and start building a future of calm, confidence, and freedom - for both you and your dog.

---

About the Author

Alexandra Bassett is the head dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy, a virtual dog training company specializing in game-based dog training and treating problem behaviors (such as dog separation anxiety, leash reactivity, excessive barking, and aggression.)

She is certified as Knowledge Assessed by the Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) and is available for online dog training sessions via Zoom.