Dogs form strong bonds with their human families. Many dog owners wonder if their pet misses them when they are away. The short answer is – yes, dogs do miss their owners when separated. However, how much and in what ways dogs miss their humans depends on the dog’s personality and relationship with their owner.
Do dogs understand time?
Dogs don’t have a full understanding of time like humans do. They live in the present and have limited ability to remember specific events from the past or plan for the future. So when their owner is gone, dogs aren’t necessarily counting down the minutes until they return. However, dogs do understand routines and can sense when their owner’s presence is missing from their everyday life. This absence can cause sadness, anxiety, and changes in behavior.
How do dogs act when their owner is gone?
Many dogs show signs of missing their owner when they are separated. Common behaviors include:
- Waiting anxiously by the door or window
- Crying, whining, or howling
- Loss of appetite
- Becoming more inactive
- Showing signs of anxiety like pacing or panting
These behaviors suggest dogs do grieve the loss of their owner’s presence. The degree of reaction varies based on the dog’s dependence on their human.
Does the length of separation matter?
Dogs are more likely to miss their owners if the separation lasts longer. In one study researchers examined the behavior of dogs left alone for varying periods of time:
| Length of Separation | Dog’s Reaction |
|---|---|
| 2 hours | Mild signs of stress |
| 4 hours | More signs of stress, increase in attention-seeking behavior |
| 6+ hours | Greatest levels of stress and anxious behaviors |
This shows dogs start to miss their people more the longer they are gone. Dogs left alone for longer durations also tend to vocalize and pace more when the owner returns.
Why dogs miss their owners
There are several psychological and emotional reasons why dogs miss their human companions:
Pack mentality
Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, separation from the pack would leave them vulnerable to predators. Domesticated dogs view their human family as their pack. Being left alone goes against their pack mentality and protective instincts.
Boredom
Owners provide dogs with exercise, play, training, affection, and mental stimulation. In their absence, dogs become bored and restless waiting for their favorite person to return.
Routine disruption
Dogs thrive on regular schedules for eating, walking, sleep, and other daily activities. When owners disrupt that routine by leaving, it can cause stress and uncertainty.
Attachment
Dogs form strong social attachments to their caregivers. Studies using behavioral and physiological testing show dogs bond closely with their owners in the same way human infants attach to their parents. This deep attachment causes distress when separated.
Safety and security
Owners provide food, shelter, and a feeling of security. When they leave, dogs may feel increased vulnerability or anxiety about fending for themselves. Especially dogs who have been abused or abandoned.
Factors that influence how much dogs miss their owner
Not all dogs react the same way to their owner leaving. Some factors that influence how intensely a dog misses its human include:
Age of dog
Younger dogs (puppies 6 months or less) may miss their owners more as they are still learning to cope with time apart. Senior dogs can also be more anxious when owners leave due to cognitive decline.
Length of ownership
Dogs who have been with their owner longer likely have a stronger bond and attachment. Being adopted recently may reduce separation distress.
Amount of time spent together
Dogs very attached to a single family member who spends the most time together will miss that person more. Whereas dogs used to one owner being gone regularly may cope better.
Dog’s personality
Highly social, energetic, anxious, or insecure dogs have a harder time with owner separation versus more independent, calm personalities.
Dog’s history
Dogs given up multiple times or that suffered abuse often form intense attachments. Leaving triggers more fear and isolation.
Living situation
Dogs who cohabitate in the same home miss owners more than dogs left outside or in kennels. Indoor companionship strengthens bonds.
| Factor | Influence on Missing Owner |
|---|---|
| Younger age | More likely to miss owner |
| Longer ownership | More likely to miss owner |
| More time together | More likely to miss owner |
| Anxious personality | More likely to miss owner |
| Abandonment history | More likely to miss owner |
| Indoor dog | More likely to miss owner |
How to ease separation anxiety
If your dog struggles when you leave, there are ways to help ease their separation anxiety:
Desensitization training
Gradually get your dog used to being alone by starting with short departures and absences. Reward calm behavior and increase alone time.
Create a safe space
Provide a comfortable crate or bed where your dog feels secure and relaxed when alone. Include favorite toys or blankets with familiar scents.
Exercise beforehand
Take your dog for a long walk or play session to tire them out before you go. Tired dogs are less likely to be stressed or destructive.
Ignore excited reunions
Don’t greet anxious dogs with fanfare. Calmly acknowledge them a few minutes after returning to reinforce separation is no big deal.
Provide enrichment
Leave puzzle feeders, chew toys, or television/music on for mental stimulation so they don’t dwell on missing you.
Consider doggy daycare
Supervised playgroups can provide companionship and activity during the day while owners are gone.
Signs your dog misses you
How can you tell if your dog is really missing you when you’re gone? Here are some common signs:
They mope around
A down-in-the-dumps, moping dog may wander around looking for you or lie by the door awaiting your return.
Loss of appetite
Stress and depression from missing you can cause some dogs to lose interest in food or treats.
Excessive barking or howling
Some lonely dogs vocalize more in search of their absent owner or to self-soothe anxiety.
Destructive behavior
Chewing, digging, urinating, and other destructive acts can happen when anxious dogs feel distressed without you.
Pacing or panting
Repetitive movement or heavy panting are signs of stress as dogs fret in your absence.
Altered sleep patterns
Dogs may have trouble settling down for naps or sleep longer when owners disrupt their normal routine.
Clingy behavior
Dogs who stick close, demand more affection, or follow you everywhere when you’re home miss you more.
Depression
Extreme lethargy, loss of interest in toys/treats, lack of responsiveness can indicate sadness over missing their human.
Ways for dogs and owners to cope with separation
It’s normal for dogs to miss their family. Here are some ways for both dogs and owners to better cope when apart:
For the owner:
- Keep departures/arrivals low-key to avoid heightening anxiety
- Provide plenty of exercise, training, and playtime when home
- Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker
- Leave recently worn clothes for your scent
- Record your voice for reassurance
- Give interactive toys and puzzles for mental stimulation
- Try an anxiety vest, pheromone diffuser, or calming supplements
For the dog:
- Maintain routines with feeding, walks, sleep to add stability
- Create a safe space or den-like area
- Practice independence: don’t reinforce clingy behavior
- Provide appropriate outlets: chew toys, digging area
- Exercise beforehand to tire them out
- Consider anti-anxiety medication if severe (consult your vet)
With preparation and training, both owners and dogs can learn how to better handle time apart. The strategies above can help ease separation distress.
The bottom line
Dogs form powerful bonds with their human caregivers. When a dog’s owner leaves, they do genuinely miss that person. How much dogs miss their owners depends on individual factors like age, personality, past history, and relationship with the owner. Length of separation also plays a role. Dogs left alone for longer stretches will become more anxious than quick errands. Signs of missing their owner can include behavioral changes like depression, destructive acts, and vocalizing. With desensitization training, lifestyle adjustments, and added security, owners can help minimize separation stress. While nothing takes the place of a beloved human, these tactics can help reassure dogs when their favorite person is away.