Separation anxiety is a common issue for dogs, especially in the first few months after adoption. It can be heartbreaking to watch your dog in distress when left alone. Many pet parents wonder if leaving their anxious dog alone will help them overcome their separation anxiety. There are differing opinions on this. Ultimately, whether leaving a dog alone helps with separation anxiety depends on the individual dog, the severity of their anxiety, and how long they are left alone. Gradual exposure to alone time can help some dogs, while others may need additional intervention. Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
What is separation anxiety in dogs?
Separation anxiety refers to a dog displaying distress behaviors when left alone or separated from their owners. Common symptoms include:
- Excessive barking, whining, or howling
- Destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or scratching
- House soiling, despite being house trained
- Pacing, restlessness
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
These behaviors stem from fear and anxiety over being left alone. Dogs are social, pack animals who can form strong bonds with their human families. Dogs with separation anxiety become very distressed when that bond is broken, even temporarily. Separation anxiety usually develops within the first few months after a dog is adopted. It may be triggered by a move to a new home, change in work schedule, return to school, addition of another pet, or another disruption to their routine. Puppies and adopted dogs are most susceptible.
Will leaving a dog alone help separation anxiety?
Some experts recommend gradually getting an anxious dog used to being alone through short solo sessions. The theory is that with calm, positive exposures to alone time, the dog will learn being alone is not dangerous and become less anxious. However, opinions differ on whether this approach is helpful.
Potential benefits of leaving a dog alone
Gradually getting a dog accustomed to alone time can work for mild cases, helping to desensitize them and build their independence. Potential benefits include:
- With repeated successes, the dog learns being alone is not threatening
- Their anxiety levels decrease over time as they become more comfortable alone
- The dog learns how to self-soothe and occupy themselves when alone
- Being alone becomes a normal part of their routine
This process is called counterconditioning. You help change the dog’s negative association with being left alone into a more positive one by calmly praising and rewarding them when left briefly. This reframes alone time as a good thing for the anxious dog.
Risks of leaving a distressed dog alone
However, leaving a severely distressed dog alone can also have risks:
- Extreme stress, panic, and anxiety when left alone
- Injuries or accidents from destructive escape attempts
- Exacerbated separation anxiety that worsens over time
- A weakening of the owner-dog bond due to mistrust
Rather than learning being alone is okay, some anxious dogs simply resign themselves to stress and misery when repeatedly left. The Humane Society recommends not leaving a severely distressed dog alone, as this can reinforce negative feelings. Prolonging separation anxiety can damage the owner-dog relationship.
Best practices for leaving an anxious dog alone
Whether leaving your anxious dog alone will help depends on several factors. Follow these best practices for the highest chance of success:
Gradually build alone time
Start with very brief solo sessions of just 5-10 minutes, providing praise and treats upon your return. Slowly build up alone time in small increments over several weeks. Keep sessions short enough that your dog is not extremely distressed. You may need to start with seconds alone at first. Go at your dog’s pace.
Make departures/returns low key
Minimize comforting and calming your dog beforehand. Make arrivals and departures boring. Avoid emotional hellos and goodbyes. Act calm and unfazed coming and going. This prevents your dog from growing more anxious.
Provide enrichment activities
Give your dog puzzles, chew toys, or food-filled Kongs to focus on when alone. Meeting their physical and mental needs helps them learn to self-soothe. Playing calming music, leaving the TV on, or using pheromone diffusers can also help.
Exercise first
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before alone time. Tired dogs are less prone to boredom and acting out. Walks and play sessions will help them relax.
Start small
Build up alone time gradually from seconds to minutes to hours over several weeks. Rushing the process can backfire. Take it slowly.
Ignore problem behaviors
If your dog misbehaves during alone time, avoid scolding or consoling them when you return. Remain neutral and unfazed. Attention can reinforce the behavior.
Be consistent
Stick to the same routine each time you leave. Consistency and schedule helps anxious dogs predict what will happen.
Use calming aids if needed
Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medications, calming chews, or pheromone products to help lower stress levels during the training process. These can help in conjunction with behavior modification techniques.
Signs it’s time to get professional help
If leaving your dog alone does not decrease their separation anxiety after 4-6 weeks of gradual training, speak to your vet about referring you to a certified behaviorist or dog trainer. Get professional help right away if your dog shows:
- Panic responses like panting, howling, pacing nonstop when alone
- Self-harming behaviors
- Aggression when you prepare to leave or return
- Ongoing house soiling, destruction, or escaping
These indicate a severe case of separation anxiety requiring more intensive treatment. Myriad therapy options are available from behavior experts.
Conclusion
Leaving an anxious dog alone can help treat mild separation anxiety through gradual counterconditioning. But it must be done slowly and correctly to avoid worsening the issue. Severely distressed dogs should not be left alone. Working with a vet, trainer, or behaviorist is best for moderate to extreme cases. With customized treatment, most dogs with separation anxiety can learn to become comfortable spending time alone.