Some dogs feel safest when they’re close to their favourite person, which is why separation anxiety can be so challenging for bonded pups.
By Siddhika Bhat, certified dog trainer and behaviourist, founder of Wagabonding: Dog Training and Beyond
We tend to throw the term “separation anxiety” around like a ball at the local dog beach. Every chewed shoe, bark, or scratched door gets blamed on it. But not every dog is having a dramatic emotional spiral the moment you step out the door. Some dogs are simply unsettled by being alone, under-stimulated, or bored out of their brains. Many actually struggle with isolation distress, which is less about missing you (sorry!) and more about the stress of having absolutely no company at all.
This guide will help you understand the difference so you can work out whether your dog is a soulful little shadow or simply needs some company, structure, and a calmer routine.
We’ll look at separation anxiety, isolation distress, and confinement anxiety; explain how they show up in real life; offer practical strategies; and help you decide when it’s time to involve a veterinary behaviourist.
Separation Anxiety vs Isolation Distress
Separation anxiety and isolation distress can look nearly identical to the average dog owner. Both involve stress, vocalisation, destructive behaviour, and panic. But the cause—and therefore the solution—can be very different. Knowing which one you’re dealing with is key.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes distressed specifically when they’re away from the person they’re deeply attached to. Contributing factors may include:
• lack of early independence
• major changes in routine or living situation
• trauma or rehoming
• over-attachment
• breed or instinctual tendencies
Dogs with separation anxiety may bark, howl, pace, chew things, toilet inside, or attempt to escape when their person leaves. Your presence acts as their emotional anchor, and without it, they struggle to cope.
Isolation Distress
Isolation distress happens when a dog panics simply from being completely alone. They may be perfectly relaxed if:
• someone else is home
• another dog is around
• they can hear normal household noise
But take every living creature out of the house—even for a few minutes—and panic sets in.
Common causes include:
• constant human interaction without independence practice
• being over-coddled during puppyhood
• limited experience with self-engagement
• being left alone while already excited, stressed, or mentally stimulated
Because it looks similar to separation anxiety, the two are easy to mix up. Understanding the root makes the treatment plan far more effective.
Confinement Anxiety
Confinement anxiety complicates things further. This occurs when a dog panics inside a confined space such as a crate, laundry room, bathroom, or behind a baby gate.
Signs may include:
• scratching or pawing
• escape attempts
• drooling or panting
• vocalising
• injuring themselves during escape efforts
A dog who panics in confinement doesn’t necessarily have separation anxiety. In fact, crate training may help some anxious dogs but significantly worsen anxiety in others. That’s why identifying the true cause matters so much.
Destructive behaviour isn’t spite: it’s often a sign of stress, frustration, or isolation distress when dogs struggle with being left alone.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety isn’t something puppies are simply born with. It develops through experience and bonding. When a new puppy whines the first few nights, that’s usually isolation distress, not true separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety often show:
• constant vocalisation—barking, whining, or howling
• chewing or destroying furniture, blinds, or door frames
• attempts to escape the house or room
• breaking out of crates and injuring themselves
• excessive panting, pacing, drooling, or shaking
• self-licking or chewing to the point of bruising
• toileting indoors despite being house-trained, often in areas that smell like their person
These behaviours are not spiteful. They’re rooted in panic. Setting up a pet camera is one of the best ways to confirm what’s happening when you’re gone.
Do Dogs Outgrow Isolation Distress?
Most dogs don’t outgrow isolation distress without help. Dogs tend to grow into behaviours, not out of them. If chewing, pacing, or soiling helped them cope before, they’ll fall back on the same habits.
Teaching independence is essential. Dogs need to learn how to settle, self-soothe, and relax without constant interaction. Some may become more resilient with age, but most need training and structure.
Do Puppies Outgrow Separation Anxiety?
Puppies naturally cling to their humans, and it’s easy to accidentally reinforce this by giving them constant attention. Over-attachment forms quickly if we don’t teach them how to handle calm, structured alone-time.
With proper socialisation, balanced routines, and early independence training, many dogs can avoid developing long-term separation anxiety. Starting early makes the biggest difference.
Regular enrichment and confidence-building activities can help dogs feel more secure and reduce anxiety when it’s time to be on their own.
3 Ways to Help Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be stressful for both you and your dog, but with consistent work, most dogs can learn to cope more comfortably.
1. Gradual Desensitisation
Start with extremely low-intensity absences. Sit in the same room without interacting. Then step out of the room briefly and return calmly. Gradually increase the duration over days or weeks. No dramatic goodbyes or emotional greetings—keep everything neutral and predictable.
2. Counterconditioning
Change your dog’s emotional response to being alone by giving them enjoyable activities when you step out. Try puzzle feeders, stuffed chew toys, lick mats, or safe shreddables. Reserve these special activities only for alone-time to build a positive association.
3. Calming Aids and Activities
Many dogs benefit from:
• pheromone diffusers
• calming collars
• anxiety wraps
• lick mats or frozen treats
• sniffing games or scent-based enrichment
Licking, chewing, and sniffing all help reduce anxiety. As always, speak with your veterinarian to ensure any calming tools are safe for your dog.
A veterinary behaviourist can help identify whether your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, isolation distress, or another form of stress.
When Should You See a Veterinary Behaviourist?
You don’t need to wait until things become unmanageable. Veterinary behaviourists can help identify subtle signs, create a personalised treatment plan, and recommend medication when appropriate. Early support prevents long-term stress and helps your dog recover more quickly.
Activities to Reduce Separation Anxiety and Isolation Distress
Daily habits have a big impact on your dog’s ability to manage time alone.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
A well-exercised and mentally enriched dog is usually calmer. In Australia—where hot weather can limit long walks—use enrichment activities, scent games, puzzle toys, or indoor training sessions to help your dog burn mental and physical energy safely.
Music or White Noise
Leaving on a calming playlist, white noise, or even the TV can make your dog feel less alone. Background sound often helps soothe anxious dogs.
Doggy Daycare
Daycare can help dogs with isolation distress by providing company and safe socialisation. However, it shouldn’t replace independence training. Overusing daycare can lead to dogs expecting constant high-energy environments.
Training Sessions
Training builds confidence, structure, and predictability. Whether through classes or online training, teaching your dog new skills helps them feel more secure and capable.
Helping Your Dog Thrive
Whether your dog struggles with separation anxiety, isolation distress, or confinement anxiety, understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward helping them feel calmer and more secure. With consistent training, structured routines, and plenty of patience, most dogs can learn to settle when home alone. And if you need support, certified trainers and veterinary behaviourists can guide you through the process.
With the right approach, your dog can learn to feel safe—even when you’re not there.
Siddhika Bhat, Certified dog trainer and behaviourist and founder of Wagabonding.
For more tips and info from expert Dog Behaviourist Siddhika Bhat, check out these articles:
Positive Reinforcement vs. the Rest: Why It’s a Clear Winner for Dog Training
When Good Puppies Go Rogue: Dealing With Puppy Toilet Training Regression
Paws for Thought Before Bringing a Puppy or Dog Home for Christmas