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 throw the term “separation anxiety” around like a tennis ball at the local park. Every bark, whine, or chewed trainer seems to get blamed on it. But not every dog is having a dramatic meltdown over you leaving. Some are simply bored, under-stimulated, or uncomfortable being completely alone. Many dogs actually struggle with isolation distress, which is far more about the absence of any company than the absence of you in particular. This guide will help you tell the difference, so you’ll know whether your dog is a sensitive poet at heart or just needs a bit of background noise and something to do.
We’ll break down separation anxiety, isolation distress, and confinement anxiety, explore how each one looks in real life, and offer practical guidance on how to help. We’ll also cover when it’s best to bring in a veterinary behaviourist for support.
Separation Anxiety vs Isolation Distress
To many dog owners, separation anxiety and isolation distress look almost identical. The symptoms overlap, the panic can appear the same, and the behaviours can be confusing. But understanding which one your dog is experiencing is essential, because the solutions differ in important ways.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety happens when a dog panics specifically when they’re separated from the person (or people) they’re closely bonded to. Several factors can contribute, including:
• lack of early independence
• big changes in routine or home environment
• past trauma or rehoming
• over-attachment
• breed tendencies or instincts
When the person they’re bonded to leaves, these dogs may bark, howl, pace, urinate indoors, chew household items, or try to escape. Their person acts as their emotional safety net, and without that presence, their stress spikes.
Isolation Distress
Isolation distress is different. These dogs panic when left completely alone. They may be perfectly settled if someone else is in the home—even a neighbour they don’t know well—or if another calm dog is around. The distress is triggered by total solitude, not by separation from a specific person.
Common causes include:
• constant attention without independence practice
• being coddled from early puppyhood
• limited opportunities for self-engagement
• being left alone while still in an excited or anxious state
Because the factors overlap with separation anxiety, the behaviours often look similar. But the underlying cause—and therefore the solution—is different.
Confinement Anxiety
Confinement anxiety complicates things further. This occurs when dogs panic specifically when they’re confined to small spaces, such as crates, utility rooms, or behind baby gates.
Signs can include:
• escape attempts
• excessive drooling or panting
• scratching or pawing
• vocalising
• self-injury in severe cases
A dog with confinement anxiety doesn’t necessarily have separation anxiety. In fact, crate training may help some dogs with separation anxiety but make confinement anxiety significantly worse. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right approach.
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
True separation anxiety develops over time through lived experience—it’s not something puppies automatically arrive with. When a young puppy whines during their first few days at home, that’s far more likely to be isolation distress than true separation anxiety.
Dogs experiencing separation anxiety often show one or more of these behaviours when their bonded person isn’t around:
• constant barking, whining, or howling
• chewing or destroying furniture, blinds, or doors
• trying to escape the home or room
• breaking out of a crate and possibly injuring themselves
• excessive pacing, drooling, shaking, or panting
• licking or chewing themselves to the point of bruising
• toileting indoors despite being house-trained—often in places the owner uses most
These behaviours aren’t “naughty” or spiteful. They’re the result of panic. A pet camera is one of the best tools for understanding what’s happening when you leave.
Do Dogs Outgrow Isolation Distress?
Most dogs don’t outgrow isolation distress without support. If certain behaviours—digging, chewing, pacing—have helped them cope before, they’re likely to repeat them. Dogs often “grow into” behaviours, not out of them.
Teaching independence is essential. Dogs must learn how to settle, self-soothe, and relax without constant interaction. Some may naturally become more resilient with age, but most benefit from intentional training.
Do Puppies Outgrow Separation Anxiety?
Puppies are naturally clingy, and over-attachment can happen when we reinforce it—carrying them everywhere, responding to every whimper, or never giving them space to be on their own.
With gradual independence training, good socialisation, and balanced routines, most puppies can avoid developing long-term separation anxiety. The earlier you build these habits, the better.
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 challenging, but with patience and consistent training, most dogs can learn to cope more comfortably.
1. Gradual Desensitisation
Start with very short absences that don’t cause panic—this could mean simply being in the same room but not interacting. Then progress to leaving the room for a minute or two, returning calmly, and slowly increasing the duration. Avoid dramatic exits or big fusses when you return. Keep the routine simple and predictable.
2. Counterconditioning
Make alone time feel positive. Leave your dog with enriching activities such as puzzle feeders, long-lasting chews, or special crate-only treats. Over time, your departure signals something enjoyable rather than something frightening.
3. Calming Aids and Activities
Some dogs benefit from pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or anxiety wraps. Others respond well to stress-relieving behaviours like licking or chewing, so offering lick mats, scent games, or safe shreddable toys can help.
Speak with your veterinarian first to make sure any calming aids are appropriate 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?
Many owners wait too long before consulting a professional, but early intervention is ideal. Veterinary behaviourists can spot subtle signs you may miss, identify the actual cause of distress, and provide tailored guidance. In moderate to severe cases, medication combined with behaviour modification may be recommended.
Addressing early warning signs helps prevent long-term problems, so reaching out sooner is always better than later.
Activities to Reduce Separation Anxiety and Isolation Distress
Day-to-day routines have a huge impact on your dog’s ability to cope with alone time.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
A well-exercised and mentally enriched dog is usually calmer. In the UK—where rainy weather may limit long outdoor sessions—indoor enrichment, scent work, puzzle toys, and short training sessions help keep your dog stimulated without depending solely on long walks.
Music or White Noise
Leaving soft music, a calming playlist, or even the television on can ease anxiety by simulating a bit of background life. Many dogs find this reassuring.
Doggy Daycare
For dogs with isolation distress, having the company of other dogs or people can help. Well-run daycares offer safe socialisation. However, they shouldn’t replace independence training, as constant high-energy environments can cause dogs to rely on stimulation rather than learning to settle.
Training Sessions
Training strengthens your dog’s confidence and enhances your bond. Whether in a group class or through online training, building skills and predictable routines helps dogs feel secure.
Helping Your Dog Thrive
Whether your dog is dealing with separation anxiety, isolation distress, or confinement anxiety, understanding what they’re experiencing is the first step toward helping them feel calmer and more confident. With consistent training, small daily habits, and patient support, most dogs can learn to settle when home alone. And if you need help, certified trainers and veterinary behaviourists can guide you through the process.
Every dog deserves to feel safe—whether you’re home or not—and with the right approach, that calm confidence is absolutely achievable.
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:
The Biggest Myths About Puppy Training: And Why They’re Wrong
When Good Puppies Go Rogue: Dealing With Puppy Toilet Training Regression
Positive Reinforcement vs. the Rest: Why It’s a Clear Winner for Dog Training