• Yawning (when not tired)
• Lip licking
• Whale eye (showing whites of eyes)
• Turning head away
• Tense body

• Panting
• Drooling
• Pacing
• Whining
• Refusing treats

• Trembling
• Hiding
• Freezing
• Snapping/growling
• Loss of bladder control

Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog anxiety behaviors we see. Your dog isn’t being spiteful—they’re genuinely panicked when you leave.

Mild to Moderate:

• Pacing or restlessness before you leave
• Whining or barking when you’re gone
• Following you from room to room
• Excessive greeting when you return

Severe:

• Destructive behavior (only when alone)
• House soiling (even though house-trained)
• Escape attempts
• Self-harm (excessive licking, scratching)
• Constant barking/howling

• Change in routine or household
• Traumatic experience while alone
• Lack of alone-time training as a puppy
• Over-attachment to guardian
• Genetics (some breeds more prone)

What your dog is feeling: Genuine panic and fear—NOT spite or revenge.

Don’t make departures/arrivals a big deal

No long goodbyes

Ignore your dog for 5-10 minutes before leaving and after returning

Create a safe space

Comfortable area with familiar scents

Leave TV/radio on

Use calming music (Through a Dog’s Ear)

Exercise before leaving

20-30 minute walk or play session

Mental stimulation with puzzle toys

Consider calming aids

Adaptil diffuser (dog-appeasing pheromone)

Calming supplements (consult vet)

Thundershirt or anxiety wrap

Goal: Teach your dog that being alone is safe and temporary.

Step 1: Desensitize to Pre-Departure Cues

• Pick up keys, then sit down
• Put on shoes, then watch TV
• Go to door, then return to couch
• Repeat until dog doesn’t react

Step 2: Graduated Departures

• Week 1: Leave for 10 seconds, return
• Week 2: Leave for 30 seconds, return
• Week 3: Leave for 1 minute, return
• Week 4: Leave for 5 minutes, return

Rules:

• Only progress when dog is calm
• If dog panics, go back a step
• Practice 5-10 times per day

Step 3: Build Independence

• Use baby gates while you’re home
• Practice “place” command in another room
• Reward calm, independent behavior

Enrichment That Helps

Before you leave:

• Quick and Easy Activities – Mental stimulation
• Food Games – Frozen Kong, snuffle mat

While you’re gone:

• DIY Puzzles – Long-lasting puzzle toys
• Frozen treats (30+ minutes to finish)

• Mild cases: 4-8 weeks
• Moderate cases: 2-4 months
• Severe cases: 6-12 months

General anxiety and fearfulness are widespread dog anxiety behaviors. Some dogs are naturally anxious or have developed fear from past experiences.

• Trembling or shaking
• Excessive panting
• Hiding or avoidance
• Tucked tail, lowered body
• Refusal to eat
• Hyper-vigilance

• New environments
• Unfamiliar people or dogs
• Loud sounds
• Vet visits
• Car rides
• Changes in routine

1. Create predictability

• Consistent daily routine
• Same feeding times
• Regular exercise schedule

2. Provide safe spaces

• Quiet retreat area
• Covered crate or den
• Away from household traffic

3. Use counter-conditioning

• Pair scary things with treats
• Go slow—don’t flood
• Let dog set the pace

4. Build success gradually

• Start with easy wins
• Increase difficulty slowly
• Celebrate small victories

Low-stress activities:

• Sniff walks (let them explore at their pace)
• Snuffle mats and foraging games
• Lick mats (calming)
• Gentle puzzle toys

Avoid:

• High-energy, chaotic activities
• Overwhelming social situations
• Forcing interaction

Try these:

• Food Games – Calming foraging activities
• DIY Puzzles – Low-pressure problem-solving

Noise sensitivity is another prevalent form of dog anxiety behaviors. Fear of fireworks, thunder, or loud noises is common and can be managed.

• Hiding during storms/fireworks
• Pacing, panting, drooling
• Trying to escape
• Destructive behavior during noise events
• Refusal to go outside

Immediate strategies:

• Create a “safe room” (interior, no windows)
• Use white noise or calming music
• Close curtains/blinds
• Stay calm yourself
• Allow hiding (don’t force them out)
• Consider anxiety wrap or calming supplements

Between noise events:

1. Find noise recordings (YouTube: thunderstorms, fireworks)
2. Play at very low volume while doing fun things (treats, play)
3. Gradually increase volume over weeks/months
4. Only progress if dog stays calm

Timeline: 3-6 months of consistent practice

• Frozen Kongs (distraction + calming)
• Lick mats with peanut butter
• Snuffle mats
• Calm, low-key activities

Noise sensitivity is another prevalent form of dog anxiety behaviors. Fear of fireworks, thunder, or loud noises is common and can be managed.

• Hiding during storms/fireworks
• Pacing, panting, drooling
• Trying to escape
• Destructive behavior during noise events
• Refusal to go outside

Immediate strategies:

• Create a “safe room” (interior, no windows)
• Use white noise or calming music
• Close curtains/blinds
• Stay calm yourself
• Allow hiding (don’t force them out)
• Consider anxiety wrap or calming supplements

Between noise events:

1. Find noise recordings (YouTube: thunderstorms, fireworks)
2. Play at very low volume while doing fun things (treats, play)
3. Gradually increase volume over weeks/months
4. Only progress if dog stays calm

Timeline: 3-6 months of consistent practice

• Frozen Kongs (distraction + calming)
• Lick mats with peanut butter
• Snuffle mats
• Calm, low-key activities