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My dog has separation anxiety. How can I teach him independence?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 22 days old

What can I do if my dog wants continuous attention? He has the whole terrace for himself, toys, food and what not. Yet he will slam doors and windows if he’s outside for more than 30mins& if I crate him he will bark for 4 hours straight. I’m not allowed to keep him indoors but he has proper arrangements on our terrace. Everyone complains about the disturbance he causes and I can’t stay out with him 24/7. What can I do to tell him to stay on his own for a while and not by my side continuously.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 13th, 2018

How do I prevent my dog from developing separation anxiety? The goal of preventative action is to teach your dog that being away from you is a positive experience. Some suggestions for accomplishing this are: • Practice “sit and stay.” Ask your dogs to sit and stay, then move a distance away that your dog is comfortable with. Reward your dog for remaining calm. Gradually increase the distance and time that you are separated. If your dog does not stay or becomes anxious, decrease the distance and duration of the exercise until your dog is successful. • Desensitize to normal leaving cues. Use objects that are typically only associated with you leaving, but stay at home. For example, jingle your keys and then sit down to read a book. Grab your purse and then go make dinner. Put on your work shoes and walk around the house. • Leadership exercises. This is a concept that works on the principle that your dog should have to “earn” everything good he gets in life. For example, if he wants to go for a walk he must sit quietly while you put on his leash. Or before giving him his dinner, he must lay down. This helps your dog become less dependent on you, increases your sense of control, and assists in reducing your dog’s anxiety. • Practice leaving. You want your dog to trust that you are coming back and stay calm while you are gone. Practice leaving for small incriminates of time, even if just closing the door for a moment at first, and rewarding your dog for remaining relaxed. • Minimize “Goodbye” and “Hello.” To teach your dog that leaving and arriving is not a big deal, it is helpful to not draw attention to the fact that you are leaving or have been gone. • Give distracting treats and toys. Give your dog a positive distraction with long- lasting tasty treats approximately 20-30 min prior to your departure that will occupy him until after you have left. For example, a peanut-butter-and-kibble-filled Kong®. Also, provide plenty of chewable toys for your dog’s entertainment while you are away. • Leave on the radio/television. Some dogs may be comforted by background noise. What can I do if my dog already has separation anxiety? Treating an established case of separation anxiety will require the guidance and help of your vet. The road to recovery takes time and patience, but with the right tools you and your dog can both lead a less stressful life. It is very important that you visit with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help you formulate a specific plan to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and build his confidence. Things your vet may recommend are: Behavioral exercises SPECIFIC for you and your dog. Anxiety-reducing medication. These medications will not cure your dog; however, they can alleviate his anxiety enough so that he is able to learn new behaviors. An examination to look for underlying medical conditions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, sorry to hear about Max. It sounds like he is having separation anxiety and he will need some behavioral mentorship to get better at being on his own. This is something that may take some time to improve and it may not be completely resolved. Here are some tips you can follow to try and improve his behavior. Hope this helps and best of luck. What is separation anxiety? Separation anxiety is a state of panic and distress that occurs when a dog is away from his owner; whether you are simply in another room or have left the house. Dogs with this disorder are generally well behaved when the owner is present, and only display signs of anxiety when unable to be in the immediate vicinity of their owner. Signs of separation anxiety can range from mild to severe. The following are some behaviors associated with separation anxiety in dogs: • Excessive salivation • Pacing • Not eating • Excessive vocalization (whining, barking, howling) • Escape attempts • Urination or defecation in the house • Self-inflicted trauma (broken teeth or nails trying to escape) • Destruction (chewing objects, scratching walls and doors) What causes separation anxiety? Separation-related issues stem from the social tendencies of dogs to be pack animals. The human-animal bond is a very special thing, but in some cases this bond can be too strong. Such dogs are sometimes termed “Velcro dogs,” because they must always be right next to their owner. They may follow their owner from room to room, sleep next to their owner, and never let their owner out of sight. These dogs have not yet learned to be comfortable with being independent from their owners, which is why separation causes them distress. Is he doing this because he is mad? No! It is important to understand that this behavior is caused by panic because your dog loves you “too much,” and feels highly insecure when you are not there. Any damage done by your dog is not of malicious intent or out of “spite”. As a result, punishment is not an effective treatment, and may result in increasing your dog’s anxiety.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 25th, 2017

    How do I prevent my dog from developing separation anxiety? The goal of preventative action is to teach your dog that being away from you is a positive experience. Some suggestions for accomplishing this are: • Practice “sit and stay.” Ask your dogs to sit and stay, then move a distance away that your dog is comfortable with. Reward your dog for remaining calm. Gradually increase the distance and time that you are separated. If your dog does not stay or becomes anxious, decrease the distance and duration of the exercise until your dog is successful. • Desensitize to normal leaving cues. Use objects that are typically only associated with you leaving, but stay at home. For example, jingle your keys and then sit down to read a book. Grab your purse and then go make dinner. Put on your work shoes and walk around the house. • Leadership exercises. This is a concept that works on the principle that your dog should have to “earn” everything good he gets in life. For example, if he wants to go for a walk he must sit quietly while you put on his leash. Or before giving him his dinner, he must lay down. This helps your dog become less dependent on you, increases your sense of control, and assists in reducing your dog’s anxiety. • Practice leaving. You want your dog to trust that you are coming back and stay calm while you are gone. Practice leaving for small incriminates of time, even if just closing the door for a moment at first, and rewarding your dog for remaining relaxed. • Minimize “Goodbye” and “Hello.” To teach your dog that leaving and arriving is not a big deal, it is helpful to not draw attention to the fact that you are leaving or have been gone. • Give distracting treats and toys. Give your dog a positive distraction with long- lasting tasty treats approximately 20-30 min prior to your departure that will occupy him until after you have left. For example, a peanut-butter-and-kibble-filled Kong®. Also, provide plenty of chewable toys for your dog’s entertainment while you are away. • Leave on the radio/television. Some dogs may be comforted by background noise. What can I do if my dog already has separation anxiety? Treating an established case of separation anxiety will require the guidance and help of your vet. The road to recovery takes time and patience, but with the right tools you and your dog can both lead a less stressful life. It is very important that you visit with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will help you formulate a specific plan to help reduce your dog’s anxiety and build his confidence. Things your vet may recommend are: Behavioral exercises SPECIFIC for you and your dog. Anxiety-reducing medication. These medications will not cure your dog; however, they can alleviate his anxiety enough so that he is able to learn new behaviors. An examination to look for underlying medical conditions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 30th, 2017

    As with any behavioral issues, an exam with your veterinarian is recommended to rule out and medical causes. Once that is done, a consult with a veterinary behaviorist would be recommended to determine triggers. Behavioral modifications with medication, if indicated, can improve the situation. Gradual desensitization towards strangers can be done beginning with very short episodes on neutral ground. If Sade becomes aggressive, use appropriate caution. As she becomes accepting, increase exposure to strangers. Use plenty of praise and rewards as she progresses. Frequent short trips to parks and public areas will continue to build her confidence. The separation anxiety can be dealt with in a similar fashion. Step outside for ever increasing periods of time. Prepare to leave several times daily. Leave as scheduled when necessary, but stay at other times. Do not make a big deal before leaving or upon your return. Ignore Sade for 15-20 minutes or until she calms down when you get inside. Use a special toy or treat to be used as a distraction only for the times that you are away. A Kong toy filled with treats and frozen is an excellent option. Whatever you choose, take it up when you get home. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may further decrease any anxiety.

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