Why is my dog calm when I leave but anxious or excited with others?

Question

Hello this is not an emergency, this is something that I am more or less curious of. My dog has seperstion anxiety when left alone. He also very much gets distressed when anyone leaves the home. He gets like this with guest that he has barely met and even with my wife. However the only person that can leave the home and he is okay is me. Additionally, when I get home he sits and waits for me to open the gate and is calm. When others arrive including my wife he tends to jump around and be excited. Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Male | neutered | 2 years and 4 months old | 120 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

It is pretty common for dogs to act differently around different family members (and new people as well), and usually it is a reflection of the behavior of that person. I'm wondering if you potentially have a 'low key' attitude when you are leaving and when you come home. This is actually what is recommended to help reduce separation anxiety. Your wife and other people may get excited and make a big deal when they come home, which is why he may react by jumping around and getting excited. Whatever the cause is I wouldn't think of it as a reflection of your relationship with Bear - it's a good thing that he doesn't get upset when you leave!

Why is my dog calm when I leave but anxious or excited with others?

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