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
Separation anxiety gets tossed around like a frisbee at the dog park—almost every whine, bark, or chewed slipper seems to get pinned on it. But not every dog is having a full emotional meltdown when you leave the house. Some are simply bored, under-stimulated, or uneasy about being completely alone. Many dogs actually struggle with isolation distress, which has far more to do with the absence of anyone (you, a family member, or even another pet) than with you specifically. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the difference so you can tell whether your dog is a sensitive soul or just needs a little company and a good playlist.
This article will walk you through the differences between separation anxiety and isolation distress, offer practical strategies for both, and help you recognize when it’s time to reach out to a veterinary behaviourist.
Separation Anxiety vs Isolation Distress
To the average pet parent, separation anxiety and isolation distress can look nearly identical. The behaviours overlap, and the stress can appear similar. But there’s an important distinction between the two, and understanding which one your dog is experiencing can make all the difference in choosing the right approach.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences panic or distress specifically when separated from the person (or people) they’re most attached to. Several factors can contribute, including:
• lack of early independence
• sudden changes in routine or environment
• past trauma
• over-attachment
• breed tendencies or instincts
When a dog with separation anxiety is away from their person, they may howl, pace, whine, urinate or defecate indoors, or chew and destroy objects. Their person acts as their anchor, and without that anchor, their nervous system goes into distress.
Isolation Distress
Isolation distress is different. It’s the discomfort and panic a dog feels when left entirely alone. Some dogs are perfectly content if another human is present, even if it’s someone they barely know, or if there’s another calm dog in the home. The panic happens only when they’re completely by themselves.
Common reasons include:
• constant human interaction with little independence practice
• being coddled from puppyhood
• limited opportunities for self-engagement
• being left alone while still in a heightened or anxious state
Because the contributing factors overlap with those of separation anxiety, it’s easy for the two to be confused. But knowing which is happening helps you build a much more effective plan for your dog.
Confinement Anxiety
Confinement anxiety adds another layer of confusion. This occurs when a dog panics specifically when confined, often in a crate, small room, or closed-off area. Behaviours may include:
• escape attempts
• excessive drooling
• scratching or pawing
• vocalizing
• injuring themselves while trying to escape
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 far worse. Identifying the correct root cause is essential for choosing the right solution.
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 Is Experiencing Separation Anxiety
True separation anxiety develops over time. It’s not something puppies arrive with. When a newly adopted puppy whines during the first few nights, that’s almost always isolation distress, not separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety often show some of the following behaviours when their person is away:
• constant barking, whining, or howling
• chewing or destroying items like blinds, doors, or furniture
• attempting to escape the house or room
• breaking out of a crate, sometimes injuring themselves
• excessive panting, pacing, or drooling
• over-licking to the point of bruising
• house soiling despite being trained—often in areas with their person’s scent
These behaviours can look “spiteful,” but they’re anything but. Dogs don’t act out of anger; they act out of panic. Using a pet cam is a great way to confirm what’s happening when you’re gone.
Do Dogs Outgrow Isolation Distress?
Dogs rarely outgrow isolation distress on their own. In fact, expecting them to “get over it” often makes things worse. If destructive or anxious behaviours have helped them cope before, they’ll repeat them.
Independence training is essential. Dogs need to learn how to self-soothe, relax on their own, and feel comfortable without constant interaction. Some dogs become more resilient with age, but most need guidance to build those skills.
Do Puppies Outgrow Separation Anxiety?
Puppies are naturally clingy and dependent, and over-attachment often happens because we reinforce it—carrying them everywhere, responding to every whine, or never giving them opportunities to be alone.
With proper socialization, balanced routines, and gradual independence, most puppies can avoid developing true separation anxiety. The earlier you start, the easier it is to prevent long-term issues.
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 overwhelming for both you and your dog, but with consistent training and a bit of patience, you can build their confidence.
1. Gradual Desensitization
Start with extremely short absences that don’t trigger panic—this can be as simple as being in the same room but not interacting. Slowly work up to leaving the room, then the home, for increasingly longer periods. The key is to keep each step easy enough that your dog remains calm. No dramatic departures or emotional returns; keep everything neutral and predictable.
2. Counterconditioning
Turn alone time into something positive. Use puzzle feeders, long-lasting chews, or a crate filled with special “only when you’re alone” activities to change your dog’s emotional association with your absence. Over time, the sight of you leaving can start to mean, “Oh good, my favourite treat time.”
3. Calming Aids and Activities
Tools like pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or anxiety wraps can help some dogs relax. Licking, chewing, sniffing, and shredding can all relieve stress, so try offering activities that encourage these behaviours in healthy ways—such as frozen lick mats, scent games, or stuffed chew toys.
Always check with your veterinarian first to make sure these 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?
It’s best to involve a professional sooner rather than later. Veterinary behaviourists can help identify subtle signs you may have missed and offer a personalized treatment plan. Severe anxiety sometimes requires medication alongside behaviour modification, and a qualified expert can guide that process safely.
Ignoring early signs can lead to long-term issues, so intervention is always better early than late.
Activities to Reduce Separation Anxiety and Isolation Distress
Daily habits can make a big difference in your dog’s ability to cope with alone time.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
A properly stimulated dog—both mentally and physically—is usually calmer and more capable of making good choices. In Canada, where winter limits outdoor activity, use indoor games, enrichment toys, sniffing activities, or short training sessions to keep your dog’s mind engaged.
Music or White Noise
A calming playlist, white noise, or even leaving the TV on can reduce stress by mimicking human presence. Many dogs find comfort in simple background sound.
Doggy Daycare
For dogs with isolation distress, having company—whether canine or human—can ease anxiety. Doggy daycare can be helpful, but it shouldn’t replace training. Overuse can heighten your dog’s energy expectations and make home life feel too quiet by comparison.
Training Sessions
Confidence-building training, whether in person or online, helps strengthen your dog’s skills and your bond. Teaching independence through structured training is one of the most effective tools for long-term progress.
Helping Your Dog Thrive
Whether your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, isolation distress, or confinement anxiety, understanding what they’re experiencing is the first step. With time, consistent training, and plenty of patience, most dogs can learn to feel safe and relaxed when home alone. And if you need support, certified trainers and veterinary behaviourists are there to help guide you.
A calm, confident dog makes for a much more peaceful home—and they deserve to feel secure even when you’re away.
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 Potty Training Regression
Paws for Thought Before Bringing a Puppy or Dog Home for Christmas