Should I crate a dog with separation anxiety?

Only if your dog finds the crate relaxing. If signs worsen when crated, use a larger safe space like a puppy pen or gated room while you build positive associations.

Do calming chews or pheromones help?

Some dogs benefit from adjuncts like L-theanine, pheromone diffusers, or white noise. Use them alongside training and consult your vet for suitability and safety.

When should I get professional help?

If your dog injures themself, cannot be left at all, or shows no progress in 2–3 weeks, consult a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist for a tailored plan.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Start Treatment at Home

Q: How long until I see improvement?

Mild cases often improve in 2–4 weeks with daily short sessions. Moderate to severe cases can take months; progress depends on going at your dog's pace and avoiding setbacks.

Separation anxiety looks like pacing, barking, howling, drooling, or destruction when left alone.

A calm, step-by-step home plan helps your dog feel safe and practice relaxing in small, successful reps.

Signs & How to Set a Baseline

Record a short video when you leave for 5 minutes to capture first reactions.

Note earliest stress signs: panting, pacing, drooling, whining, or door focus.

Your baseline tells you how long your dog stays relaxed before stress builds.

Work below that time threshold and raise difficulty only when calm stays consistent.

A Gentle First-Week Home Plan

Day 1–2: Practice micro absences: step outside for 5–30 seconds, return before stress.
Day 3–4: Vary departures 15–90 seconds with neutral exits and quiet returns.
Day 5–7: Mix easy wins with a few longer reps at 2–4 minutes if calm holds.
Tip: End sessions early if you see stress; success builds confidence fast.

Keep sessions short and separate from real errands to avoid big setbacks.

Desensitization to Departure Cues

Put on shoes, pick up keys, or grab a bag repeatedly until those cues feel boring.

Pair quiet moments with calm praise or a sprinkle of kibble on a mat, then reset.

Practice door jiggles and opening/closing without leaving, then add 5–30 second exits.

Increase only one variable at a time: duration, distance, or distraction.

Daily Enrichment to Reduce Anxiety

Add sniff walks, training games, and food puzzles to balance mental and physical needs.

Offer safe chews or stuffed Kongs during easy absences to build positive alone-time.

Rotate activities so novelty stays high while keeping routines predictable.

Match activities to your dog's personality for smoother progress.

Crate & Safe Space: Comfort Over Confinement

Use a crate only if your dog visibly relaxes inside; otherwise try a pen or gated room.

Make the area cozy with a mat, chews, water, and white noise or a fan.

Practice resting there while you're home before pairing with short exits.

Avoid scolding or punishment—fear blocks learning and can worsen anxiety.

When to Get Help

If your dog injures themself, breaks out of crates, or cannot be left at all, get professional help.

Qualified trainers and veterinary behaviorists can customize desensitization and medical support where appropriate.

Track progress weekly; if you stall for 2–3 weeks, lower criteria or seek guidance.

Helpful references:

Want tailored tips for your dog’s personality?

Take our free Dogality Test for instant, personality-based guidance.

🚀 Try the 3‑minute dog personality test

FAQ

How long until I see improvement?
Mild cases often improve within 2–4 weeks; severe cases take longer with careful, consistent steps.

Is it okay to leave food or toys?
Yes—use safe, long-lasting chews or stuffed puzzles during easy absences to build calm.

Will more exercise fix it?
Exercise helps but does not replace desensitization; combine movement, enrichment, and training.

Should I say goodbye or sneak out?
Keep exits boring and predictable. Practice short, neutral departures and calm returns.

Last reviewed by the Dogality Test Team on Nov. 12, 2025.