Years ago, my dog Laika experienced mild separation anxiety, and anyone who has dealt with this problem knows it’s far from enjoyable.
Getting up and preparing for work each day is stressful enough—what I call "adulting"—but when your dog follows you around, appearing sad and nervous as you get ready, it becomes truly heartbreaking.
Fortunately, Laika’s separation anxiety was mild, making it relatively easy to manage. Here’s the simple method that helped alleviate her mild separation anxiety.
Understanding Mild Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Does your dog become anxious and upset when you’re getting ready to leave for work or school? If so, your dog may have separation anxiety, and you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 20% of dogs experience separation anxiety, with associated behaviors ranging from mild to severe.
In mild cases of canine separation anxiety, your dog may follow you around while you get ready, appear depressed when you leave, or try to follow you out the door. In mild cases, these anxious behaviors are limited to how your dog acts as you prepare to leave, not what they do after you’ve gone.
If your dog remains anxious after you leave, they likely have a more severe case, requiring multiple management methods. (Refer to the resources section at the end of this article for more information.)
With Laika, it was a bit challenging to tell if she was truly anxious because she’s a "velcro dog"—one that follows me everywhere. However, as I prepared for work, I noticed she became restless; her usual calm following shifted to a more eager "what are you doing now?" demeanor.
Laika fell into the mild separation anxiety category, so treatment wasn’t complicated. She only became anxious while I was getting ready, and these behaviors ceased once I left.
For severe cases, where a dog continues to panic after you leave, I strongly recommend seeking professional help. Severe separation anxiety is difficult to manage, and there’s no universal quick fix. If you suspect your dog has a serious case of separation anxiety, refer to the resources at the end of this article for assistance.
If your dog has a severe case of separation anxiety, you may need more than this simple method. Check the resources at the bottom of this article for additional information.
The Importance of Addressing Canine Separation Anxiety
If your dog has severe separation anxiety, you’ve likely witnessed the significant stress it causes. In the most severe instances, dogs endure not only intense psychological stress but may also suffer physical injuries from their anxious behaviors. This problem rarely improves on its own; in most cases, it worsens without treatment.
Helping your dog manage anxiety when you leave isn’t just about preventing severe cases; it’s also about helping them feel comfortable and confident in their daily routine.
My Approach to Managing Laika’s Mild Separation Anxiety
The most successful method for managing Laika’s mild separation anxiety was giving her something to focus on—and look forward to—as I left. For me, this was simply giving her a large stuffed Kong toy every morning just as I was leaving. (If you’re unfamiliar with stuffing a Kong, basic guidance involves placing treats or food inside to keep your dog occupied.)
This worked because it shifted her mindset from "oh no, she’s leaving" to "wow, look at this delicious thing I have." Once she had the Kong, she no longer worried about me or the fact that I’d be gone for eight hours. She focused entirely on the Kong, and I was amazed by how effective it was—she didn’t even look at me as I left; her attention was solely on the toy.
You can help your dog manage separation anxiety by providing them with an enjoyable activity. Redirect their focus from your morning routine to something they love.
Providing a Distraction As You Leave
My top tip for addressing your dog’s mild separation anxiety is to give them an activity as you leave. For us, a stuffed Kong was ideal—it kept Laika occupied for an extended period, and she absolutely loved it. If your dog is already used to a stuffed Kong, try freezing it overnight to make the distraction last even longer.
Surprisingly, this method didn’t lose effectiveness over time—in fact, it made Laika much calmer overall in the mornings. After just a few days of receiving the Kong as I left, she understood the routine. She stopped pestering me while I put on my shoes and instead waited calmly for her treat. The Kong became part of her daily schedule, something to look forward to each morning at 7:30.
Establishing a Positive Routine for Your Dog
Giving Laika her own meaningful morning activity helped her relax significantly. She no longer fixated on my busy morning routine; instead, she had her own focus—her cherished Kong.
To help ease your dog’s separation anxiety, provide an alternative focus when they start showing stress signals. If your dog panics when you grab your keys, offer the distraction just before that moment. Shift their thinking from "oh no, they’re leaving" to "I have this great thing to focus on now." Giving them an enjoyable morning activity ensures they’re not solely focused on you.
You can help your dog’s separation anxiety by giving them an enjoyable morning routine. Instead of focusing on you as you get ready for work, they’ll have their own 'task' to attend to.
Additional Resources for Canine Separation Anxiety
This simple method isn’t a cure-all for every dog with separation anxiety—it depends on your dog’s anxiety level when trying it. If your dog is too stressed to show interest in a stuffed Kong, they’ll need additional support to manage their anxiety.
More severe cases of canine separation anxiety often require repeated desensitization techniques, and I strongly advise consulting a professional for assistance. Here are some resources for further information on canine separation anxiety and various management strategies.
Separation Anxiety – ASPCA
Managing Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety – Karen Pryor
Separation Anxiety – Cornell
Separation Anxiety in Dogs – AKCCHF
Don’t Leave Me! Help For Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety (book) – Nicole Wilde
Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Creature Clinic
