Leaving the House Without a Panic: A Week-by-Week Plan for Dogs With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is more than a dog that misses you. Signs include barking, chewing doors, toileting indoors or pacing when left alone. A steady, gradual plan helps many dogs.

Week 1: Make departures boring

Pick up your keys, put on your shoes and sit down again. Repeat until the cues mean nothing. Keep arrivals and departures calm and low-key.

Week 2: Short absences

Leave the room for a minute, then come back before your dog gets worried. Build up slowly over several days.

Week 3: Give your dog a job

Food puzzles keep the mind busy while you are away. A KONG Airdog Squeaker Ball or a KONG Extreme Ball can be used for supervised fetch before you leave, so your dog settles a little tired.

Week 4: Longer absences

Gradually extend the time you are out, and vary the routine so departures are not always the same. Always supervise toys so pieces are not swallowed.

Comfort that travels with them

A KONG Wild Knots Bear or a ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz Desert Snakes 3-Pack gives a soft, familiar item to settle with. Rotate toys so they stay interesting, and remove any that get chewed apart.

Rewards that build calm

Reward quiet, relaxed behaviour with small treats. Black Dog Mixed Yoghurt Drops 1kg, Black Dog Fish & Chicken Sushi and a KONG Rewards Wrapz Medium/Large make it easy to reward on the spot.

Trips out that tire them out

A supervised swim or walk before a busy day can help. Use an Outward Hound Granby Splash Life Jacket on water outings for safety.

When it is a vet conversation

See your vet if your dog hurts themselves, injures paws on doors, or panics for long periods. Your vet can rule out medical causes and discuss further support.

Your next step

Start Week 1 today, and note each day how your dog responds.