Separation Anxiety: First Steps
Feeling unsafe when alone is common after rehoming. With slow, consistent practice, most dogs can learn that departures are temporary and safe.
Quick tips
- Start with tiny absences: step out for seconds, return calmly.
- Increase time in small increments; avoid big jumps.
- Provide comfort: your-scent blanket, safe chews, food puzzles.
- Keep exits/returns low-key — no big goodbyes.
Build a training ladder
- Teach a relaxed settle on a mat while you move around.
- Door work: touch handle → open/close → step out/in — all at calm levels.
- Out-of-sight moments (5–30s) → minutes → longer, only if the dog stays relaxed.
Environment & routine
Use white noise or radio, close blinds if window-watching is a trigger, and ensure daily exercise and mental enrichment. Avoid leaving the dog to “cry it out” — it can worsen fear.
Get help early if: there’s howling, destruction, self-injury, or no progress after a couple of weeks. Speak to your vet and a qualified trainer/behaviourist (IMDT/APDT trainers; ABTC/CCAB behaviourists).