Managing Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most common challenges new dog owners face, especially with rescues who may have experienced abandonment. Signs include excessive barking, destructive behaviour, house soiling, or frantic greetings.

The key is to desensitise your dog to departures gradually. Start by leaving for just a few minutes and building up duration slowly. Avoid dramatic hellos and goodbyes — calm is contagious.

Provide mental enrichment before you leave: a stuffed Kong, a puzzle feeder, or a worn item of your clothing. Some dogs benefit from a calming supplement or a white noise machine. In severe cases, a certified behaviourist can create a tailored counter-conditioning plan.