Why Some Dogs Struggle When Left Alone

For many dogs, being left home alone is more than an inconvenience - it can be deeply distressing. Separation related problems are among the most common behavioural issues owners seek help for, affecting an estimated one in five dogs. While the problem may seem modern, researchers believe it stems largely from how dogs live with humans today. In this article, Therese Rehn from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences explains why many dogs don’t feel well when they are left home alone.

Social animals

Dogs are highly social animals that have evolved alongside people. In the past, dogs were rarely isolated for long periods. Modern life, however, often requires dogs to spend several hours alone while owners work or travel. This adjustment is extremely difficult for some dogs.

Researchers studying separation-related behaviours have identified a range of signs that indicate a dog is struggling. The most obvious include barking, whining, howling, destructive behaviour or toileting indoors when left alone. These behaviours are often driven by fear or stress rather than disobedience.

Shut down

Less obvious, however, are dogs that respond by shutting down. Instead of vocalising or destroying objects, some dogs become passive and withdrawn. These dogs may lie still, pant quietly, or appear unusually subdued, making their distress harder for owners to recognise.

Interestingly, anxiety often begins before the owner has even left the house. Simple routines such as picking up keys, putting on shoes or reaching for a coat can trigger stress because the dog has learned to associate these signals with separation. Studies using video recordings show that anxious dogs often cycle through periods of agitation and exhaustion while alone - pacing, barking, resting briefly, then starting again.

Experts also report that separation issues rarely exist in isolation. Many affected dogs are generally more fearful or sensitive in everyday life. Noise phobias, fear of thunderstorms or fireworks, and general nervousness are commonly linked. Some dogs may simply have a more anxious temperament, influenced partly by genetics.

Life stages

Life stages can also increase vulnerability. Adolescence appears to be a particularly sensitive period, with behavioural professionals frequently observing the onset of separation problems between roughly six and eighteen months of age. Senior dogs may also become more dependent on social contact and develop difficulties later in life, even if they previously coped well alone.

Home Environment

During the pandemic, many dogs became accustomed to having people at home all day. When routines suddenly changed and owners returned to workplaces, some dogs struggled to adapt. Even dogs with no previous issues sometimes developed anxiety after experiencing constant companionship for extended periods.

Training is essential but it needs to be gradual and tailored to the individual dog. Puppies should ideally begin learning short periods of independence once they feel secure in their new home. Brief absences, such as stepping out of a room for a moment, can help build confidence slowly. Expecting a dog to suddenly tolerate long hours alone without preparation is unrealistic for many individuals.

Addressing the issue

For owners already facing separation-related problems, experts emphasise that improvement is possible. However, progress often requires patience, consistency, and a broader look at the dog’s overall wellbeing. Daily routines, exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional security all influence how well a dog copes with stress.

Major life changes can also trigger setbacks. Moving house, family conflict, divorce, or changes in household structure may increase anxiety in sensitive dogs. Because dogs are highly attuned to human emotions, stress within the family can sometimes affect them too.

Importantly, professionals stress that owners should not feel ashamed or blamed. Separation problems are complex and influenced by genetics, environment, life experiences, and training. Seeking professional support from qualified trainers or behaviourists can make a significant difference.

To the future…

Researchers continue working to better understand why some dogs struggle so deeply with separation and how treatment can be improved. While there is still much to learn, one message is already clear: dogs need predictability, patience, and emotional security to feel safe when left alone.

**Article based on a conversation with Therese Rehn, Animal Scientist and Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences on the Telling Tails podcast, presented by Agria's Research Fund and available at https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/having-trouble-leaving-your-dog-alone-here-are-some/id1893669004?i=1000761559500&l=en-GB