Dogs are pack animals, which means they form deep emotional bonds with their family members. When one person leaves the house, some dogs experience dog separation anxiety when one person leaves, leading to stress, excessive barking, destructive behavior, or even depression. Understanding why this happens and how to help can make life easier for both you and your pup.
Why Does Separation Anxiety Happen When One Person Leaves?
Some dogs become particularly attached to a single person in the household. When that person leaves, they may feel insecure or abandoned, triggering dog separation anxiety when one person leaves. Common causes include:
- A strong attachment to one individual
- Changes in routine or schedule
- Past trauma or abandonment issues
- Lack of proper socialization and independence training
Signs of Dog Separation Anxiety When One Person Leaves
If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors when their favorite person leaves, they may be struggling with separation anxiety:
- Excessive whining or barking
- Pacing or restlessness
- Destructive chewing or digging
- Loss of appetite
- Trying to escape
- Excessive licking or self-soothing behaviors
How to Help Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety
Luckily, there are several effective ways to ease dog separation anxiety when one person leaves and create a calmer, more independent pup.
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. If your dog can predict when their favorite person leaves and returns, they will gradually become more comfortable with the process. Try these suggestions:
Set a Regular Schedule for Departures and Arrivals
- Try to leave and return at roughly the same times each day.
- Even on weekends, maintain a similar schedule so your dog doesn’t experience sudden disruptions.
- If your schedule varies, create a pre-departure routine that stays the same (e.g., morning walk → meal → calm activity → departure).
Keep Goodbyes and Reunions Low-Key
- Avoid dramatic goodbyes (e.g., hugging, kissing, or high-pitched “I’ll miss you!” speeches). Instead, casually say “See you later” and leave.
- When you return, don’t immediately shower your dog with attention. Wait a few minutes before greeting them calmly. This teaches them that departures and arrivals aren’t major events.
- If your dog jumps on you excitedly, ignore them until they settle. Then offer calm praise or a treat for relaxed behavior.
Build Alone Time into the Daily Routine
- Encourage independent activities even when you’re home. If your dog always follows you, teach them to settle in another room with a toy or treat.
- Practice short “alone times” throughout the day—place your dog in a designated safe space (crate, playpen, or room) for 5-10 minutes at a time before gradually increasing the duration.
- Use a “place” command or a cozy bed where they learn to relax on their own.
Schedule Activities to Prevent Anxiety
- Morning Exercise – A tired dog is a calm dog! Walks, play, or training before you leave will help reduce anxious energy.
- Enrichment Before Departures – Provide a puzzle toy, snuffle mat, or frozen KONG before you leave so your dog stays busy.
- Calming Time Before Leaving – Avoid high-energy activities right before departure. Give 10-15 minutes of quiet time before leaving.
Monitor Progress & Make Adjustments
- If your still see issues with your dog separation anxiety when one person leaves, despite these new routines, try adjusting meal times, exercise intensity, or pre-departure activities.
- Use a pet camera to check how your dog behaves when alone and tweak the routine accordingly.
2. Provide Comforting and Engaging Toys
The right toys can offer distraction and mental stimulation, making alone time less stressful. Here are some of the best toys to help lower your dog separation anxiety when one person leaves the house.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Stuff this durable rubber toy with peanut butter, treats, or frozen goodies to keep your dog entertained for hours.
LickiMat Tuff Heavy-Duty Soother
Dog Slow Feeder Lick Mat – Spread peanut butter or wet food to keep them occupied
Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toys
One of the best product lines of unique mentally stimulating toys that challenge dogs.
Furbo Non-Rotating Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD WiFi Pet Camera
Remote 2 way treat distribution and wifi video interactions with your dog
Benebone 4-Pack Durable Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Helps ease nervous chewing and provides distraction
Mighty Paw Wobble Lick Bowl
Mentally stimulating toy that moves and wobbles, can be used with frozen or spreadable foods. Perfect to combat dog separation anxiety when one person leaves
3. Treats and Food Products That Help with Anxiety
Certain treats and food products are specifically designed to calm an anxious dog:
Soft chews with ingredients Contains L-Theanine, chamomile, and melatonin to relax your pup.
PetLab Co. Probiotics for Dogs
Support Gut Health, Itchy Skin and maintain a balanced mood.
- Hemp Calming CBD-Infused Treats for Dogs – CBD dog treats can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety naturally.
- PetSafe Freezable Treat Chilly Penguin – Interactive Pet Puzzle for Separation Anxiety – Stuffing this with frozen yogurt or peanut butter to keep your pup occupied and soothe their nerves.
- Petpal Organic Hemp Oil For Dogs – Natural Calming Aid, Stress and Separation Anxiety Relief
4. Use Desensitization Training
Step-by-Step Desensitization Plan
Start with Very Short Absences
- Begin by stepping out of the door for just a few seconds (5–10 seconds).
- Return before your dog becomes distressed and act neutral—don’t make a big fuss.
- If your dog remains calm, reward them with a small treat or praise.
- If they show signs of distress (whining, pacing, barking), shorten the next attempt.
Gradually Extend the Time Apart
- Once your dog is comfortable with brief absences, increase the duration slowly (e.g., 30 seconds → 1 minute → 3 minutes).
- The goal is to build up to longer stretches over several days or weeks.
- Progress at a pace that keeps your dog calm—don’t rush the process.
Mix Up Departure Routines
Dogs often get anxious because they recognize departure cues like grabbing keys, putting on shoes, or picking up a bag. Break this association by:
- Practicing cues without leaving (e.g., pick up your keys and then sit down).
- Leaving through different doors or going out for a few seconds without actually leaving the house.
- Varying the length of your departures so they don’t always expect you to be gone for a set time.
Reward Calm Behavior, Ignore Distress
- Give treats, praise, or a favorite toy when your dog is calm before and after your departure.
- If your dog whines, barks, or panics, wait for them to settle before giving attention.
- Avoid excessive goodbyes and greetings—keep arrivals and departures low-key.
Use Training Aids
- Calming Music or White Noise – Playing soft music or a white noise machine can make your dog feel less alone.
- Interactive Toys or Puzzles – Give a KONG filled with frozen peanut butter before leaving to create a positive association.
- Scent Work – Leave a piece of worn clothing (like a T-shirt) to provide comfort through your scent.
If Needed, Use a Camera to Monitor Progress
- A pet camera (e.g., Furbo, Petcube) can help track your dog’s anxiety levels.
- If they’re struggling after a few minutes, adjust training duration accordingly.
Be Patient and Adjust as Needed
Some dogs progress quickly, while others need weeks or months to fully adjust. Stay consistent, and if your dog continues to struggle, consider consulting a professional trainer or veterinarian.
5. DIY Owner Tips to Reduce Separation Anxiety
Sometimes, a little creativity can go a long way in easing your dog’s anxiety. Here are some DIY solutions:
- Scent Comfort: Leave an unwashed shirt or blanket that smells like you with your dog.
- Background Noise: Playing soft music or leaving the TV on can create a soothing environment.
- Puzzle Feeders: These encourage independent play and keep your dog mentally engaged.
- Calming Massage: A gentle rub-down before you leave can help relax your pup.
6. Try Calming Aids
If your dog struggles with severe anxiety, calming aids can help:
- Adaptil Diffusers: Release dog-appeasing pheromones to promote relaxation.
- Weighted Dog Blankets: Similar to weighted blankets for humans, these provide a sense of security.
- Thundershirt Anxiety Wrap: Provides gentle, constant pressure to ease stress and fear.
7. Encourage Independence
Helping your dog become more independent is key to reducing separation anxiety:
- Encourage your dog to spend time in different rooms from their favorite person
- Reward independent play with praise and treats
- Use a crate or a designated safe space to build confidence
Final Thoughts
If your pup suffers from dog separation anxiety when one person leaves , you’re not alone. By implementing structured routines, using engaging toys, offering calming treats, and gradually training them to be comfortable with alone time, you can help reduce their anxiety and create a happier, more confident dog.
For more helpful tips, check out our guide on Best Dog Toys for Separation Anxiety and our deep dive into dogs relationships with humans in the article The History of Mans Best Friend – Dog Human Companionship.
