puppy separation anxiety: how to help your puppy feel safe when you leave

If your puppy cries, whines, or chews things when you leave the house, you’re not alone. Separation anxiety is one of the most common challenges new pet owners face, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Your puppy isn’t being bad — they’re showing signs of distress. With time, patience, and the right approach, you can teach your puppy how to be confident on their own. Phew!

The 3 most important things to know:

• Your puppy isn’t being naughty — they’re just showing a stress response.
• Punishment makes it worse, but calm routines make it better.
• You can teach your puppy to feel safe alone with the right training.

If your puppy’s anxiety seems extreme or is getting worse, talk to your Banfield veterinary team for guidance and ruling out a possible medical cause. Puppies can be a handful, and Optimum Wellness Plans^® include unlimited office visits for your peace of mind. Explore puppy plans

What is puppy separation anxiety?

Puppy separation anxiety is a form of distress that happens when a dog is away from their favorite person, usually their primary caregiver. It’s not just them being clingy. Puppies with separation anxiety may truly believe something bad is happening when they’re alone.

This emotional response can trigger physical symptoms like pacing, drooling, or barking. These behaviors often indicate the pet is experiencing stress when left alone and has not yet learned to feel calm during separation.

Some puppies experience isolation distress, which means they struggle anytime they’re alone, even if it’s not specifically about one person. Whether it’s separation or isolation, the overarching idea is the same: fear of being alone.

Signs your puppy may have separation anxiety

Every puppy is different, but common signs include:

• Barking, whining, or howling after you leave
• Potty accidents despite being house-trained
• Chewing or scratching doors, windows, or furniture
• Pacing, trembling, or drooling
• Trying to escape confinement areas
• Clinginess when you’re home or following you from room to room

You might also notice pre-departure stress, which can look like your puppy panting, pacing, or whining when you pick up your keys or put on your shoes. Those cues tell them you’re about to go, and their anxiety starts before you even leave.

These behaviors can feel overwhelming, but they’re not a reflection of your puppy’s character or your care. They’re signs your pup needs more guidance and reassurance.

Why do puppies struggle to be alone?

Puppies are social by nature. In early puppyhood, they sleep, eat, and play surrounded by littermates and their mother. When they suddenly find themselves in a quiet home, their instincts kick in: being alone seems unsafe.

Changes in environment, routine, or bonding time can make that fear stronger. Some puppies also have genetic or temperament-based sensitivity to stress. But remember: it’s not your fault, and it doesn’t mean your puppy won’t learn. With gentle training and consistency, most puppies outgrow separation anxiety as they gain confidence.

Creating a safe and predictable environment

The foundation of easing separation anxiety starts at home. A predictable routine helps your puppy know what to expect each day, like when they’ll eat, play, nap, and see you again. That predictability builds trust and reduces uncertainty.

Create a “comfort zone”

Designate a cozy space just for your puppy. That can be a crate, playpen, or small puppy-proofed room. Add soft bedding, safe toys, and an item that smells like you. This spot should always feel positive and secure, never used for punishment.

Crates can be a big help, but only if introduced gently. The goal is for your puppy to see the crate as their safe den, not a place they get locked away. Learn more about crate training

Add enrichment and calm support

Give your puppy something fun to focus on when you’re gone, like a treat-filled toy, puzzle toy, or lick mat. These encourage self-soothing and mental stimulation. Pet cameras can also be helpful for checking in (and for peace of mind).

If your puppy still seems anxious, talk to your vet about calming aids to support your training plan and help your puppy relax.

Training techniques to build your puppy’s confidence

Your best tools for soothing separation anxiety? Patience and repetition. The goal is to help your puppy associate alone time with calm, positive experiences.

Start small

Practice desensitization by showing your puppy cues like grabbing your keys or jacket but don’t actually leave. Do this multiple times a day until your puppy stops reacting to those triggers.

Pair departures with good things

Counter-conditioning may create positive associations. For example, you could give your puppy a special treat or toy that only appears when you leave and disappears when you return. Over time, your puppy learns to associate your departure with positive rewards.

Encourage independence

Build your puppy’s confidence gradually. Let them nap in a different room with a chew toy, or encourage solo play with engaging puzzles. Praise calm, quiet behavior when they’re on their own.

Avoid leaving for long stretches too soon. Sudden, lengthy absences can flood your puppy with fear and set back progress. Short, successful sessions build lasting confidence.

What to avoid when your puppy has anxiety

When your puppy cries, chews through something you love, or has an accident right after you leave the room, it’s natural to feel frustrated or even heartbroken. You might wonder if you’ve done something wrong or if your puppy is acting out on purpose. But take a deep breath: they’re not misbehaving, they’re struggling. Anxiety in puppies isn’t defiance — it’s fear.

When your puppy panics, their body floods with stress hormones. Barking, scratching, or shredding a pillow are simply their ways of trying to cope with being alone. Responding with punishment or anger can make that fear worse, teaching them that being alone can be both scary and unsafe.