Boredom or distress?
A bored dog left alone might chew something, dig, or bark briefly, then settle and sleep. A distressed dog behaves differently: barking or howling for long periods, scratching or chewing at doors and windows, toileting indoors, pacing, drooling or refusing food until you come home.
If those signs sound familiar, your dog may have separation-related distress. That needs more than enrichment (see below).
Possible contributing factors
- Long hours alone with little exercise or enrichment before you leave.
- A sudden change, like returning to work after time at home.
- Dogs that are very attached to one person.
- Noise or activity outside that keeps them alert.
- Fear, anxiety or past experiences.
How enrichment can help
Meeting your dog's needs before you leave, with a sniff walk, a foraging breakfast and a calm settle, makes it more likely they will rest while you're out. A safe, long-lasting food toy given as you leave can help some dogs associate departures with something good.
Breaking up long days with a dog walker, a visit, or doggy day care (for dogs who enjoy it) helps too.
When enrichment alone is not enough
Enrichment does not treat separation anxiety. If your dog shows signs of distress when alone, talk to your vet. They can check for medical problems, discuss treatment, and may refer you to a veterinary behaviourist or qualified behaviour professional, who can create a gradual plan. Filming your dog while you're out can help them understand what's happening.
Avoid punishment for things that happen while you're out: it doesn't help and can increase anxiety.
6 activities to try
Morning sniff walk
Before you leave. A satisfied dog is more likely to sleep.
You'll need: Harness, lead or long lineForaging breakfast
Done while you get ready, then the mat goes away.
You'll need: Snuffle mat or scatter feeding Full guide: Scatter feedingFrozen stuffed rubber toy
One of the few activities that may be suitable unsupervised, if the toy is designed for it, sized correctly and your dog doesn't chew it apart. Test it while you're home first.
You'll need: Durable rubber toy, soaked kibble Full guide: Frozen food enrichmentScent hides as you leave
Hide a few dry treats around a room just before leaving. Only for dogs that don't guard or overeat, and never in furniture they might chew.
You'll need: Dry treatsCalm greeting and evening walk
Keep homecomings low-key, then head out for a sniffy walk.
You'll need: LeadEvening brain game
A supervised puzzle or trick session after you get home.
You'll need: Puzzle or treats Full guide: Food puzzle toysEquipment
A durable stuffable rubber toy sized for your dog (tested while you are home), a comfortable bed in a quiet area, and optionally a camera to check how your dog spends the day.
Safety considerations
- Don't leave snuffle mats, plastic puzzles, lick mats, cardboard or rope toys with an unsupervised dog. They can be chewed and swallowed.
- Only leave toys designed for unsupervised use, sized correctly, and that your dog has shown they won't destroy.
- Never leave cooked bones or rawhide that could splinter or cause choking.
- Remove collars with tags that could catch on crates or furniture, if your dog is crated.
- Make sure water is always available and the space is safe, cool and secure.
Sample daily routine
A sample workday for an adult dog who copes well alone.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6:45 am | Sniff walk (30 minutes). |
| 7:30 am | Foraging breakfast while you get ready. |
| 8:15 am | Calm settle, then a frozen stuffed toy as you leave quietly. |
| Midday | Dog walker, visitor or day care if possible. |
| 5:45 pm | Low-key greeting, then an evening sniff walk. |
| 7:30 pm | Evening brain game, then quiet time together. |
Frequently asked questions
What can I leave my dog with when I go out?+
A durable rubber toy designed for unsupervised use, correctly sized and tested while you're home. Avoid snuffle mats, plastic puzzles, cardboard and anything chewable into pieces.
How long can a dog be left alone?+
It depends on age, health and the individual dog. Puppies and some adults can't cope with long periods. Breaking up the day with a walker or visit helps.
Will a frozen toy stop separation anxiety?+
No. It can make departures more pleasant for some dogs, but separation anxiety needs a plan from your vet or a qualified behaviour professional.
Should I leave the TV or radio on?+
Some owners find calm background sound helps. Every dog is different. A camera can show whether it helps yours.
