Dog Separation Anxiety Training: Calmer Dogs When You’re Not Home

With The Dog Wizard’s dog separation anxiety training, your dog will feel safer and calmer each time you leave your home. We help with symptoms such as barking, destruction or full-on panic whenever you go out.

Certified Trainers

Programs for Every Personality

Balanced, Reward-Based Methods

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety is a common issue for dogs, and many dogs suffering from it develop behavior problems, such as destructive behavior or incessant whining and barking when you leave home. There is hope for improvement, though. With help, your anxious dog can learn how to handle being left alone for short periods of time.

Our separation anxiety training for dogs can help pet owners teach their dogs to be more self-confident and secure. Professional dog trainers at The Dog Wizard will provide you with in-depth knowledge and tools for treating separation anxiety in dogs.

Why Dogs Develop Separation Anxiety

As pack animals, some dogs feel nervous or upset when a member of their pack goes missing and may have trouble trusting that their owner will return. Some reasons a dog might develop dog separation anxiety include:

  • Frequently being left alone for long periods of time
  • Being taken from the mother too young (removed earlier than about 7 weeks old)
  • Maternal dog death that causes the puppies to be raised by humans without a mother dog around
  • Experiencing abrupt schedule changes or frequent unstable living conditions, such as being at a shelter or being repeatedly rehomed
  • Excessive handling as a puppy that prevents the dog from learning independence
  • Suffering from a traumatic event, such as the death of an owner, a family member or another pet in the household
  • Going from a neglectful situation to a loving owner who showers the dog with attention

Rescue dogs especially may be prone to canine separation anxiety and this requires a specialized training plan that addresses the particular behavior issues of each individual dog. It’s worth remembering that it’s often not a behavior issue but rather a coping issue that needs to be addressed.

How Our Dog Separation Anxiety Training Works

Your local dog trainer for separation anxiety will begin with a free evaluation. Here, they’ll review your dog’s history, daily routine, current coping time when alone, and the severity of the signs and symptoms. From here, your trainer will recommend a variety of options, including Private Lessons or Day Training for most separation anxiety cases, Board & Train (where appropriate) especially when structure is hard to create at home, or integration with our Problem-Solving or other programs for complex cases. These options are perfect for building confidence and independence.

Drop Off & Personalized Plan

WHAT HAPPENS

Your dog meets their professional trainer who assesses their needs and tailors a program for them.

WHY IT MATTERS

Ensures training matches your dog’s behavior and your household goals.

Immersive Daily Training

WHAT HAPPENS

Dogs participate in structured sessions each day, learning commands, manners, and socialization.

WHY IT MATTERS

Builds consistent habits in a focused, expert-led environment.

Graduation & Owner Guidance

WHAT HAPPENS

Trainers share progress, provide instructions, and return your dog ready for home life.

WHY IT MATTERS

Helps you maintain results and enjoy a well-behaved companion.

Challenges We Help With (The Signs)

It can be difficult to distinguish separation anxiety from boredom or attention-seeking. True anxiety causes real stress. If you aren’t sure whether your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, here are the common signs we look for.

Destructive Behavior & Escaping

  • Destructive behavior occurs specifically when you are not home
  • Digging and scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to follow you
  • Escape attempts—successful or not—when left home alone
  • Damage to entry points often indicates panic rather than simple boredom

Vocalization & Physical Distress

  • Whining, howling, and excessive barking triggered when you leave home
  • Constant pacing and panting whenever you are out of sight
  • Urinating and defecating indoors when alone, even if fully housebroken
  • Inability to settle down or relax until you return

Clinginess & Departure Triggers

  • Following you from room to room when you are at home (shadowing)
  • Expressing distress at departure cues like picking up keys or putting on shoes
  • Acting over-excited or frantic when you return from work or school
  • Hyper-vigilance regarding your movements around the house

Understanding the Root Cause

  • Typically a panic response rather than intentional bad behavior
  • Not trying to express anger but panicking that you might not return
  • Behavior is not conscious or purposeful misbehavior
  • Distinguished from boredom by the intensity of the stress displayed

Why It Matters: Rescue Dogs, Adult Dogs, and Severe Cases

If you are the owner of a rescue or an older dog, it’s not too late. The local separation anxiety dog trainer near you will create a broader behavior plan based on the seriousness and severity of the separation anxiety.

Rescue dogs and older dogs often struggle with separation anxiety after rehoming, shelter stays, schedule changes, or bereavement. It’s not uncommon for many rescues to “latch on” hard once they finally trust someone, which can make alone time extra hard. However, separation anxiety in rescue dogs and seniors can still improve with structured training and a predictable routine.

Severe separation anxiety in dogs can lead to self-injury (bloody paws/mouths from escaping) and can escalate into aggression or reactivity at doors, barriers, or crates. In these situations, our trainers may recommend starting with a broader behavior program, not just standard separation anxiety training. Examples of such programs include The Dog Wizard’s Aggression Rehab, Problem-Solving, or Rescue Rehab as next steps.

Training Tools and Techniques for Separation Anxiety

It is very possible for dogs with separation anxiety to overcome their issues and gain confidence. Because these behavior problems are caused by fear, the key to solving them is to address the underlying nervousness. Behavior modification can only happen once your dog feels comfortable about being left alone.

Our tailored training programs build confidence and reinforce the bond between you and your pet. They also help them overcome fears and learn how to cope with everyday stress.

At The Dog Wizard, we use a balanced approach with positive reinforcement to help your dog. We also deal with desensitization and counterconditioning for optimal results.

With our group training sessions, your dog gets one-on-one time with you and also helps improve socialization. Being around other dogs lets them see how good dogs behave. Private lessons offer more personalized training. The right class for you depends on how severe your dog’s separation anxiety is and the specific behavior issues your dog exhibits.

Why Choose The Dog Wizard’s Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs?

Our experts know that each dog is unique. With a tailored plan, they can help with different symptoms of dog separation anxiety to boost confidence and feelings of safety. Here’s why you should choose us:

We don’t just use food/bribes

We fix your pet’s state of mind.

Free evaluation

Come in or talk to us for a free evaluation and the right method for your dog.

Lifetime support

Anxiety can flare up. We are here for the long haul.

Local experts

Find a trainer near you with the perfect training plan for your pet.

Take The Next Step. Schedule a Free Evaluation

Schedule your free evaluation and let us tailor the right training for your dog’s unique needs.

Related Behavior Services

Some dogs only need separation anxiety training, while others have overlapping issues (general anxiety, aggression, reactivity, poor socialization). After your free evaluation, your local Dog Wizard trainer may recommend combining this program with:

Raising Your Puppy

We guide young pups through crate training, house manners, and early socialization.

Problem Solving

From chewing to leash pulling, we teach better choices through calm, consistent training.

Socialization

Build your dog’s confidence with new people, pets, and environments.

Separation Anxiety

Help your dog feel safe and secure—even when you’re not home.

Aggression Rehab

Our certified trainers work with dogs showing fear, reactivity, or aggression.

Rescue Rehab

We help rescues overcome trauma, fear, and adjustment struggles.

Not sure which applies? Explore all the behavior issues we help with 

Real Success Stories From Problem-Solving Clients

I can’t tell you how much a difference The Dog Wizard has made in our lives. I highly recommend them! Our dog Roxy was a bolter, and we chased her countless times around our neighborhood. Several times she would run up to the main road, and we were terrified Roxy was going get hit by a car. However, after her training at the Dog Wizard, she is like a new dog. We can now take her outside with us and not be afraid she will bolt off. I can also take her to my kids games and let her run and have fun. As much time as we like to spend outdoors, it has been life changing for us to be able to include Roxy in all our family activities without the anxiety of her taking off. Thanks Dog Wizard!

Reanna, Sean, Carter, Carol Ann, and of course Roxy

Contacting Patrick with Louisville Dog Wizard was one of the greatest things I could have done for my dog! Obedience was never the issue for us, but rather reactivity and anxiety that resulted in some fear-based aggression. I’ve been through several trainers, but Patrick gave me the most realistic approach to handling the issues that were inherited with adopting an older dog. He fully understood what we needed to accomplish, and guided us in establishing a training plan with goals that didn’t overreach her capabilities. I learned so much about how to better communicate with my dog, thereby strengthening our relationship, and giving me a sense of confidence in her and my ability to handle her. Two thumbs up from a happy customer here!!!

Tiffany O

I brought my 8 year old beagle Eli to the Dog Wizard and completed the 4 day fundamentals program. All I can say is WOW. I was at a loss of what to do as anytime Eli saw another dog on walks he would bay and howl uncontrollably which was really stressful for us both and other people walking their dogs. We had done private training lessons before at another place but it did not improve his behavior. I was scared that since he is an older dog, the behavior would be so engrained in him that it could not be corrected. I was completely wrong! I couldn’t believe the transformation that took place within a few days. When I came to pick him up he was around 5 other dogs but his focus was solely on me while walking on leash. He now walks on a leash well at home and when he sees other dogs is able to remain calm. Most importantly the trainers gave me the tools to refocus Eli if he gets off track so I don’t feel nervous bringing him on walks anymore, I actually thoroughly enjoy it. My boyfriend and I still can’t believe this is the same dog! Cannot wait to bring him on a hike in a few weeks, which I thought would never be possible! Truly life changing. Can’t wait to participate in pack walks!

Jessica J

AMAZING! AMAZING! You know in life how you always buy services that turn out to be a waste of money? This is the first time in a LONG time I can honestly say it was WORTH every cent! At first I was a NERVOUS wreck leaving my Gator from 2 weeks for the homeward bound program. Our trainer did a fabulous job with follow up calls, texts and on facebook posts. Immediately my husband and I were blown away seeing what he was doing online. When we went to pick him up it was such a happy teary day! My dog blew our minds! Just like anything in life our dog Gator’s success is dependent on our follow through and practicing with him. Before you couldn’t even walk our dog without your arm being pulled out of its socket, now he calmly trots in heel beside us. I highly recommend DOG WIZARD. For those reading this whose dog is at DOG WIZARD now and are missing your dog so so much… trust me… he/she will remember you and be so happy to see you when you pick them up. Such a great moment. GOOD LUCK DOG LOVERS! I am writing this now 2 months post dog wizard. The examples of how he is calm when the doorbell rings, walks perfect, stays in “place” for LONG periods of time continues to amaze me. I gladly boast about Dog Wizard on a weekly basis. Best investment. The key is you the owner HAVE to be dedicated to work with your dog once they get home. We go to the free classes on Saturdays. They really mean it when they say “free training for the life of your dog.”

Danielle E

Our 15th month old German Shepherd was a bundle of energy with no structure. It has been years since we’ve had a puppy in our home and we were frazzled. After doing extensive research, we called Matt and discussed our issues with chaos. After a evaluation we decided to go with the 2 week program they offered. Matt was excellent with chaos and with us. Chaos now has the structure he needed and we learned how to provide that structure for him. Best decision we ever made! For anyone looking for an excellent trainer, I highly recommend Matt and The South Atlanta Dog Wizard.

Deborah D

The Fort Collins Dog Wizard and Jess is an AMAZING trainer and I highly recommend her! I have been very pleased with her services both for my own dogs and for my client’s dogs. Her attention to detail and down-to-earth approach is great.

Molly A

What does life after separation anxiety training look like?

At The Dog Wizard, we equip you with every skill and tool you need for your dog to thrive. This may require making some adjustments at home, whether to your habits or routine. Some things you can do at home to help your new dog feel more comfortable alone include:

  • Leaving a piece of clothing or blanket that smells like you with your dog when you have to leave home
  • Ignoring your dog for a few minutes when you first get home before transitioning into calm petting to emphasize that leaving and coming back is a normal occurrence, not a cause for overexcitement
  • Maintaining a consistent schedule so your dog knows when you’ll return and can trust that you’ll be back at the same time each day
  • Providing a safe, enjoyable place for your dog to stay while you’re gone, such as a room with a dog bed and some toys
  • Leaving your dog with a friend or having someone check in on your dog if you’re gone for long periods of time each day to reduce time spent alone

Which Training Program Is Right for Your Dog?

Not sure if separation anxiety training is the best starting point? Our quick guide walks you through our core dog behavior training classes – from puppy separation anxiety training and everyday problem-solving to socialization, separation anxiety, aggression rehab and rescue dog training, so you can match your dog’s behavior with the right program at your nearest Dog Wizard location.

Puppy Obedience Training

Board and Train Dog Training

Dog Day Training

Group Dog Training Classes

Private Dog Training Lessons

Specialty Dog Training

American Kennel Club (AKC) Training

Lifetime Support

Let Us Guide You

FAQs

Separation anxiety in dogs is more than a bit of whining when you leave. It’s a genuine panic response. Instead of relaxing or finding something calm to do, a dog with separation anxiety struggles to cope when left alone or away from a particular person. They may bark, pace, drool or try to escape. This is not because they’re being disobedient, but because they’re frightened and don’t know how to feel safe on their own.
Common signs of dog separation anxiety include constant barking or howling when you’re out, chewing doors or windows, scratching at walls, or trying to escape a crate or room. Some dogs pace, pant or drool heavily, even in a cool house. Others may have indoor accidents despite being housebroken, cling to you from room to room, or greet you with frantic excitement the second you walk back through the door.
There’s no single cause of separation anxiety in dogs, but there are common patterns. Some dogs never learned to be independent as puppies and always had someone around. Others develop anxiety after big life changes such as a new schedule, moving home or a family breakup. Rescue dog separation anxiety is also very common. Dogs who’ve been rehomed or spent time in shelters may worry that being left alone means being abandoned again.
Many dogs with separation anxiety make huge progress and end up coping far better when left alone, especially with structured training and a consistent routine at home. Some dogs move from full-blown panic to being able to rest or sleep while you’re out. Others may always be a bit sensitive but can be managed with realistic alone-time, good habits and ongoing support. We usually talk about improving and managing separation anxiety rather than promising a quick “cure.”
Dog separation anxiety training focuses on teaching your dog that being alone can feel safe and predictable. Our trainers work in small steps, starting with very short absences that your dog can handle calmly, then gradually building up the time. Along the way, we use counterconditioning, confidence-building exercises and a more structured daily routine. Owners learn what to practise between sessions, so dog separation anxiety training at home becomes part of everyday life rather than a one-off lesson.
There isn’t a one-size timeline for separation anxiety in dogs. Mild cases may start to improve within a few days if everyone in the home sticks to the plan. Dogs with a long history of panicking when left alone, rescue backgrounds, or multiple behavior issues often need months of steady, consistent work. Progress is rarely a straight line, so your trainer will help you celebrate small wins and adjust the plan when your dog hits a tricky patch.
Bored dogs tend to look for something to do, which might mean chewing, barking at passersby, or raiding the bin, but they usually settle if they’re given more exercise and mental enrichment. Dogs with separation anxiety often show clearer signs of distress: pacing, drooling, shaking, howling and trying to escape as soon as you leave. If you’re not sure which you’re dealing with, a separation anxiety dog trainer can review your dog’s history, daily routine, and any video footage to point you in the right direction.
For some dogs, a crate introduced slowly and kindly can act as a safe, cosy den and be part of dog separation anxiety training at home. For others, confinement makes the panic worse. The key is how the crate is used: it should be linked to comfort, rest, and positive experiences, not punishment or shutting a panicking dog in and hoping they “get over it.” A trainer can help you decide if a crate is right for your dog and show you how to build up crate time step by step.
Not every dog with separation anxiety needs medication, but some do struggle to make progress without extra support from a vet. In more severe cases, short- or long-term anti-anxiety medication can lower your dog’s overall stress enough for training to work. Medication is never a replacement for separation anxiety training in dogs, though. It’s used alongside a solid behavior plan. If you’re unsure, speak to your vet and let your trainer know about any treatment so everyone is working together.
Yes, separation anxiety isn’t limited to young dogs. Older dogs can develop anxiety after changes in routine, health issues, or big life events, and rescue dog separation anxiety is especially common after rehoming. The good news is that adult and senior dogs can still learn new coping skills. With patient, structured training and realistic expectations, many older or rescue dogs become far more relaxed about spending time on their own.
Yes. The Dog Wizard has locations across the US, and many of our trainers regularly work with separation anxiety cases. To find separation anxiety dog training near you, simply enter your ZIP code on our website, book a free evaluation, and we’ll connect you with a local trainer who can build a plan around your dog, your home, and your daily routine.