Return to menu. Destructiveness and Separation Anxiety Dogs bond emotionally to their human caretakers and can experience emotional distress at any age when separated from you or other family members. Separation anxiety may take several forms. Anxiety may result when an individual experiences social isolation or even temporary separation from others. This anxiety can become particularly intense when the pet anticipates periods of separation.
Dogs are quick to learn when their owners are about to leave the house.
Emotional tension builds before your departure. Peak anxiety, expressed as whimpering, barking or howling, likely occurs within the first minutes after your departure. During extended periods of separation, the pet may engage in more passive displays of anxiety, such as depression, withdrawal or self-mutilation. Behavior modification techniques can be used to minimize separation anxiety. Begin by leaving your dog for very short periods, and lavish praise when you return.