Dogs By Laurie Bergman, VMD, Behavior Service Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, UC Davis Separation anxiety is a very common behavior problem in dogs. Signs of this problem often develop when a dog owner's schedule changes, such as returning to work after vacation, or kids leaving home for college. Signs of separation anxiety include crying, whining and barking, housebreaking lapses, or chewing or scratching at objects, walls, floors, windows or doors when no people are home.
Many dogs initially whine and whimper or scratch at the door, but then settle down.
These dogs may later develop more extreme separation anxiety. For most dogs with mild separation anxiety, this delicious distraction almost eliminates their anxiety as you leave. If the toy is still filled with food when you come home, then Alice's separation anxiety may be more extreme than it appeared. Ignore Alice for 20 minutes before you leave and 20 minutes after you return. This evens out the emotional roller coaster related to your departures and returns.