Many dogs react to the stress created from being left alone by becoming destructive, barking continuously or eliminating in the house.
Separation anxiety occurs in dogs of all ages and breeds.
It is most commonly seen in dogs who have particularly close relationships with their owners and who are rarely left alone. Attachment to the pack is a normal canine behavior that is necessary to a dog's survival. In domestic dogs this attachment becomes transferred to people. Most typically these behaviors include those mentioned above, however, generalized depression, diarrhea and self-mutilation can also occur in dogs who are extremely stressed. The behaviors associated with separation anxiety follow a somewhat predictable course.