How to Support an Anxious Dog Away From Their Owner

Whether you cherish every moment with your dog or must leave them occasionally, helping them feel secure when you're apart is vital. Dogs may experience anxiety or unhappiness when away from their owner, but with thoughtful support, you can ease their stress and promote confidence.

This guide shares seven effective strategies to ensure your dog remains calm and comfortable when they're with a friend, sitter, relative, or kennelled.

1. Maintain Familiar Surroundings and Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency, which gives them a sense of predictability and security. If your dog needs to stay with someone else, it’s best to keep their environment as familiar as possible. Wherever feasible, arrange care in your dog’s own home to avoid the stress of an unfamiliar setting.

Keeping your dog's daily routine stable is also crucial. Share detailed information with the carer about feeding times, walks, and rest periods. This continuity helps your dog adjust more easily and reduces anxiety.

2. Bring Home Comforts

If your dog must go to a new home, bring along items that smell and feel like home. Their bed, favourite toys, and an item with your scent, like a worn t-shirt, can make a big difference in helping them settle.

However, if other dogs are present, be cautious about sharing certain belongings to prevent resource guarding or stress. Discuss this with your dog's temporary carer beforehand and adapt what you bring accordingly.

3. Build Familiarity Before Separation

Introducing your dog to their carer before leaving them alone helps build trust and reduces stress. Arrange calm, positive meetings with the carer while you’re present. This gradual familiarisation allows your dog to associate the carer with safety and fun.

4. Bond and Communicate During Care

Encourage the temporary carer to build a warm bond with your dog through gentle conversation, petting, and treats. Positive interactions promote relaxation and help your dog feel valued and secure away from you.

5. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

Exercise and play before separation can reduce anxiety and tiredness. Let your dog burn energy through walks or games, then offer enriching toys like treat puzzles or safe chews to keep their mind occupied.

Be mindful that some dogs with severe anxiety might find food-related toys stressful, so introduce new items carefully and observe your dog’s reactions.

6. Offer Distractions and Comforts

Distractions such as favourite toys, kong toys stuffed with treats, or safe chews keep your dog engaged and less likely to focus on your absence.

The carer can also help by petting or calling your dog back when they become anxious, redirecting their attention and providing reassurance.

7. Consult a Vet for Persistent Anxiety

If your dog’s anxiety significantly affects their wellbeing or behaviours become harmful, professional veterinary advice is essential. A vet may recommend a combination of behaviour modification and medication to help manage anxiety effectively.

Never use punishment, as it heightens stress and fear. Instead, create a calm, safe environment and use positive reinforcement to support your dog’s confidence.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Quick Answer: Separation anxiety causes stress when dogs are left alone or with others. It can be eased by gradual desensitisation, maintaining routines, mental stimulation, and veterinary support if needed.

Separation anxiety is common in dogs who form strong attachments to their owners. It manifests as destructive behaviour, barking, pacing, or excessive vocalisation when left alone. Addressing it involves gradual training to accept separation combined with environmental adjustments to keep your dog comfortable.

Consistent daily schedules and mental distractions reduce the chances of anxiety flaring. If symptoms persist, vets can offer medication to support behaviour therapy safely.