Separation Anxiety in Dogs - Perth

What it is, signs to watch for, and why proper assessment matters

Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the most common behavioural issues seen in Perth — and also one of the most misunderstood.

If your dog barks or howls when you leave, destroys doors or windows, toilets indoors only when alone, or panics as soon as you pick up your keys, you’re not alone. More importantly, your dog isn’t being “naughty”.

Separation anxiety is distress — real distress.
And getting the diagnosis right is the difference between improvement and months of frustration.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety happens when a dog cannot cope with being left alone or separated from their person.

This isn’t mild protest barking for a few minutes. True separation anxiety involves panic. The dog’s stress response switches on and stays on, and they may be unable to settle until you return.

Many dogs with separation anxiety show:

• pacing and restlessness

• drooling or panting

• crying, howling, or persistent barking

• scratching, digging, or attempts to escape

• destruction around exit points (doors, windows, gates)

• toileting indoors despite being toilet trained

From the outside it can look dramatic or defiant. From the inside, the dog feels unsafe.

Separation anxiety vs separation distress

You’ll often hear the term separation distress as well as separation anxiety.

In simple terms:

• Separation distress may involve stress and difficulty settling when alone

• Separation anxiety is more intense and can include full panic behaviour

Both are serious and both benefit from a structured plan — but the approach can differ depending on what’s driving the behaviour.

Signs of separation anxiety (what it looks like at home)

Common signs include:

• barking or howling shortly after you leave

• scratching at doors or windows

• destruction focused around exit points

• pacing, panting, trembling, or drooling

• toileting indoors only when alone

• following you constantly while you’re home

• escalating behaviour during departure cues (keys, shoes, bag, uniform)

Timing is a major clue. If the behaviour only happens when you’re gone and settles soon after you return, separation-related distress is likely involved.

Can puppies get separation anxiety?

Yes. Puppy separation anxiety is common, especially in older puppies transitioning into more independence.

Age matters less than the dog’s emotional experience. What matters is whether your dog can:

• settle calmly when left

• recover quickly

• self-regulate without escalating into panic

Not every dog who barks when left alone has separation anxiety

This part is important, because misdiagnosis is common.

Some dogs vocalise when alone because they are:

• bored or under-stimulated

• frustrated (especially high-drive dogs)

• reacting to noises outside

• experiencing confinement stress (crate, laundry, yard)

Other dogs struggle with separation from one specific person, rather than being alone in general.

There can also be medical contributors that worsen behaviour, including:

• pain and mobility issues

• gastrointestinal discomfort

• hormonal or metabolic changes

• sleep disruption

If we only focus on “the barking when I leave” without assessing the whole dog, we risk missing something important — and treatment becomes less effective.

Why a behavioural assessment comes first

At Pet Logic, the first step is always clarity.

As a veterinarian, behaviour consultant, and trainer working exclusively with behavioural cases, my role is to assess the full picture:

• Is this true separation anxiety or another issue?

• Is there broader generalised anxiety?

• Is stress building up in other parts of life?

• Is the daily routine meeting the dog’s needs?

• Could there be medical factors contributing?

In many cases, separation anxiety does not exist on its own. Treating only the symptom (for example, the barking) without addressing the cause often leads to slow progress or relapse.

Why early support matters

Separation anxiety rarely disappears on its own — and it often worsens over time.

Repeated panic episodes can strengthen the pattern. What begins as barking can progress to:

• destruction

• self-injury (broken teeth, torn nails, facial trauma)

• prolonged distress lasting hours

Early intervention reduces the chance of the behaviour becoming deeply established and improves long-term outcomes.

Separation anxiety support in Perth (Pet Logic)

I’m Dr Liam Brown — veterinarian, behaviour consultant, and trainer at Pet Logic in Perth.

I work extensively with separation anxiety and separation distress in dogs, including puppies and adults. The process begins with a comprehensive behavioural assessment to confirm what’s going on and rule out contributing factors.

If separation anxiety is confirmed, clients can move into my structured Separation Anxiety Program, delivered through an online platform with:

• clear education

• step-by-step training progressions

• guidance on pacing (when to progress and when to pause)

• support throughout each phase

This matters because people often move too quickly, accidentally pushing the dog over threshold — which can make the problem worse rather than building confidence.

The approach is structured, measured, and designed for lasting change.

If you think your dog has separation anxiety

If you suspect separation anxiety in your dog, the first step is to book a Discovery Call to discuss what you’re seeing.

Or, if you’re ready to proceed, you can book an Initial Behaviour Assessment directly online.

Separation anxiety is treatable — when it’s assessed properly and addressed with the right plan.
You don’t have to manage this alone.

FAQs

How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?
Look for behaviour that happens only when you leave and improves soon after you return, especially pacing, escape attempts, and destruction near doors/windows.

Can separation anxiety be cured?
Many dogs improve significantly with structured training and proper support. Progress depends on severity, consistency, and the dog’s overall stress load.

Should I punish my dog for destruction when alone?
No. Destructive behaviour in separation anxiety is driven by distress, not disobedience. Punishment tends to worsen anxiety.