Separation anxiety in dogs: signs and where to find help

Bernese Mountain Dogs are strongly attached to their people, and some find being left alone hard. True separation anxiety is a panic response, not disobedience, and it usually needs a plan rather than a quick fix.

Common signs

• Barking, howling or whining that starts soon after you leave and goes on.
• Chewing or scratching at doors, windows and crates, sometimes with injuries to paws or mouth.
• House soiling, drooling or pacing only when the dog is alone.
• Distress as you get ready to leave, such as following you or trembling when keys or shoes come out.

First steps

• Start with a veterinary check. Pain, urinary problems and some medical conditions can look like anxiety.
• Record what happens while you are away with a phone or camera. It shows whether the problem is panic, boredom or noise from outside.
• Practise very short absences the dog can cope with, and build up slowly. Avoid long absences while you work on it.
• Give exercise and something to do before you leave, such as a food puzzle or a long-lasting chew.
• Do not punish the dog for what happened while you were out. It does not connect the punishment to the behaviour, and fear makes anxiety worse.

Getting qualified help

Moderate or severe cases do best with a professional. Your veterinarian can discuss whether anti-anxiety medication would help alongside training.

• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: find a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.
• Animal Behavior Society: directory of Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice. See also the health testing guide.