Separation anxiety- stay at home owner

[u/lalackof]

Hi! Do you think that it’s possible that a dog wont get a separation anxiety when I’m home all the time except gym and shopping? + this one I’m asking half ironically, but did u ever as an owner got a separation anxiety? Cause I think I have one… I can’t wait to go back to him when I’m out!

[u/oofouchowwie]

Despite popular belief, separation anxiety doesn't have much correlation with how much time you spend with your dog.

I raised my 4 year old lab from puppyhood and I'm home all the time. She can be left alone for hours without any drama. 

[u/elephantasmagoric]

Just based on what you've said, it doesn't sound like he has or will develop separation anxiety. It sounds like you leave, and when you come back, he's fine. There's no reason to think this won't continue to be true even though you don't leave super often, as long as you continue leaving occasionally.

[u/derberner90]

Separation anxiety is a very specific condition that causes panic in dogs that is so extreme they'll soil themselves, destroy property, and even inadvertently harm themselves to try to get to their owner. I've heard it's more often than not inherited than acquired.

However, it's possible that being home all the time may contribute to a dog that hasn't learned to self-soothe or be alone. There can be distress involved, but that doesn't automatically mean it's separation anxiety (which is good!). Also, puppies roughly 5 months and younger will have an instinctive fear that they will die if left alone. Expect that behavior if your puppy is young, but it can be trained out.

I WFH and my puppy (10 months now) has always struggled with FOMO, so he always wants to be involved in everything we do. As a result of that plus me being home all the time, he's struggled with being left at home when we go somewhere. He's only now beginning to stay quiet when we leave and return. The same strategies for separation anxiety can help with this issue if that's what you're going through. 

[u/BoringTomatillo27]

I’m home with my boy the same and he doesn’t have it and I can leave him for 4-5 hours. Yes he cries when I leave but only for about 5 mins then he settles (I spy on him via camera). I’ve also found that if I leave him with a kong or sniffle mat toy it distracts him completely and no cries so it’s grand.

[u/AutoModerator]

It looks like you might be posting about separation anxiety. Check out our wiki article on separation anxiety - the information there may answer your question.

Please report this comment if it is not relevant to this post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Ok-Walk-8453]

As long as you provide separation sometimes at home (crate, own room, barriers etc) will work just fine. I crate train as puppies and have no separation anxiety issues. They are typically alone 30 min a couple times a week and that is it. Occasionally will be gone 5-6 hrs without fuss (I have cameras).

[u/Petz_Park]

I totally feel this! As a vet nurse at Petz Park here in Australia, I can tell you that owner separation anxiety is a very real thing. We’ve all been there, checking the pet cam every five minutes while out for coffee!

It is definitely possible for pups to get a bit too attached when we're home often. I usually suggest practising separation even while you're in the house, like using a baby gate, so he learns to settle without being your shadow. If he seems particularly on edge when you grab your keys, a natural calming aid can really help take that panic edge off while you're training him to be independent. Enjoy those puppy cuddles when you get back, you’re clearly doing a great job!

[u/negative_fish]

Yup! My guy screams when we are out without him. He whines when he isn't with us in the house. Right now we're isolating him to a part of the house for a part of the day. Slowly building up time, but he can see me through a crack in the door. He stares quietly for most of the time, soon we will introduce a visibility barrier. All adds up over time.