“Help! My Dog Turns Into a Furry Wrecking Ball When I Leave the House”

lewis | Dogs Galore
Apr 23
4 min read

“Help! My Dog Turns Into a Furry Wrecking Ball When I Leave the House”

Understanding and Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Picture this: you come home from a quick trip to Tesco, and your lounge now resembles the aftermath of a minor tornado. Sofa cushions exploded. Curtains mangled. Your dog is sitting innocently in the middle of the chaos like “What mess? Must’ve been burglars.”

If this sounds familiar, you might be living with a dog experiencing separation anxiety—a surprisingly common condition that’s stressful for both pup and person. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and more importantly, neither is your dog (emotionally speaking, anyway).

At Dogs Galore, we’ve worked with plenty of anxious pups—from clingy Cockapoos to needy Newfoundlands—so let’s dive into what’s going on and how you can help your dog feel more relaxed when you’re not around.

What Is Separation Anxiety (SA)?

Separation anxiety is not your dog being “naughty” or dramatic (even if their Oscar-worthy performance says otherwise). It’s a genuine panic response that some dogs feel when they’re left alone or separated from their humans.

It can look like:

Howling, barking, or whining (AKA: the canine opera begins the moment you shut the door)
Destructive chewing or digging (especially doors, windows, and personal items like shoes—your new Nikes are not safe)
Pacing, panting, or drooling
Toileting indoors, even if they’re fully house-trained
Escape attempts, sometimes risking injury

Think of it like your dog’s version of a full-blown anxiety attack. They’re not trying to get revenge for that time you went to the pub without them. They’re genuinely distressed.

Why Does It Happen?

Great question, and the answer isn’t always simple. Some of the common reasons include:

Big life changes: Rehoming, moving house, or changes in routine (hello, post-lockdown pups!)
Too much human contact (yep, we said it): Dogs who never get alone time may panic when it suddenly happens
Trauma or neglect in the past—rescues in particular are more vulnerable
Lack of confidence or independence training during puppyhood

Some dogs are just naturally more clingy than others. If your dog follows you into the loo like a fuzzy bodyguard, they might be more prone to SA.

So What Can You Do About It?

Here’s where things get hopeful. You can help your dog feel more secure and confident when left alone. It just takes patience, consistency, and possibly a lot of peanut butter.

Rule Out Medical Issues

First things first—chat to your vet. Sudden changes in behaviour can be health-related. Better safe than sorry.

Start With Short Absences

We’re talking 30 seconds. Literally. Leave the room, shut the door, come back before they panic. Slowly build it up over days and weeks. It’s called gradual desensitisation—and it works.

Ditch the Drama

No big goodbyes (“Mummy loves you so much, be strong!”) or over-the-top reunions. Keep arrivals and departures calm and low-key to avoid reinforcing anxious associations.

Create a Safe, Predictable Environment

A comfy crate or den, a puzzle toy, and soothing background noise (radio or white noise) can all help your dog settle. Basically, you want your dog thinking, “Sweet, alone time means snacks and chill vibes.”

Enrichment Is Everything

Mental stimulation burns energy and helps your dog relax. Frozen Kongs, snuffle mats, long sniffy walks—all good stuff. Tired dogs nap, and napping dogs aren’t chewing your skirting boards.

Try the Magic of a Dog Walker or Doggy Daycare

Yep, here comes the cheeky plug—Dogs Galore offers walks and daycare that break up the day and provide company while you’re away. We’re kind of like your dog’s second favourite human (and we’re okay with that).

Work With a Trainer or Behaviourist

If your dog is really struggling, don’t go it alone. Get help from a professional who uses force-free, positive training methods (like us!). Tailored plans make a world of difference.

Bonus Tips for the Human Suffering Separation Anxiety (You)

We get it. It’s heart-breaking hearing your dog cry when you leave, or coming home to chaos. But remember:

You’re not a bad owner.
You’re not alone.
You can make things better—with the right knowledge and support.

Plus, fixing separation anxiety isn’t just about your dog—it’s about getting your life back. Imagine being able to go out for brunch and come home to an intact house. A dream, right?

Need Help? We’ve Got You

If your dog’s having a tough time when left alone, don’t struggle in silence (or, more accurately, barking). Contact Dogs Galore for expert advice, personalised training plans, and walks that give your dog the confidence and structure they need.

Freebie Dog Advice!

We will soon be releasing a separation anxiety survival kit that will walk you through how to treat and manage it. Don’t worry! Help is on the way! Check back in soon so that you don’t miss it! It will be 100% free, no strings attached! Click the image at the bottom of the page to find out if it is live! Alternatively, send us a message and we will notify you when it drops!