Separation Anxiety or Boredom in Dogs? Recognizing the Signs and Providing the Right Support

Brown dog (doodle) sitting with piece of clothing in thier mouth.

Lila, a dedicated dog mom, had always cared for Bella, her scruffy rescue mutt, with love and attention. However, she noticed a change in Bella's behavior, leaving her uncertain and worried.

It began with the shoes. Lila had come home one day to find her favorite pair of flats—a buttery-soft leather she’d splurged on during a rare moment of indulgence—reduced to confetti. Then, it was a throw pillow gutted on the living room floor. Soon, Bella’s antics escalated: the barking that seemed to go on forever after Lila shut the door, the claw marks on the front door, the pacing she caught on the pet cam as if Bella were walking an invisible tightrope.

Lila was torn. Was Bella anxious or terrified of being left alone in the apartment? Or was she bored, a clever dog with too much energy and not enough to do? Lila spent hours Googling and reading articles that only left her more confused. Every website contradicted the last. She tried leaving Bella with peanut butter-stuffed toys, which Bella devoured in seconds before resuming her symphony of barks. She tried ignoring the destruction, hoping it was a phase, but her landlord's complaints piled up. Lila began to feel like she was drowning in guilt and frustration. Bella wasn’t just her dog—she was her family—and Lila felt like she was failing her.

One evening, after another long day of trying to decipher Bella’s behavior, Lila sat cross-legged on the floor with Bella sprawled across her lap, her wiry tail thumping softly. "What do you need from me, Bells?" she whispered, burying her face in the dog’s fur. Bella licked her nose in response, her eyes warm and trusting, completely unaware of the turmoil she was causing.

That’s when Lila decided to stop guessing and start observing. She kept a journal of Bella’s patterns—what triggered the barking when the destruction happened and how Bella behaved before Lila left the house. She realized Bella’s pacing always started when she picked up her keys, and the barking didn’t stop until long after she was gone. The shredded shoes weren’t random—they were the ones she often wore to work. Bella wasn’t just bored; she was worried, panicking, and desperate to keep Lila from disappearing forever.

With a clearer picture, Lila dove into solutions tailored for separation anxiety. She started practicing short departures, leaving Bella for just a few minutes and returning with calm reassurance. She introduced puzzle toys not as a distraction but as a way to build Bella’s confidence. She even sought help from a trainer specializing in canine anxiety, who taught her to see Bella’s world through her eyes.

It wasn’t an overnight fix, but it was a shared journey. Slowly, Bella began to relax. The barking lessened. The destruction stopped. And Lila? She learned that being a good dog mom wasn’t about having all the answers immediately. It was about listening, learning, and loving—even when things got messy.

Because sometimes, the best way to help a dog is to let them teach you how.If your dog exhibits undesirable behavior when left alone, it’s time to ask yourself if, like Bella, it’s separation anxiety or if your pup feels bored. With the right understanding and guidance, there are solutions to help your dog. Let’s examine each and, afterward, consider solutions. Understanding the difference between canine anxiety and boredom can be confusing, so I'm here to help. If you have questions or need clarification, set up a free call at https://train.caninezen.com/book-discovery-call-page.

Understanding Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is much more than simple frustration about being left alone—it’s an intense panic response. This condition can be rooted in past trauma, such as being abandoned or rehomed, a lack of proper training to feel comfortable being alone, or even genetic predispositions.

Dogs with separation anxiety aren’t stubborn or misbehaving; they’re genuinely scared and overwhelmed, which can lead to behaviors like barking, destructive chewing, or even attempts to escape and self harm. Understanding this fear is the first step in helping your dog feel safe and secure when on their own.

Common Signs of Separation Anxiety:

Excessive drooling, panting, or vocalizing when left alone
Destruction near exits like doors or windows
Escape attempts that may cause injury
Loss of appetite or refusal to engage with food/treats

Some Potential Causes Separation Anxiety

History of being rehomed or abandoned
Lack of exposure to alone time as a puppy
Sudden schedule changes (new job, moving, loss of a family member)
Certain dog breeds are more prone to genetic conditions due to years of selective breeding, which can sometimes lead to inherited health issues.

Because separation anxiety isn’t about disobedience, punishment or scolding will not work and can worsen the issue by increasing your pet's stress and fear. Instead, it’s important to address the root cause with patience, positive reinforcement, and gradual desensitization to help your pet feel more secure when alone. More below.

Understanding Boredom-Related Behaviors

Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can become bored and restless without enough of it, often leading to undesirable behaviors. They might find ways to entertain themselves, including chewing your favorite shoes, digging through the trash, or even excessive barking. Activities like walks, playtime, training sessions, or puzzle toys can help keep their bodies and minds engaged, preventing these issues and strengthening their bond.

Common Signs of Boredom:

Chewing household items, but not near exits.
Barking or whining that eventually stops.
Mischievous behavior refers to playful or naughty actions, such as a pet jumping onto counters to steal food (counter-surfing) or shredding paper for fun. This behavior often indicates that your dog is seeking stimulation and may be bored.

Why Do Dogs Get Bored?

Lack of daily exercise and play
No mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys, scent work)
Long hours alone with nothing to do
Some breeds (herding, working, sporting) need more stimulation than others

How to Tell the Difference Between Separation Anxiety and Boredom

While separation anxiety stems from fear, boredom is rooted in frustration, and addressing these issues requires completely different approaches. Separation anxiety often manifests as a dog feeling distressed when left alone, while boredom comes from a lack of mental stimulation or physical activity. Since the behaviors can look similar—such as chewing, barking, or destruction—it’s important to dig deeper to understand the underlying cause. Observing your dog's patterns and environment can provide valuable clues. Here are a few ways to figure out what’s going on and address the issue effectively.

1. Assess the Timeline:

Does your dog panic immediately when you leave? That suggests separation anxiety.
Does the behavior happen after a long time alone? That’s more likely boredom.

2. Use a Camera to Observe:

Separation anxiety escalates—whining turns into frantic behavior.
Boredom behavior might stop when the dog finds something entertaining.

3. Look for Triggers:

Departure cues (grabbing keys, putting on shoes) trigger anxiety.
Boredom happens when there’s too much downtime.

4. Try a Short Test:

Leave for 5–10 minutes. If your dog stays calm, boredom is more likely than severe separation anxiety. Please note that if your dog starts to panic immediately, do not force them to endure being alone for 5-10 minutes.

Solutions for Separation Anxiety

If your dog has true separation anxiety, they need structured training to change their emotional response to being alone.

1. Gradual Desensitization:

Start with tiny departures—stand by the door without actually leaving to help your dog get used to the idea of you being near but not visible.
Gradually increase the time you’re gone, starting with a few seconds and slowly working to longer durations. Always keep it at a level your dog can handle without stress.
If your dog shows signs of panic or anxiety, scale back to a shorter duration that they can tolerate comfortably and build up again at a slower pace. Consistency and patience are key to helping them adjust.

2. Build Positive Alone Time:

When you leave, only give your dog a high-value treat, such as a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter or a long-lasting chew, to create a positive association with your departure and keep your dog occupied. Be aware that many dogs will not eat when stressed so this may not help your situation.
Consider playing calming music or using a pheromone diffuser to create a relaxing environment for your dog while you're away. Both can help reduce a dog’s stress and anxiety.
When leaving or returning home, avoid making it a big emotional event. Keep your departures and arrivals calm and low-key to prevent your dog from becoming overly excited or anxious.

3. Create a Safe Space:

Some dogs feel more secure in a cozy, enclosed space with familiar bedding, toys, and a relaxing environment. This setup can help them feel safe and reduce stress, especially in new or unfamiliar situations. In fact, many dogs with separation anxiety do not do well with crating, so think of a small room or x-pen rather than crating.
Others may prefer the freedom to roam around the house, exploring different spaces and finding their comfortable spot. Each dog is unique, so it’s important to experiment with various setups to see what makes your furry friend feel happiest and most at ease.

Solutions for Boredom

If your dog is experiencing boredom, enrichment is the answer! Activities like puzzle toys, interactive games, or outdoor adventures can keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, help prevent boredom, and promote a happier, healthier pet.

1. Mental Stimulation:

Use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or hide-and-seek games to mentally stimulate and engage your dog. These activities challenge their problem-solving skills and make mealtime or playtime more exciting.
Teach new tricks or practice training exercises to strengthen your bond with your dog while keeping their mind sharp. Whether it's learning to shake paws, roll over, or follow new cues, these activities are fun and rewarding.
Try scent work. Scatter treats around the house for your dog to sniff out and find—this taps into your dog's instincts and is a great way to tire them out mentally while having fun.

2. Physical Exercise:

Walks aren’t enough to keep your dog fully engaged and stimulated! Incorporate structured play like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility training to provide both physical exercise and mental challenges. These activities burn energy and strengthen your bond with your dog.
Rotate different activities regularly to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. For example, alternate between fetch one day, a puzzle toy the next, and a scent game another day.
Remember to let your dog sniff during walks! A scent-heavy walk is enjoyable for dogs and mentally exhausting and satisfies their instincts, leaving them calmer and more content afterward.

3. Rotate Toys and Activities:

Keep things fresh by rotating your dog's toys weekly to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. Variety keeps them engaged and excited to play!
Try some DIY enrichment: Freeze kibble or treats in water or broth to create a fun, long-lasting puzzle that keeps them entertained and challenges their problem-solving skills.
Give your dog tasks! Many dogs enjoy having a sense of purpose, whether carrying a toy during walks, pulling a small cart, or even learning to put their toys away. These activities provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond with your furry friend.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, training alone isn’t enough to solve every challenge. Whether you're facing skill gaps, struggling with implementation, or need expert guidance to navigate complex situations, here’s when to call in extra support. Plus, when working with a professional, you feel supported and not alone:

1. Signs You May Need a Trainer or Behaviorist:

Your dog injures themselves while trying to escape, leaving you worried about their safety and well-being.
The escape behavior continues even after trying structured training methods, making it difficult to manage.
You feel uncertain about the next steps and need expert guidance to address the issue effectively.

2. Considering Medication for Severe Cases:

Some dogs may benefit from anxiety medication in addition to consistent training, especially if their anxiety is severe or impacts their quality of life.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian to discuss safe, evidence-based options for effectively managing your dog's anxiety and supporting its overall well-being.

3. Seeking Virtual Training Options:

Remote training offers tailored solutions, making it easier to address your pet's unique needs from home. Whether you're dealing with basic obedience issues or more complex challenges like separation anxiety, professional trainers are now just a video call away.

Trainers like myself provide personalized coaching sessions, guiding you to build trust with your pet and improve their behavior. This stress-free, convenient approach saves you time and ensures your pet feels comfortable in their familiar environment while learning new skills.

Finding the Right Path for Your Dog

Separation anxiety and boredom might seem like twins at first glance, but they’re not the same creature. One whispers fear, the other hums restlessness. The trick is to listen closely to understand what your dog is truly feeling. Because when you unlock that understanding, you create a world where you and your dog can breathe easier, together.

Pay attention to their behavior. Try something new. Adjust. Repeat. Because every dog is its own beautiful, quirky little universe, what soothes one might not even register for another. The real work here isn’t about control; it’s about love. It’s about building trust and creating a safe, joyous, and whole life—whether that means calming your dog’s separation anxiety or bringing more joy and curiosity into their day.

About Stephanie Barger, Canine Zen

Stephanie Barger is a dog trainer specializing in separation anxiety and behavior modification. She spent the early years of her career teaching humans before transitioning to dog training over a decade ago. Her passion is helping you and your dog live more harmoniously together.

The name of her business, Canine Zen, embodies her approach to life with our dogs. She recognizes that dogs are living, breathing, sentient, social beings that need human support, compassion, and understanding to live beside us in our strange human world. She shows people how to effectively communicate with their dogs and understand what their dogs are trying to say to them. She strives to provide a safe environment for dogs and humans to learn and thrive together without fear, pain, or judgment.

If your life with your dog is not what you anticipated and "nothing has worked" to change things, Stephanie can help you understand and work with your dog to achieve your goals and a better life together. She is an amazing teacher who works compassionately with humans and dogs and provides practical solutions for your dog training needs. Her goal is to calm the chaos in your home.

Feel free to contact Stephanie if you want to transform your relationship with your dog and create a more harmonious home. You can also ask questions in the comment box below.

Free Discovery Call with Stephanie: https://train.caninezen.com/book-discovery-call-page

Stephanie and Canine Zen's links/handles:

Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBarger67

Facebook (business): https://www.facebook.com/caninezenusa/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caninezen/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-barger-caninezen

Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/rio-rancho-nm/canine-zen-remote-dog-training

Subscribe to the Canine Zen Monthly Newsletter: https://train.caninezen.com/newsletter-sign-up-8755.

Stephanie’s Certifications/Organizational Affiliations:

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)

Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA)

Certificate of Completion-Aggression in Dogs Master Class