Why Does My Dog Freak Out When I Leave the House?
You grab your keys. Put on your shoes. And then it starts.
Whining. Barking. Scratching at the door. Maybe even full-on panic.
If your dog totally loses it when you leave the house, you’re not alone. And no — your dog is not just being dramatic or spoiled. What you’re seeing might be something called separation anxiety.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
Separation anxiety happens when a dog feels stressed or panicked about being alone. It’s not boredom. It’s not bad behavior. It’s real fear.
Think of it like this: your dog isn’t throwing a tantrum because you left. They’re freaking out because they feel unsafe without you. Their brain goes into alarm mode. Their body is flooded with stress hormones. And they can’t just “get over it.”
Signs Your Dog Might Have Separation Anxiety
Every dog is different, but here are some common signs:
Barking or howling as soon as you leave
Scratching at the door or windows
Peeing or pooping inside (even if fully house-trained)
Pacing or shaking
Drooling a lot
Destroying things near exits or doors
Trying to escape
Not eating treats or food while alone
Some dogs show just one or two of these signs. Others show them all. And sometimes, the signs only appear when your dog is completely alone.
But My Dog Is Fine With Other People at Home
That still counts.
Separation anxiety isn’t always about being totally alone. For some dogs, it’s about being away from you. Even if someone else is home, your dog may still panic if their safe person is gone.
It’s Not Spoiling. It’s Stress.
You may have heard people say things like:
“You just need to ignore your dog more.”
“Let them cry it out.”
“They’re manipulating you.”
Nope. That kind of advice often makes things worse. Dogs with separation anxiety aren’t trying to control you. They’re trying to survive a moment that feels terrifying.
Punishing, scolding, or forcing them to “get used to it” won’t help. What they need is support, slow training, and compassion.
So What Can You Do?
First, take a breath. You’re not a bad dog parent. In fact, recognizing the signs is already a huge step forward.
Here are a few things you can start with:
Record your dog when you leave. This will show you what’s really going on.
Avoid leaving your dog alone if they panic. Even short absences can make it worse if they’re not ready.
Give them something to do, like a frozen Kong or puzzle toy (but only if they can eat when alone).
Talk to a specialist. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Separation anxiety is tough, but it’s treatable with the right approach.
Need Help?
I work with dog parents who are going through this exact situation. I’ve been there too — with my own dog. I know how emotional and exhausting it can be.
Let’s talk. You can book a free intro call here:
👉 doghomealone.com/book-your-training-session
You deserve to feel confident leaving the house. And your dog deserves to feel safe while you’re gone.
Want to Learn More?
Download my free guide:
“5 Mistakes That Make Separation Anxiety Worse – And How to Fix Them”