As summer winds down, routines start to change. Children head back to school, vacations come to an end and, for many of us, work schedules return to normal.
Unfortunately, our pets don't always get the memo.
After a summer with more people around, more outdoor time and perhaps the odd extra walk or adventure, suddenly spending longer periods home alone can be a big adjustment for our pets. And for some, a change in routine can contribute to separation-related behavior.
Is Your Dog Struggling When Home Alone?
Separation-related behavior (SRB) describes behaviors that occur when a dog is left alone, often as a result of distress.
And it may be more common than you think. Research cited by the RSPCA suggests that 8 out of 10 dogs find it difficult to cope when left alone. Perhaps more surprisingly, around half of these dogs may not show obvious signs that their owners recognize.
Some dogs make their feelings very clear - barking, howling, toileting indoors or taking an entirely unsolicited approach to redesigning the sofa.
Others show much more subtle signs, such as pacing, trembling, panting or simply being unable to settle.
If you're unsure how your dog is coping, occasionally using a camera to see what they do after you leave can be very revealing.
Why Routine Matters
Dogs generally thrive on routine and predictability, so significant changes to everyday life can be challenging.
This became particularly apparent following the pandemic, when many dogs became accustomed to having their humans at home far more than before. Even today, trainers continue to report separation anxiety and related behaviors among the frequently reported concerns that owners seek help for.
Early experiences may matter too.
A 2024 study from the Generation Pup project followed 145 puppies and found that almost half displayed at least one separation-related behavior at six months of age.
The researchers identified several early-life factors associated with a lower likelihood of these behaviors. Puppies who had at least nine hours of sleep overnight and were restricted to a room or crate overnight were less likely to display separation-related behaviors at six months. The research also found an association between aversive training methods and increased likelihood of these behaviors.
Importantly, these findings show associations rather than proving cause and effect - but they add to growing evidence of the importance of calm, positive early experiences.
Six Ways to Help Your Dog Cope With Being Home Alone
1. Get Out Before You Go Out
A suitable walk before you leave gives your dog an opportunity to exercise, explore, sniff and toilet before settling down at home.
And remember, a good dog walk isn't necessarily about clocking up miles. Allowing plenty of time to sniff can provide valuable mental stimulation too.
2. Keep Departures and Arrivals Low-Key
There's no need for a dramatic farewell worthy of the final scene of a Hollywood movie every time you pop out for groceries.
Try to make leaving and returning a normal, predictable part of your dog's day. Calm routines can help avoid adding extra excitement around departures and arrivals.
3. Build Alone Time Gradually
If your dog's routine is about to change, don't wait until the first day back at work or school to introduce a long period alone.
Start with an absence short enough that your dog remains relaxed and gradually build from there. Watch your dog's behavior rather than following a fixed timetable - five minutes may be easy for one dog and too much for another.
If your dog becomes distressed, you've progressed too quickly.
4. Give Them Something to Do
Safe enrichment can help make alone time more enjoyable. A familiar food puzzle, treat-dispensing toy or favorite safe toy can provide mental stimulation while you're away.
Just make sure it's something your dog has already used safely while supervised. The moment you're heading out for six hours probably isn't the ideal time to discover that Fido considers a new puzzle toy an entrée rather than entertainment.
Some dogs may also find familiar background sounds, such as quiet music or radio, comforting.
5. Create a Comfortable Place to Relax
Make sure your pet has access to a familiar, comfortable resting area where they feel secure, along with fresh water and appropriate toys.
If the house has been bustling with activity all summer, it can also help to encourage periods of quiet independence while you're still at home. That way, "human in another room" doesn't automatically qualify as a household emergency.
6. Give Them a Little Extra Support
Sometimes our pets need a little extra support while adapting to changes in their routine.
HomeoPet Anxiety Relief is a veterinarian-approved natural formulation that may help promote relief from fear and anxiety in dogs, cats and other animals during stressful situations, including changes to their normal routine. Easy to administer and suitable for pets of all ages, Anxiety Relief can be easily incorporated into your pet's routine when they need a little extra help adjusting to change.
When It's More Than the Back-to-School Blues
If your dog is showing significant distress when left alone - such as persistent barking or howling, destructive behavior, toileting indoors, pacing, panting or attempts to escape - don't assume they're simply being ‘naughty’.
Speak to your veterinarian first, particularly if the behavior has appeared suddenly, as underlying health issues can sometimes contribute to behavioral changes. Your vet may recommend working with a suitably qualified animal behavior professional to identify what's causing the problem and develop an appropriate plan.
And don't punish your dog for something they've done while you were away. They won't connect your reaction with something that happened hours earlier, and punishment can increase their anxiety around your return.
A Little Preparation Can Make a Big Difference
September can bring a big change of pace for the whole household — pets included.
If your dog has spent the summer enjoying an unusually full social calendar, start preparing them for the new routine before it arrives. Build alone time gradually, provide plenty of appropriate exercise and enrichment, and pay attention to how they're really coping when nobody is home.
After all, we'd much rather they spent September snoozing peacefully than expressing their feelings through the medium of soft furnishings.
If you have questions about helping your pet through changes in routine, or would like advice about which HomeoPet products may be suitable, please get in touch. Our customer support team are always happy to help.
References
Dale, F. C., Burn, C. C., Murray, J. & Casey, R. (2024). Canine separation-related behavior at six months of age: Dog, owner and early-life risk factors identified using the 'Generation Pup' longitudinal study. Animal Welfare, 33, e60. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.56.
RSPCA. Recognising separation-related behaviour and anxiety in dogs.
RSPCA. Training your dog to be left alone.
Bark Busters Home Dog Training (2026). 2026 U.S. National Dog Behavior Analysis. Analysis of nearly 50,000 U.S. in-home dog training consultation inquiries.
