Separation Anxiety in Dog Boarding

If you've ever felt a pang of guilt while closing the door behind your dog, or accommodating your dog at a dog hotel, you're not alone.

Many dog parents worry about how their furry companion handles being left alone.

Separation anxiety (SA) is a real struggle for many dogs.

Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or planning a vacation, your dog might be going through much more than just boredom.

At The Dogs Resort, we meet a lot of dogs who deal with separation anxiety, especially those boarding for the first time.

The good news? With the right approach, structure, and care, separation anxiety is manageable.

In this blog, we’ll help you identify the signs, understand the types, and walk you through the steps to ease your dog’s stress.

What Is Separation Anxiety in Dogs?

Separation anxiety happens when your dog becomes extremely stressed when separated from you or their familiar environment.

It’s not a sign of misbehavior; it’s an emotional reaction, and it can range from mild unease to full panic.

Common Signs of Separation Anxiety

These signs usually appear between 30 seconds to 8 minutes after you leave:

Vocalizing (barking, whining, howling)
Pacing
Standing near doors or exit points
Chewing furniture or other destructive behaviors
Panting or heavy breathing
Peeing or pooping indoors
Excessive drooling
Self-harming (licking, biting)
Attempting to escape
Guilt-face (furrowed brow)
Tense facial muscles, tightly closed mouth

Types of Separation Anxiety

Not all separation anxiety looks the same. Dogs may react differently based on the reason behind their stress:

Isolation Separation Anxiety: Fear of being completely alone.
Attachment Separation Anxiety: Distress when separated from a specific person or pet.
Confinement Separation Anxiety: Discomfort from being locked in a small space like a crate or box.

Is Seperation Anxiety Treatable?

Yes, but it depends on the dog.

Most coachable: Young, social, adaptable dogs
More difficult: Senior dogs, dogs with trauma, or those with existing phobias

Even in tough cases, progress is possible with consistency, compassion, and the right tools.

How to Diagnose Separation Anxiety

Before jumping into training, observe and track your dog’s behavior:

Record your dog using a camera (with audio) when you leave.
Time: how long it takes for anxiety signs to appear.
List the triggers: It could be your keys, coat, hand bag, wearing the shoes or even a simple “bye!”

Knowing your dog’s specific triggers will help you build a more effective training plan.

Set a Goal

A practical and measurable goal could be: Cut the time it takes for your dog to show signs of anxiety in half.

This gives you a clear direction to track progress.

Treatment Plan

A. Stress Relievers

These tools don’t fix the issue but help lower general anxiety levels:

Lick mats
Snuffle mats
Chew toys or bones
Cozy Privare bed
Daily physical activity
Healthy, consistent diet

B. Behavioral Training

This is where the transformation happens:

Create a safe space or comfort zone for your dog.
Teach the “Stay” command and reward calm behavior.
Slowly introduce separation scenarios:

Put your dog in a room. Go to the room door, touch the handle, close it, then back.
Put your dog in a room. Go to the room door, touch the handle, close it, then walk away.
Put your dog in a room. Go to the front door, put on your shoes, grab your keys, and pretend you're leaving, but don’t.
Put your dog in a room. Go to the front door, put on your shoes, grab your keys, close the door, and walk away.
Gradually increase the time you’re away: Start with 10 seconds, then 1 minute, 3 minutes, and work your way up to 30 minutes or more. Only progress when your dog stays calm at the current step.

What We Do at The Dogs Resort

Helping dogs feel emotionally safe is part of our daily mission.

For dogs who show signs of separation anxiety, we have a detailed managment protocol that includes:

Asking parents to bring personal items (blankets, toys) to comfort the dog.
Avoiding our DogTaxi service for first-time boarders; instead, parents stay at the resort for 20–30 minutes to help the dog adjust.
Skipping emotional goodbyes. We avoid words like “bye,” “miss you,” or “love you” at drop-off.
Slowly introducing the dog to staff and calm, social dogs.
Allowing the dog to spend time in our main park before going to their room.
Making sure dogs don’t watch their parents leave: we guide them gently away to avoid stress.
Matching the dog’s usual routine as closely as possible: meal times, walks, play, sleep, and elimination.
Plus many more trade secrets ;)

A Final Word

Separation anxiety isn’t a bad habit, it’s a deep emotional issue that can affect your dog’s well-being.

While many cases can be improved with love, time, and structured care, some dogs may need help from a specialized vet or trainer.

At The Dogs Resort, we treat every dog like family, and that means addressing their emotional needs, not just their physical ones.

If you’re planning to board your dog near zayed or october and you’re concerned about separation anxiety, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you and your dog feel at peace, even when you’re apart.