When it comes to dealing with separation related behaviours, these three behaviours can look very similar and the following tips are guidelines only as there’s no guarantee that it is definitely one or the other (always advisable to work with a professional if in doubt).

Does the behaviour (I.e. barking) persist? Bored/ frustrated dogs generally give up after a while, whereas anxious dogs tend to persist (that said, some dogs develop learnt helplessness, meaning they’ve given up on calling for help albeit continuing being anxious).

Consider the dog’s breed and age (and I don’t mean that some breeds are more prone to SA than others but, for example, a working breed adolescent dog gets easily bored if not provided with adequate physical and mental enrichment).

Is this a new development? For example, senior dogs developing certain ailments can play into their ability to be happy home alone.

Has the dog’s routine changed recently? Moving home can be a huge trigger for separation anxiety.

If you are sure your dog is bored or frustrated, he or she still needs help, of course. An increase in adequate physical exercise as well as providing mental enrichment often does the trick.

A leaving cue is also helpful for dogs who have FOMO, letting them know ow when you step out without them.

And if you need help to determine what your dog is struggling with, GET IN TOUCH