Spaniel Training and Dog Care

Separation Anxiety in Spaniels

Separation anxiety is one of the most common and stressful behaviour problems for spaniel owners. It isn’t “naughtiness” or spite — it’s panic or distress when a dog is left alone or separated from the people they depend on. Spaniels are often very people-focused, so some struggle more than other breeds.

This hub explains what separation anxiety looks like, what causes it, how to tell it apart from normal puppy fussing, and how to build a practical training plan that improves alone-time safely and gradually.

Key guides in this section

Start here: separation anxiety in spaniels

Puppies and early prevention

Related hubs

What separation anxiety looks like in spaniels

Dogs show separation anxiety in different ways. Common signs include:

  • barking, howling or whining soon after you leave
  • scratching doors, chewing frames, destroying items near exits
  • pacing, drooling, panting, trembling
  • trying to escape (sometimes injuring themselves)
  • toileting indoors despite being house trained
  • refusing food when alone, or becoming frantic when you prepare to leave

A key indicator is that these behaviours happen specifically when the dog is alone (or when a particular person leaves), not as a general behaviour throughout the day.

Separation anxiety vs normal “I don’t like being alone”

Some discomfort is normal, especially in puppies. Separation anxiety is different because it involves distress, not mild protest.

More likely normal adjustment

  • brief whining then settling
  • mild restlessness for a minute or two
  • improving quickly over a week or two with routine

More likely separation anxiety

  • escalating barking/howling for long periods
  • panic behaviour (scratching, escape attempts, drooling)
  • worsening over time
  • dog cannot settle even with toys/food
  • behaviour begins before you fully leave (triggered by keys/shoes)

If you suspect severe separation anxiety, it’s sensible to speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist — especially if your dog is injuring themselves or showing extreme distress.

Why spaniels develop separation anxiety

Common contributing factors include:

  • genetics and temperament (some spaniels are naturally more sensitive)
  • over-attachment patterns (dog is rarely alone, follows everywhere)
  • sudden routine changes (new job schedule, moving home, family changes)
  • previous disruption (rehoming, kennel stays, separation events)
  • under-rested or over-aroused dogs (struggle to self-settle)
  • lack of gradual alone-time training during puppyhood

Often it’s not one cause — it’s a combination.

Start here: the safest plan (step-by-step)

The goal is to teach your spaniel that being alone is predictable, safe, and temporary.

Step 1: Reduce “big departures”

Big emotional goodbyes can increase anxiety. Aim for calm exits and calm returns.

Step 2: Build independence habits at home

You’re teaching your dog to relax without constant contact.

  • reward your spaniel for settling on a bed across the room
  • practise short “behind a baby gate” moments while you’re still home
  • encourage calm routines (not constant interaction)

Step 3: Identify your dog’s threshold

Threshold = how long your dog can be alone without distress.
This might be 5 seconds for severe cases, or 5–10 minutes for mild cases.

Step 4: Start sub-threshold alone-time training

Leave for less than the threshold, return before distress starts, reward calm.

  • repeat multiple tiny reps
  • increase time slowly
  • vary your departure cues (keys, coat, shoes) without always leaving

Step 5: Add structure (food is helpful, not magic)

Food toys can support training, but they don’t “fix” separation anxiety alone.
Use them as part of a plan, not as the whole plan.

Step 6: Practise daily, in small sessions

You’ll get better results from:

  • 5–10 minutes of training practice daily
    than from
  • one long session once a week

Management while you train (this matters)

If your dog panics every time you leave, they are practising the fear response. Where possible:

  • arrange company (family, dog sitter, daycare) short term
  • avoid long absences until training improves
  • set up a safe space (pen/crate if your dog already likes it — never force it)
  • reduce triggers (block window access if outside movement causes panic)

Management is not “giving in”. It prevents setbacks while learning happens.

Common mistakes to avoid

These slow progress or make anxiety worse:

  • increasing alone-time too quickly
  • leaving your dog to “cry it out” (often escalates panic)
  • punishing destruction or barking (it’s anxiety, not disobedience)
  • using a crate if your dog is not already crate-comfortable
  • only practising when you actually need to go out
  • returning only when the dog is frantic (teaches escalation works)

Where to go next

Choose the next hub depending on what’s driving the anxiety: