Separation anxiety in London

What separation anxiety looks like

Dogs with separation anxiety show distress when left alone or when a particular person leaves: howling or barking, toileting indoors, chewing doors and furniture, pacing, drooling or trying to escape. It is a panic response, so punishing it makes things worse.

How training helps

Training builds your dog’s ability to stay relaxed alone in tiny steps: seconds first, then minutes, always below the point where your dog panics. Progress is slow but it works, and your trainer will tailor the plan to your dog and your work pattern.

It is worth seeing your vet first to rule out medical causes, and checking with your trainer before leaving your dog to "cry it out", which can make anxiety worse.

Living with it in London

In London many dogs live in flats and terraces where noise carries, so barking and howling can quickly upset neighbours. Tell them what you are doing, and ask your trainer how to monitor progress with a camera.

On match days or during fireworks, noise around London match days and across the city can add to a dog’s stress. Your trainer can help with a safe space, calming routines and gradual noise training.

London postcodes and rules

London has 32 boroughs plus the City of London, and each can make its own dog rules, so what applies on your street can differ from the next borough. Councils in England and Wales can use Public Spaces Protection Orders to require leads, keep dogs out of areas, limit how many dogs one person walks and require you to pick up. Check your own borough’s website.

In the Royal Parks, dogs must be on a lead in Richmond Park and Bushy Park from 1 May to 31 July while the deer are giving birth, because a mother can chase or attack a dog even on a lead.

Common questions

Can I use a dog walker or daycare?

They can help while you train, because the dog is not left alone to panic. Your trainer can advise on how to combine them with a plan.

Will a second dog help?

Not reliably. Many dogs with separation anxiety are anxious about the person leaving, not about being alone, so a companion often does not fix it.

How long does it take?

Weeks to months in many cases. Progress is gradual and depends on the dog and how consistently you follow the plan.

Is K9PN a dog training company?

No. K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer who covers your area. It costs you nothing to send a request.

Related

• Dog training in London
• Puppy training in London
• Reactive dog training in London
• Recall and lead training in London
• Separation anxiety in Manchester
• Separation anxiety in Birmingham
• Separation anxiety in Leeds
• Separation anxiety in Liverpool
• Separation anxiety in Sheffield
• Separation anxiety in Bristol
• Dog training in the UK