Being left alone
My dog can’t be left alone: he whines, barks or destroys things as soon as I leave.
free
First, quickly: does any of these apply?
If so, we’ll show you where to find the right help.
Does he hurt himself when left alone, or try to get out through doors or windows?
Does he howl, bark or whine almost the whole time he is alone?
When he is alone: does he soil the home, drool heavily or eat nothing at all?
Was being left alone already going well, and has it suddenly got much worse?
Please answer all the questions.
What helps today:
How it’s done: film it and keep it short
The person puts their phone on a small stand on the floor so that it films the dog. The dog is in its spot, chewing a chew that lies there as usual. The person goes out of the door for a few seconds, and the dog calmly keeps chewing. The person comes back calmly, without a big hello.
Take these signs in the video seriously
In the video the dog, alone, paces restlessly back and forth, whines at the door and doesn’t touch its full food bowl. Signs like these mean: don’t keep leaving the dog alone, get help.
- For now, don’t leave him alone for longer than he can manage while relaxed. Ask family, friends, neighbours or a dog sitter.
- Film him on your phone when you step out briefly. Many dogs only show their stress when nobody is there.
- Before you leave: a walk, a toilet break, a little quiet time. A chew may lie in his spot as usual, but don’t give it as a goodbye ritual. If he never touches it when alone, that can be a sign of stress.
- Come back calmly and without fuss. Never scold him for what happened, even if something is broken: he doesn’t understand the connection, and it makes the stress worse.
- Don’t let him “cry it out”. That can make being alone even scarier.
- No anti-bark devices: when a dog is stressed at being left alone, the TVT calls them a serious breach of animal welfare, and in Switzerland they are banned.
Why this happens
Dogs are social animals. Being alone doesn’t come naturally to them and has to be learned in tiny steps. Some dogs feel frustrated, others are under great stress, and not all of them show it clearly.
Practise for the long term
- Staying alone: the first secondsBriefly away, calmly back: being alone in mini steps
- Relaxing on the blanketA blanket that means “Here you can switch off”
- Rest and sleep routineAfter play comes a break
- The open crate as a feel-good placeA retreat with an open door that your dog chooses
When to see a professional?
If it doesn’t get better, starts suddenly or worries you: a professional can look at your dog. An app can’t do that.
Where to find helpAs of: October 2026