Dogs are social animals
Dogs are highly social animals and are well adapted to living in groups. Studies have shown that they are very good at interpreting human gestures and forming strong bonds with humans (Merckvet Manual). In the wild, dogs live in packs and establish social hierarchies and relationships within their group. Domestic dogs retain this social nature and see their human families as their “pack”. Just as wolves cooperate to care for young, find food, and defend territory together, dogs are predisposed to integrate into human families and participate in activities together.
Because dogs are so social, they often form very strong attachments and bonds with their human families. They come to see their family members as part of their own social group or “pack”. As pack animals, dogs dislike being left alone by the other members of their pack and can experience anxiety when separated from their family members for long periods of time.
Dogs experience separation anxiety
Dogs are social animals that can form strong bonds with their human families. As a result, many dogs experience anxiety when separated from their owners for extended periods of time. This phenomenon is known as separation anxiety. According to a 2022 survey by The Wildest, 76% of dogs show signs of separation anxiety to some degree
There are several common signs that a dog is experiencing anxiety due to separation from their owner:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Chewing, digging, urinating or defecating in inappropriate places
- Attempts to escape by scratching doors or chewing window frames
- Destructive behaviors like tearing up furniture, shoes, etc.
- Pacing, restlessness, and agitation
Separation anxiety can develop in dogs of any age, but is most common in dogs adopted from shelters and dogs that were separated from their mothers too early. The best way to prevent and treat separation anxiety is through training, providing mental stimulation, and maintaining a predictable routine whenever you leave the house.
Dogs have a concept of object permanence
Research has shown that dogs have an understanding of object permanence, meaning they realize that objects continue to exist even when out of sight. This is an important cognitive ability that allows dogs to understand their owners still exist even when they are not physically present.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology tested dogs’ object permanence by having owners hide treats behind a screen. The dogs continued to search behind the screen, indicating they understood the treat still existed even though it was now hidden [1]. Further research has built upon these findings.
While this ability means dogs comprehend their owners do not simply vanish when they leave the home, dogs may still miss the presence of their owner when separated for extended periods of time. Having a sense of object permanence does not preclude feelings of longing for a missing companion.
Dogs sleep a lot but do wake at night
Dogs sleep an average of 12-14 hours per day, but their sleep is usually broken up into shorter intervals of waking and sleeping compared to humans, who tend to sleep in one long stretch (1). Dogs sleep lightly and will awaken multiple times during the night to survey their surroundings and check for any signs of danger. These brief awakenings allow dogs to be aware of what’s going on around them even while sleeping. According to the AKC, larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds, and puppies and senior dogs need more sleep as well (2). Even though dogs sleep deeply at times, their survival instincts keep them semi-alert to potential threats. So while your dog is snoozing comfortably in your bedroom at night, he is likely waking up periodically to make sure everything is okay before going back to sleep.
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much/
(2) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-sleep-so-much/
Dogs recognize their owner’s scent
Dogs have a very powerful sense of smell. According to the VCA Hospitals, dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses compared to about six million in humans (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-dogs-use-smell-to-perceive-the-world). This allows them to detect scents that humans cannot. A dog’s sense of smell is one of their primary senses and allows them to gather a wealth of information from the environment.
A dog’s powerful nose allows them to recognize the unique scent of their owner. According to the VCA, dogs use their sense of smell to identify other animals, people, foods, and locations (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-dogs-use-smell-to-perceive-the-world). When an owner leaves the home, their scent remains behind. The familiar and comforting scent of their person can provide reassurance to a dog when their owner is away, even while sleeping.
Dogs engage in nesting behavior
Dogs will often engage in nesting behaviors such as circling, digging, and fluffing up bedding or blankets before sleeping. This “nesting” helps dogs feel more comfortable and secure when settling in to sleep, especially when alone. According to the Daily Paws, nesting behaviors are a dog’s natural way to prepare a safe location to rest [1]. The act of circling or digging at their bed allows dogs to mold the sleeping space to their liking. Fluffing up blankets with their paws creates a comfy, insulated spot for them to curl up in. This nesting routine helps dogs relax and provides a sense of safety when the owner is away, acting as a transitional behavior before dozing off.
Dogs may pace or wait by the door
Dogs who struggle with separation anxiety often exhibit pacing or waiting behaviors when their owner is gone, especially at night. This is because dogs are pack animals and social companions for humans, so they miss that companionship at night when left alone.
Some common signs a dog misses their owner at night include:
- Pacing around the house going from room to room
- Waiting anxiously by the front door for their owner to return
- Letting out whimpers or howls calling for their owner
- Scratching at the door trying to get out
- Appearing agitated and unable to settle
As discussed in this Reddit thread, dogs who wait by the door when their owner is gone likely miss them and are looking for reassurance they will come back. Their owner’s presence helps them feel secure.
To ease separation anxiety at night, owners can provide comfort items with familiar scents, maintain a soothing routine, and slowly get their dog used to being alone. This helps reinforce that they will return and prevents problematic waiting behaviors.
Dogs take cues from their owner
Dogs are highly attuned to their owner’s routines, behaviors, and emotions. According to research, dogs can actually mirror their owner’s stress levels. A study conducted by Linköping University in Sweden found that dogs’ stress hormone levels rose and fell in sync with their owners’ levels (Dogs Can Mirror Their Owner’s Stress, New Study Finds). This is likely an evolutionary adaptation to help dogs empathize and bond with humans.
Since dogs pick up on their owner’s patterns, if an owner has a regular sleep routine, the dog will as well. Dogs can recognize when it’s time for bed based on an owner’s behavior. For example, if the owner brushes their teeth, turns off lights, and settles into bed at a normal time, the dog will see these cues and relax. Additionally, if the owner sleeps well, the dog is less likely to feel anxious. The dog trusts that the owner will return in the morning. Maintaining a steady sleep routine with your dog present can help assure them at bedtime.
Providing comfort items can help
Familiar toys or blankets provide a sense of security for dogs when left alone, especially at night. Dogs are comforted by scents of family members, so providing items with a familiar scent can help ease anxiety. According to an article on Purewow, toys like stuffed Kongs, treat balls, or toys that make noise can keep dogs engaged and comforted (1). Snuggle toys and blankets retain scents that reassure dogs and help them relax. As suggested by Architectural Digest, comfort items give dogs something to focus on other than the owner’s absence (2). Simply having a familiar toy or blanket nearby can lower a dog’s stress and help them sleep comfortably through the night.
Sources:
(1) https://www.purewow.com/family/dog-separation-anxiety-toys-products
(2) https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/8-products-to-help-ease-your-dogs-separation-anxiety-when-you-return-to-work
Maintaining a routine is important
Research shows that dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Sticking to a regular daily schedule helps dogs feel more secure because they know what to expect throughout the day (https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/dog-schedule). This is especially important for activities like walking, feeding, and playtimes when the owner is home. A consistent routine reinforces good behaviors that have been previously taught and helps dogs learn new behaviors as well (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-your-dog-needs-routine/). For example, following a regular feeding schedule will support a dog’s metabolism and healthy digestion (https://bondvet.com/b/daily-dog-routine). Maintaining a routine is one of the best ways owners can provide stability for their dogs and reduce any anxiety the dog may experience in the owner’s absence.