Introduction
Dogs and humans share an incredibly unique bond that has evolved over thousands of years of cohabitation and working together. According to research from the American Kennel Club, the human-canine bond is unlike any relationship between two species on earth. Dogs view their human caretakers as family and have become reliant on humans for their care and safety.
This strong attachment means that dogs deeply miss their human owners when separated from them for extended periods of time. There are several factors that impact how acutely and for how long dogs miss their people, including the dog’s breed, age, background, and personality. The amount of time spent alone or apart from their human also affects how profoundly they experience this absence.
In this article, we will explore why dogs miss their owners when they are gone, and discuss the science behind this bond and separation anxiety. We’ll also look at how factors like breed, age, past trauma or abandonment, and time apart influence how intensely dogs feel the loss of their people.
The Science Behind Dogs Missing Their Owners
Dogs can definitely experience separation anxiety when their owners leave. Separation anxiety is a dog’s anxious response to being left alone or separated from their owner [1]. Signs of separation anxiety include whining, barking, pacing, destruction, and even loss of appetite.
Studies using MRI scans have shown that dogs really do miss their owners when separated. In one study, MRI scans indicated that dogs had increased brain activity in areas associated with reward, social bonding, and negative emotions when their owners left the room [2]. This suggests that dogs do experience distress when separated from their owners.
Another study measured dogs’ stress levels when left alone or with their owners. The research found that the dogs’ stress hormone levels were significantly higher when they were left alone compared to when staying with their owners [3]. This demonstrates that dogs feel increased anxiety and stress when separated from their owners.
Breed Differences
Certain dog breeds are more prone to separation anxiety and missing their owners than others when left alone for extended periods of time. Breed traits like dependence on human companionship, high energy, and protectiveness can impact how acutely a dog feels an owner’s absence.
Herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and German Shepherds are very attached to their people and may become stressed without enough stimulation or interaction (Source 1). Companion breeds like French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pugs crave human contact and affection. Being apart from their family can cause them to feel isolated and anxious (Source 3).
Sporting and hound breeds like Weimaraners, Pointers, Beagles and Bluetick Coonhounds have high energy and exercise needs. Without sufficient activity and engagement, they may act out when left alone out of boredom or frustration (Source 2). Protective breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers feel a strong duty to guard their family and home. Separation can trigger anxiety about threats to their territory or owners.
Age of Dog
A dog’s age plays a significant role in how much they miss their owner. Puppies and senior dogs are more prone to separation anxiety and missing their owners than adult dogs.
Puppies become attached to their owners very quickly. Being separated from their owner at a young age can be very distressing for a puppy. They are still learning to be alone and haven’t built up independence yet. Puppies may whine, bark, or exhibit destructive behaviors when their owner leaves.
Senior dogs often suffer from separation anxiety as well. As dogs age, they can experience cognitive decline and become more clingy or dependent on their owners. Senior dogs may pace, vocalize, or eliminate indoors when left alone. Their anxious behaviors may worsen over time if owners are away frequently. Owners should consider getting help from a vet or trainer if their senior dog struggles with being left alone.
Dog’s Background
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the background of a dog can greatly impact how much they miss their owners while separated1. Dogs that come from rescues or shelters often form very strong attachments to their new owners as a source of comfort and stability after a traumatic early life. These dogs tend to really struggle when their owner leaves for an extended period of time, even exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety like destructive behavior, pacing, and excessive vocalizations.
On the other hand, dogs purchased from pet stores as puppies don’t form as intense of attachments initially. Having been raised in the pet store around unfamiliar people, these dogs are more used to adapting to new environments and being left alone. However, with enough time and bonding, they can still form very close attachments to owners and miss them just as much as any other dog.
Amount of Time Left Alone
The amount of time a dog can be left alone depends on the owner’s schedule and the dog’s needs. Leaving a dog alone for short periods is very different than leaving them for longer stretches of time.
Most adult dogs can be left alone for 6-8 hours during a typical workday, as long as they have enough food, water, toys, and a comfortable place to rest [1]. However, younger dogs, puppies, and senior dogs may only be able to handle 2-4 hours alone before needing a potty break or interaction. Owners who work long or irregular hours may need to consider hiring a dog walker or using doggy daycare to provide companionship and potty breaks during the day.
Leaving dogs alone overnight is more challenging, as they will need to sleep and go longer without potty breaks or feeding. Most healthy adult dogs can handle being left alone overnight, but will be very excited to see their owners in the morning! Puppies and senior dogs may struggle being left overnight. Preparing stuffed Kongs, setting up a camera, and scheduling an early morning potty break can make overnight alone time easier for dogs.
While occasional long days (12+ hours) alone can be managed with preparation, dogs should not be left alone for multiple days in a row. Boarding, pet sitters, or doggy daycare are better options for vacations and long work trips. Excessive time left alone can lead to boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviors in dogs.
Ways For Owners to Help
There are several things owners can do to help a dog with separation anxiety when they have to leave them alone:
Establish a routine before leaving. This might involve taking them for a short walk, feeding them a treat, and using a specific phrase like “I’ll be back soon” before walking out the door. Having this consistent routine can help reassure the dog and make them less anxious when the owner leaves. According to the ASPCA, setting up a consistent schedule and routines can help a dog with separation anxiety adjust (source).
Provide mental stimulation with food puzzles, chew toys, or interactive toys to keep them occupied in your absence. The ASPCA recommends this as well, noting interactive toys can engage and challenge dogs to be distracted from stress when alone (source).
Leave something with your scent for comfort. This might be an old t-shirt or blanket that the dog associates with you. Your familiar scent can have a calming effect and reassure them until you return.
When to Seek Help
If your dog shows signs of problematic separation anxiety that is negatively impacting their quality of life or safety, it may be time to seek professional help. According to the ASPCA, some signs that your dog’s separation anxiety has become severe include aggressive behaviors like continuously scratching doors or escapes that cause self-injury. The Humane Society also states that symptoms like losing appetite or bodily functions when an owner leaves may warrant contacting a vet.
There are several treatment options for dogs with severe separation anxiety. A veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or recommend a special pheromone collar to help a dog stay calm. Consultation with a veterinary behaviorist can also provide personalized training and behavior modification plans. In extreme cases, the Humane Society suggests considering structured boarding or doggy daycare if possible. With patience and professional support, many dogs with anxiety can overcome the most problematic symptoms.
Coping While Away
Owners can take steps to help minimize their dogs’ anxiety when they have to be away. Here are some tips:
Set up a camera at home so you can check in and talk to your dog periodically while you’re gone. Pet monitoring cameras like Petcube allow you to see, talk to, and even give treats to your dog remotely via an app. This can provide reassurance for both you and your dog. Just be sure your dog does not become reliant on constant contact through the camera 1.
Leave a piece of clothing that smells like you for your dog to cuddle. Your familiar scent can help your dog feel comforted in your absence. Rotate the items out so they continue smelling like you 2.
Consider doggy day care a few days a week so your dog has companionship and activity. However, be sure your dog is supervised and getting along well with the other dogs first.
Hire a dog walker to take your dog on a midday walk and provide socialization and enrichment through play, training, or puzzles. This can help break up long alone periods.
Conclusion
In summary, dogs do genuinely miss their owners when separated. Research shows dogs form strong bonds with their caregivers and experience signs of separation anxiety and depression when apart. The degree to which a dog misses their owner depends on factors like breed, age, background, and length of separation. Small dogs, younger dogs, dogs from shelters, and dogs left alone for longer periods tend to have more intense responses. There are steps owners can take to ease a dog’s transition when leaving, like maintaining routines, providing familiar smells, and leaving them with companions. In most cases, dogs just need time to adjust to a change in their pack. With proper precautions and planning, both owners and dogs can manage time spent apart. What’s most important is reuniting and demonstrating the ongoing bond between owner and companion.
The dog-owner relationship is powerful and emotionally significant for dogs. With empathy and care, owners can minimize any distress from necessary separations. The joyful reunion is a testament to the depth of devotion between humans and their canine companions.