At a glance
- Greyhounds are particularly prone to separation anxiety due to their social nature and kennel background
- Signs include destructive behaviour, excessive vocalisation, and house soiling when left alone
- Gradual desensitisation and creating a secure environment are key to helping your dog cope
- Most dogs show improvement within 4-6 weeks with consistent behaviour modification
Why your Greyhound struggles with being alone
You might notice your Greyhound becoming anxious or distressed when you prepare to leave the house. This isn't unusual behaviour for the breed. These dogs come from a unique background that makes solitude particularly challenging.
Greyhounds are naturally pack-oriented animals who spent their racing careers surrounded by constant company. In kennels, they lived alongside other dogs and had regular human contact throughout the day. The transition from this social environment to a quiet home where they might spend hours alone represents a major adjustment.
Their sensitive temperament compounds this challenge. These dogs tend to pick up on subtle cues from their owners and react strongly to changes in routine or environment. When you reach for your keys or put on your coat, your dog may already be reading the signs that separation is coming.
Research tells us that newly adopted dogs may take 4-6 weeks or longer to fully adjust to home life. During this period, separation anxiety often appears more pronounced as your dog learns to navigate their new world.
Recognising separation anxiety in your dog
Separation anxiety manifests differently in each dog, but certain patterns are common among the breed. You'll typically notice these behaviours occurring specifically when you're away or preparing to leave.
Destructive behaviour often targets doors, windows, or items that smell like you. Your dog might chew furniture, scratch at doorframes, or dig at carpeting near exits. This isn't spite or boredom, it's genuine distress driving these actions.
Vocalisation is another clear indicator. Neighbours might report hearing your dog barking, howling, or whining for extended periods after you leave. Some dogs will pace restlessly, tremble, or show excessive salivation and panting.
House soiling despite being fully toilet trained often catches owners off guard. When anxiety overwhelms your dog's normal control, accidents happen even in dogs who never soil indoors otherwise.
Before you leave, you might notice clingy behaviour. Your dog may follow you from room to room or position themselves between you and the door. These are early warning signs that separation is causing stress.
Creating a foundation for success
The most effective approach to helping your dog cope starts with gradual desensitisation. Begin by leaving for just a few minutes at a time, gradually extending the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. This process requires patience, but most dogs show noticeable improvement within several weeks of consistent practice.
Pair your departures with positive experiences. Special treats that only appear when you leave, interactive puzzle toys, or long-lasting chews can help create positive associations with alone time. The goal is for your dog to start viewing your departure as the signal that good things are about to happen.
Your own behaviour plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional goodbyes and enthusiastic greetings can actually heighten your dog's anxiety by emphasising the significance of your comings and goings. Keep departures and arrivals low-key and matter-of-fact.
Setting up the right environment
These dogs often prefer small, cozy spaces that remind them of their kennel environment. A comfortable bed in a quiet area of your home can become their safe haven during alone time. Some dogs benefit from crate training, though this should never be forced if it increases anxiety.
Calming aids can provide additional support. Adaptil pheromone diffusers, which cost around $30-$50, release synthetic versions of the calming pheromones mother dogs produce. Thundershirt calming wraps, priced at approximately $40-$60, apply gentle pressure that many dogs find soothing.
White noise machines or soft music can help mask outside sounds that might trigger anxiety. The key is creating an environment that feels secure and predictable for your dog.
Consider the power of routine. Maintaining consistent schedules for feeding, exercise, and rest helps reduce overall anxiety levels. When your dog knows what to expect throughout the day, unexpected departures become less stressful.
Exercise and mental stimulation strategies
A tired dog is often a calmer dog, but the type of stimulation matters. These dogs need moderate daily walks and, when possible, safe opportunities for off-leash running. However, mental exercise can be just as valuable as physical activity.
Interactive toys and puzzle feeders, ranging from $10-$40, give your dog something engaging to focus on during your absence. Scent games, where you hide treats around the house before leaving, tap into natural foraging instincts and provide mental stimulation.
Training sessions, even brief five-minute practices, help build confidence and strengthen your bond. A confident dog typically handles separation better than one who feels uncertain about their place in the household.
When to seek professional help
Sometimes behaviour modification alone isn't enough. If your dog shows signs of self-injury, extreme distress, or if destructive behaviour poses safety risks, it's time to consult a veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist.
Professional behaviour consultations typically range from $100 to $300 per session, depending on your location and the expert's qualifications. These professionals can develop tailored behaviour modification plans that address your specific situation.
In severe cases, medication might be recommended. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or trazodone can help manage anxiety while you work on behaviour modification. These treatments work best when combined with training, not as standalone solutions.
Don't wait if anxiety symptoms persist or worsen despite consistent efforts. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and prevents the problem from becoming more entrenched.
Timeline and realistic expectations
Initial behaviour modification efforts typically take 4-6 weeks to show noticeable improvement. Full adjustment to home life can take up to three months or longer for some dogs. This timeline isn't a reflection of your dog's intelligence or your training skills, it's simply how long meaningful behavioural change takes.
Progress rarely follows a straight line. You might see improvement for several days, followed by a setback. This is normal and doesn't mean you're failing. Consistency and patience remain your most important tools throughout this process.
Some dogs benefit from having a companion animal. Another dog in the household can provide comfort and reduce loneliness, though this solution works best when the primary dog's anxiety is mild to moderate rather than severe.
Remember that every small step forward matters. The dog who destroys furniture might progress to simply pacing by the door. The dog who barks for hours might reduce their vocalisation to just the first few minutes after you leave. These improvements, while not perfect, represent real progress in your dog's ability to cope with separation.
