At a glance
- Maltese dogs are particularly prone to separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to owners and sensitive temperament
- Key symptoms include excessive barking, destructive chewing, pacing, and house soiling when left alone
- Gradual desensitisation combined with environmental enrichment offers the most effective treatment approach
- Professional help should be sought for severe cases involving self-injury or extreme distress
Why your Maltese struggles when left alone
You might notice your Maltese becoming increasingly distressed as you prepare to leave the house. This isn't simply attention-seeking behaviour. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their families, making separation genuinely frightening for them.
The breed's history as companion dogs means they were specifically developed to be with people constantly. Unlike working breeds that were bred for independence, Maltese dogs thrive on human companionship. Their small size can also make them feel vulnerable when alone, intensifying their need for security.
According to veterinary research, a Maltese suffering from separation anxiety will become extremely anxious, not understanding where their family has gone or if they will ever return. This genuine panic response explains why the resulting behaviours can be so intense and destructive.
Recognising the warning signs
Separation anxiety goes far beyond occasional whining when you leave. The symptoms typically begin within minutes of your departure and can persist until you return. Many owners initially mistake these behaviours for spite or disobedience, but they're actually signs of genuine distress.
The most common signs include excessive barking, whining, or howling that starts immediately after you leave. You might return to find furniture chewed, particularly around doors and windows where your dog attempted to escape. Pacing in fixed patterns, often near entry points, is another telltale sign.
Physical symptoms can be equally distressing. Excessive drooling and panting indicate acute stress, whilst house soiling in previously toilet-trained dogs reflects the intensity of their panic. Some dogs may even engage in overgrooming or self-chewing when anxiety peaks.
The key difference between separation anxiety and normal behaviour is the intensity and duration. A dog with true separation anxiety will show multiple symptoms consistently, often causing injury to themselves or significant property damage in their distress.
Understanding what triggers the anxiety
Several factors can contribute to separation anxiety developing in your dog. Changes in routine often serve as triggers, such as returning to work after holidays or moving to a new home. The breed's sensitivity to environmental changes makes them particularly susceptible during transitions.
Traumatic experiences can also play a role. Dogs that have experienced abandonment, extended boarding, or significant neglect may develop heightened anxiety about being left alone. Even positive changes, like a new family member, can sometimes trigger anxiety in sensitive individuals.
Sometimes the anxiety develops gradually without an obvious trigger. Lack of early socialisation or insufficient confidence-building during puppyhood can contribute to an adult dog struggling with independence.
Building confidence through gradual training
The most effective approach involves gradual desensitisation, teaching your dog that being alone is safe. This process requires patience, as rushing can actually worsen the anxiety. Start with departures lasting just one to two minutes, then gradually increase the duration as your dog remains calm.
Create a calm departure routine without emotional farewells. Say a brief goodbye, leave, return, and reward calm behaviour. Avoid making arrivals dramatic, as this can reinforce the idea that your return is the most important event of the day.
Practice this daily, only increasing duration when your dog consistently remains relaxed. Some dogs show improvement within weeks, whilst others may need months of consistent work. The key is progressing at your individual dog's pace rather than following a rigid timeline.
Positive reinforcement plays a crucial role. Teach your dog to associate being alone with positive experiences by providing special treats or toys only during departures. A command like "settle" can help establish the expectation of calm behaviour.
Creating a supportive environment
Your dog's physical environment significantly impacts their comfort when alone. Establish a designated safe zone with familiar bedding and favourite toys. This might be a crate, specific bed, or entire room where they feel most secure.
Calming aids can provide additional support. Adaptil diffusers release synthetic pheromones that help reduce anxiety, costing around $20-30 for a starter kit. Sentry calming collars offer a wearable option at approximately $15-25, lasting about 30 days.
Background noise often helps mask external sounds that might trigger anxiety. Soft music or television can provide comforting familiarity. Some owners find that leaving recently worn clothing helps their dog feel less alone.
Mental and physical stimulation before departure can help tire your dog, making rest more likely. A 15-20 minute walk followed by a training session or puzzle toy can set them up for success. Kong toys stuffed with treats provide long-lasting engagement, whilst puzzle feeders designed for small breeds offer mental challenges.
Avoiding common training mistakes
Many well-intentioned approaches can actually worsen separation anxiety. Punishment for anxious behaviours increases stress rather than reducing it. Your dog isn't being naughty when they chew furniture or have accidents, they're experiencing genuine panic.
Excessive reassurance before leaving can reinforce anxiety by confirming that departure is indeed something to worry about. Similarly, dramatic reunions can heighten the emotional significance of your comings and goings.
Leaving dogs alone for extended periods before they're ready often sets back progress significantly. These dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than four to five hours, particularly during the training process.
Using crates as punishment rather than safe spaces can create negative associations. The goal is helping your dog view their designated area as a comfortable retreat, not a place of confinement.
When professional help becomes necessary
Sometimes the anxiety is severe enough to require professional intervention. If your dog shows signs of self-injury, extreme destruction, or prolonged distress despite consistent training efforts, it's time to seek expert help.
Certified dog trainers specialising in separation anxiety can provide personalised strategies. For severe cases, veterinary behaviourists may recommend anti-anxiety medication alongside behaviour modification. As veterinarian Dr. Nellie Goetz explains, separation anxiety is simply the fear of being left alone and the unknown that follows.
Extreme cases should be referred to qualified animal behaviour consultants or board-certified veterinary behaviourists. These professionals can create comprehensive treatment plans that address both the emotional and behavioural aspects of the condition.
Medication, when appropriate, should always be combined with behavioural therapy rather than used as a standalone solution. Common options include fluoxetine or clomipramine, but these require veterinary supervision and monitoring.
Prevention and long-term success
Early socialisation provides the foundation for confident, independent dogs. Exposing puppies to different people, environments, and brief periods alone helps build resilience. However, even adult dogs can learn to be more comfortable with separation through patient, consistent work.
Maintaining predictable routines helps these sensitive dogs feel secure. They thrive on knowing what to expect, so consistent departure and arrival times can reduce anxiety. Building independence gradually by encouraging time spent in different rooms helps prevent over-dependence.
Success often comes in small increments rather than dramatic breakthroughs. Celebrate progress like five minutes of quiet behaviour or reduced pacing. With time and consistency, most dogs can learn to be comfortable alone, though some may always prefer company to solitude.
