Australian Shepherds often develop separation anxiety because they are intelligent, high-energy herding dogs bred to work closely with people, making them prone to distress when left alone, bored, or facing routine changes, leading to destructive behavior, barking, and house soiling out of loneliness or a lack of mental stimulation. Their strong loyalty and need for connection amplify their anxiety when separated from their beloved owners or busy environments.
How to Address Dog Separation Anxiety
Australian Shepherds are naturally loyal, eager to please, and active, which can result in a dog clinging to you as you go about your day so they can “help” and be close.
Here are some circumstances that can result in separation anxiety: A move to a new home with a new family. A move to a different house with the same family. A change in the amount of time you are absent.
Feeding and exercise
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Leaving your dog to 'cry it out'
This technique, whilst practised widely, is neurologically damaging. Here's why: Dogs and puppies left to cry it out will only learn that being alone is terrifying. Every time your dog becomes highly distressed, stress hormones occur in the body which can take days to reduce.
It is not because you have over-coddled your dog. It is not because you aren't a strong enough leader. It is not because your dog was abused or because she came from a poor breeder or shelter. Separation anxiety can develop in most any dog and is incredibly prevalent in the species.
Dog parents may associate separation anxiety with puppies or recently adopted adult dogs. However, any dog, at any age, can develop separation anxiety—including senior dogs. Thus, it is important for parents of older dogs to understand triggers and signs of separation anxiety and how to address it.
Possible Causes: Separation Anxiety: Clinginess can be a sign of separation anxiety, where dogs become overly attached and distressed when apart from their owners. Insecurity or Fear: Dogs may seek comfort and reassurance from their owners during times of insecurity or fear, such as during thunderstorms or fireworks.
If a person consistently provides positive experiences—like treats, praise, or playtime—the dog will naturally associate them with happiness and security. These positive associations are powerful and help strengthen the bond between a dog and their favourite person.
The cons of Australian Shepherds include their high energy levels, which require significant exercise and mental stimulation, as well as their tendency to herd, which can lead to nipping behaviors. Additionally, they may be prone to certain health issues and can be challenging for first-time dog owners.
Bath time: Every 6-8 weeks, unless your dog has discovered something delightfully stinky to roll in. Over-bathing strips natural oils from their coat, which can actually make shedding and skin problems worse. Use a dog-specific shampoo—human products are too harsh for their skin pH.
Some common concerns reported by guardians of aging dogs are increased sensitivity and irritability, increased fear of unfamiliar pets and people (sometimes accompanied by aggression), decreased tolerance of touch and restraint, increased following and desire for contact, and increased anxiety when left alone.
See below for a recap of the top dog breeds with separation anxiety, and what you can do to help your furry friend.
What is separation anxiety disorder?
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
However, because far more dogs who have been adopted from shelters have this behavior problem than those kept by a single family since puppyhood, it is believed that loss of an important person or group of people in a dog's life can lead to separation anxiety. Other less dramatic changes can also trigger the disorder.
The dog breeds that are more likely to have this problem are the German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shorthaired Pointer.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Don't crate your dog.
“Dogs with separation anxiety shouldn't be crated,” explained Dr. Bright. “This is important. It's dangerous – they're already panicking, so they may try to escape and hurt themselves.
Always leave your dog calmly and don't get them excited before you go. It may feel strange not to say goodbye to your dog when you go, but leaving without a fuss will mean that your dog doesn't have time to get themselves wound up and will settle more quickly. When you come home do this calmly and quietly too.
Separation Anxiety DON'T Number 1: Leaving Your Dog Unprepared. Avoid leaving your dog alone for extended periods before they are ready to handle it. Rushing into separation training without building a solid foundation can lead to heightened anxiety. Build your dog's skills while you're at home first.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Dogs tend to feel more secure in spaces that feel enclosed and protected. A crate cover helps create that calming den-like environment by reducing outside stimuli that can trigger barking or nervous pacing. It's particularly helpful for dogs that struggle with loud noises, household chaos, or separation stress.