If your pup becomes restless and starts whimpering every time you pick up your keys to leave, then you’re not alone. Dogs are extremely social creatures that form strong bonds with their owners. Their highly sociable nature can also lead to dogs becoming very clingy.
This clinginess is okay as long as it stays under a certain limit. However, there are certain dog breeds that are more prone to separation anxiety, so they begin to bark excessively and become anxious when left alone, especially by their favorite person. Such dogs often have lots of energy to burn off and can turn to destructive behaviors when they are left alone.
If you’re looking for a dog that can tolerate alone time without stressing you out, you need to steer clear of the following dog breeds. In case you already have one of these dogs, then understanding the right tactics to help with separation anxiety can reduce or even prevent destructive behaviors.
Dog Breeds That Bark When Favorite Person Leaves
1. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are characterized by their compact and muscular frame and bat-like ears, and they are the most popular dog breed in the U.S, according to the AKC. They are also known for being among dog breeds prone to separation anxiety.
Strong Emotional Bonding
At first glance, they appear to be quite chill and laid-back, but in reality, they are very emotional and sensitive.
These canines bond strongly with their owners, and so they have a very low tolerance for solitude. Due to this, the moment they hear you putting on your shoes to leave, they will begin to bark and whine.
Solution
Providing a stress-free environment, good training and exercise, and a healthy diet can help French bulldogs cope with separation anxiety.
2. Bichon Frise
If the word ‘clingy’ had to be represented through a particular dog breed, then it would be the Bichon Frise.
Clingy Divas
These clingy canines thrive on human attention and don’t shy away from openly expressing that they miss you when you go away. Like other dogs from this category, they are prone to separation anxiety and hate long periods of isolation.
Solution
By desensitizing your dog to its anxiety trigger, using your own scent to calm it down, or using a herbal supplement, you can ease the destructive behaviors in these dogs.
3. Labrador Retriever
Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” this social creature is not exactly a home-alone dog. Labrador Retrievers form strong bonds with owners and can become extremely anxious and restless when left alone.
People Pleasers
These dogs are known for being people pleasers, and for them, alone time is nothing less than a punishment. They have a highly energetic and equally affectionate personality, and for them, it is unbearable to handle the silence resulting from the absence of people.
Solution
Since they are high-energy dogs, regular exercise, puzzle toys, and obedience training sessions can help these dogs deal with separation anxiety.
4. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are widely known for their delicate appearances. Despite their elegant appearance, they are extremely sensitive dogs that are really dramatic about goodbyes.
Dramatic Canines with a Delicate Build
When left alone, they begin to tremble, whine, or pace furiously. Due to their fine bones and small stature, Italian Greyhounds are also more prone to injury if they are in panic because they furiously bolt around when they are anxious.
Solution
Practicing short separations, a soft and enclosed bed, and leaving a piece of clothing that smells like you can help calm an anxious Italian greyhound.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Although they have a royal background due to being linked with King Charles II, the temperament of these small dogs does not exactly scream royalty and elegance when it comes to their dependency on humans.
Velcro Pups
These Spaniels literally embody the concept of ‘Velcro Dogs.’ Their eagerness to be around you is clearly reflected in their eyes, which practically scream that they want to be around you all the time. They are bred to be lapdogs and follow their owners around the house.
Solution
These dogs need soft training, consistent companionship, cozy spots to rest, and calming chews to cope with separation anxiety.
6. Chihuahua
Do not let their small size confuse them for being powerless. Although they are tiny, Chihuahuas can be fiercely loyal.
Tiny but Mighty
They can also turn to destroying furniture, tearing clothes, and other destructive behaviors if left alone for too long due to anxiety and a lack of proper attention. Chihuahuas are like your friend who would send you a hundred text messages in a row if you’re gone for more than 5 minutes.
Solution
Lots of regular exercise, leaving the television on to keep them entertained when you leave, and also not giving them any attention when you enter or leave the house can help in dealing with anxiety in these dogs.
7. German Shepherd
These intelligent protectors may seem strong, but in reality, German Shepherds are total softies. They are a good example of ‘Do not judge a book by its cover.’
Highly Energetic
German Shepherds are highly energetic in nature. According to WebMD, these dogs often suffer from separation anxiety, and it is difficult for them to deal with isolation. They always need a purpose at hand.
However, this purpose without the presence of people, especially their owner, is of no use to them. Thus, they constantly need to have humans around them because their absence is like the end of the world for them.
Solution
German Shepherds are less likely to face separation anxiety in environments with purpose and structure, so ample exercise and a well-established routine are vital for them.
8. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds, according to the AKC, were originally bred in the Western States of America for the purpose of herding sheep.
Eagerness to Work with Humans
Due to their history of helping out with herding, Australian Shepherds are hardwired to work alongside humans, and so they hate being sidelined.
This canine companion can become self-destructive when it is anxious and hates being left alone for too long. Thus, it cannot be left alone at your house.
When left alone for too long, they begin showing signs like excessive barking, pacing, and destructive behavior like scratching or destroying furniture. Just like chihuahuas, Australian Shepherds are extremely vocal when they are not given enough attention and are under-stimulated.
Solution
These dogs need companionship and exercise daily, as well as practice leaving your dog alone in a room, which are ways to help with separation anxiety in these dogs.
9. Vizsla
Originally bred to work with a single hunter, Vizslas form strong bonds with their owners, which makes them unable to relax unless their loved ones are near them.
Velcro Dogs
Vizslas are yet another category of dogs that hate being alone. Owing to the extent to which they can be clingy with their favorite person, Vizlas have earned the title of ‘Velcro dogs.’
Like other dogs with separation anxiety, when left alone, they can exhibit extreme behaviors which, according to PetMD, include self-harm, destructive chewing, scratching, and howling, etc.
Solution
A consistent feeding routine helps these dogs feel more secure and reduces anxiety.
Conclusion
Adopting a dog is a lot more than simply allowing a dog to live in your home. It is about understanding the dog and its temperament. Although all dogs are known for their sociable and friendly nature, dogs from certain breeds suffer from separation anxiety, and unlike other dogs, they need more support and attention.
Thus, it is vital to know about the breeds that are prone to this condition and understand the tactics that might aid in coping with this condition.
Some other dog breeds that are also prone to separation anxiety but have not been mentioned in this article include the Toy poodle, Jack Russell Terrier, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel and the Golden Retriever.
