Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety

Did you know that in Sweden, it’s illegal to leave your dog home alone for more than

six hours? I’m a dog behavior specialist, and once you understand how dogs think,

this makes sense. Dogs think their owner is abandoning them every time they leave the house.

Dogs are pack animals. When they bond with you, their brain releases oxytocin — the hormone

of safety and trust. To your dog, you’re not just an owner. You’re their pack,

their protection, their entire world. So when you grab your keys and walk out,

their brain doesn’t think, “They’ll be back later.” It thinks,

“My pack is leaving.” That’s why the first minutes alone are the hardest. Some dogs bark,