Alone Time & Preventing Separation Anxiety: Helping Your Foster Dog Feel Secure When You’re Away

Many foster dogs form quick, intense bonds with the first person who shows them care — which is a beautiful part of fostering. But with that bond can come a challenge: separation anxiety.

Some dogs panic when left alone, not because they’re being disobedient, but because they’re unsure if you’ll come back. This can result in pacing, whining, destructive behavior, or attempts to escape. By teaching alone time in small, manageable steps, fosters can help prevent separation anxiety and build a dog’s confidence and independence.

Shelter dogs often come from instability — some have been abandoned, passed between homes, or experienced neglect. They may become overly dependent on their foster caregiver. Without structured alone time, they might panic when left alone or become too stressed to succeed in an adoptive home.

As a foster, you’re helping them learn one of the most important life skills: how to be okay on their own.

Start Small

Don’t wait until your first day back at work to leave your foster dog alone. Start with short separations — even just walking to another room and closing the door — and build from there.

Use a crate or secure area to help them feel safe. Always leave and return calmly, without making a big deal.

Skip the Drama

Avoid long goodbyes or excited reunions. These moments may feel sweet, but they can increase anxiety over time. Instead:

• Walk out calmly, without fuss

• Return quietly — reward calm behavior but avoid overly enthusiastic greetings

• Normalize coming and going as part of daily life

Use Enrichment When You Leave

Give your foster dog something to focus on when you leave:

• A stuffed KONG with peanut butter or wet food

• A puzzle feeder or snuffle mat

• A safe chew toy they only get when alone

• Background noise (TV or calm music) can also be soothing

This keeps their brain busy and helps create a positive association with alone time.

Gradually Extend Time Away

Increase your time away slowly:

• Start with 5–10 minutes, then 30, then an hour

• If the dog stays relaxed, continue building

• Vary your leaving routine so they don’t associate certain cues (keys, shoes, purse) with panic

Signs of separation anxiety may include:

• Pacing, drooling, whining or howling when left alone

• Destructive behavior (chewing doors, crates, furniture)

• Urinating or defecating indoors when alone

• Escape attempts (scratching at doors, chewing through crates)

🛑 If you notice any of these behaviors, notify your Foster Coordinator immediately.
Dogs showing signs of separation anxiety need additional support and may not be suitable for a typical foster home environment without a plan in place. We’ll work with you to determine next steps and ensure the dog’s needs are safely met.

Do not attempt to “tough it out” or correct anxiety-based behaviors — this can increase fear or cause injury.

Preventing separation anxiety starts with planning, routine, and empathy. You’re not only helping a dog feel safe in your home — you’re helping them succeed in their future home, too.

Thank you for teaching your foster dog that being alone doesn’t mean being forgotten — it just means they’re secure enough to rest until you return.