Do you ever feel like your dog knows when youre about to leave the house? The sad eyes, the gentle whimpering, the tail that just wont stop wagging… its enough to break your heart. But do dogs really get sad when we leave, or is it just a reaction to change? Well, youre not alone in wondering! Many dog owners experience the heartbreaking reality of leaving their dogs behind, and its natural to feel guilty. But lets take a deeper dive into understanding your furry friends emotional world and what you can do to ease their sadness.
As humans, we often think of emotions in terms of how we experience them. But dogs, as creatures of habit, can feel a wide range of emotions—anxiety, joy, excitement, and yes, even sadness. When you leave the house, your dog might not be sad in the same way a person would be, but they do experience a shift in their emotional state. Whether its anxiety from being alone or frustration from a sudden change in their routine, dogs can certainly feel the effects of your departure.
Have you ever noticed those sad puppy eyes watching you as you grab your keys and head for the door? That pitiful whining or howling that starts the moment you reach for your coat? If so, you’re definitely not alone in wondering why our furry friends get so upset when we leave.
As a dog parent myself, I’ve experienced that gut-wrenching feeling of guilt when my pup looks absolutely devastated as I’m heading out. It’s enough to make you consider calling in sick to work or canceling your plans!
But why exactly do our dogs get so sad when we leave? Is it just manipulation to get us to stay, or is there something deeper happening? Let’s dig into the real reasons behind this common canine behavior.
Do Dogs Really Get Sad When You Leave?
Yes, dogs absolutely can experience sadness when their owners leave. According to research by neuroscientist Dr. Gregory Berns, who investigated 20 dogs using MRI scanning, dogs experience emotions similar to humans – they just can’t tell us with words how they’re feeling.
Dogs are social animals that form strong emotional bonds with their human companions. When separated from their owners, dogs can experience a range of emotions including sadness, anxiety, and distress. This emotional response is often referred to as separation anxiety, but there are many different reasons why your dog might appear sad when you leave.
13 Reasons Why Your Dog Gets Sad When You Leave
1. They’re genuinely sad about your departure
Dogs live in the moment, and when you’re around, they’re happy. When you leave, they experience a wave of sadness. Some signs of doggy sadness include:
- Low energy
- Squinty eyes
- Refusing to eat
- Behavioral changes
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Laying by the door waiting for your return
2. They’re begging you to stay
Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, their ancestors stayed together as a unit. Even with domestication, that instinct to remain together is still hardwired into your dog’s brain.
In your dog’s mind, you’re part of their pack, and it’s unnatural for pack members to separate. Some dog breeds are particularly vocal about their displeasure, including
- Beagles
- Dachshunds
- Pomeranians
- Basset hounds
- Newfoundlands
- Siberian Huskies
- Yorkshire Terriers
3. They’re still hungry
Sometimes that sad crying isn’t about your absence at all – your dog might just be hungry! This is especially likely if you typically feed them after you return home
Your pup may be telling you to come back quickly or asking for food before you leave. To avoid this, make sure you’re feeding your dog the right amount based on their:
- Age
- Size
- Breed
- Activity level
- Health status
4. They want to go with you
Remember, dogs are pack animals who thrive when the group stays together. Your dog may be crying because they want to be included in your journey!
Unfortunately, this behavior might be something you’ve accidentally encouraged by always letting them follow you around the house or praising clingy behavior.
5. They need exercise
That crying at the door might be your dog’s way of saying they need to burn off some energy. High-energy dog breeds particularly struggle with being left alone without proper exercise, including:
- Boxers
- Beagles
- Border Collies
- Siberian Huskies
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Australian Shepherds
Without proper exercise before you leave, these dogs may redirect their energy to destructive behaviors while you’re away.
6. The behavior has been encouraged
Dogs are smart! If crying when you leave has ever gotten them what they want, they’ll keep doing it.
You might have unintentionally encouraged this behavior by:
- Comforting them when they cry
- Giving them treats to stop the crying
- Even scolding them (which is still attention)
7. They’re apologizing to you
If you showed disappointment in your dog before leaving (maybe they chewed something up), their crying might actually be an apology.
According to the American Kennel Club, this apologetic behavior is an instinct from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, wolves who do something wrong can be kicked out of the pack. To apologize, they whine, bow their head, and tuck their tail.
Signs your dog might be apologizing include:
- Yawning
- Cowering
- Licking their lips
- Tucking their tail
- Flattening their ears
- Avoiding eye contact
8. Fear of abandonment
This is especially common in rescue or shelter dogs who have experienced multiple homes or being surrendered. For these dogs, every departure might trigger fears that you won’t come back.
With the mental capabilities similar to a 2-year-old child, dogs don’t understand the concept of “I’ll be back later” – they just know that people have left them before.
9. Containment phobia
Some dogs have a fear of being confined or restricted to a specific area. This condition is different from separation anxiety (though often confused with it) because it’s specifically about the confinement, not your absence.
Signs of containment phobia include:
- Crying
- Panting
- Dilated pupils
- Spinning around
- Excessive drooling
- Scratches and injuries from escape attempts
10. Something scares them while you’re gone
Your dog might know that scary things happen when you’re not there to protect them. With their incredibly sensitive hearing (they can detect sounds from -5 to -15 decibels!), dogs may hear things that you don’t even notice:
- Construction noise
- Lawnmowers
- Sirens
- Delivery trucks
- Even people walking by
11. The house is boring without you
Sometimes your dog just gets bored when left alone. This boredom can lead to:
- Pacing
- Excessive licking
- Uncontrollable barking
- Destructive behaviors
- Escape attempts
12. They’re a clingy breed
Some dog breeds are naturally more dependent on human companionship. These breeds often struggle more with separation:
- Pugs
- Maltese
- Chihuahuas
- Great Danes
- Pomeranians
- Border Collies
- Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Doberman Pinschers
13. Separation anxiety
This is the most serious cause of sadness when you leave. Separation anxiety is a clinical condition where dogs experience genuine panic when separated from their attached person.
Signs of separation anxiety include:
- Crying, howling, and whining
- Destructive behavior
- Pacing and digging
- Escape attempts
- Accidents in the house
- Excessive salivation
- Over-excitement when you return
- Sometimes even eating their own waste
7 Ways to Help Your Dog Feel Better When You Leave
1. Distract them before you leave
Give your dog something engaging to focus on as you slip out. Options include:
- Long-lasting chew treats
- Interactive puzzle toys filled with treats
- Toys that require problem-solving to access treats
The key is to place these distractions in a room far from your exit door!
2. Walk them in the morning
Exercise your dog before leaving to use up their energy. A tired dog is:
- Happier
- More obedient
- More relaxed
- More likely to nap while you’re gone
3. Create a comfortable environment
Make your absence less stressful by:
- Leaving a radio on
- Playing soothing music
- Ensuring they have plenty of water
- Closing curtains to muffle outside noise
- Adjusting the temperature for comfort
- Placing their crate in a quiet area
- Leaving an item with your scent (like an old t-shirt)
4. Schedule regular attention time
Dogs thrive on routine. Set specific times for attention and play when you are home, so they learn when to expect interaction. Follow this schedule even on days off to maintain consistency.
5. Desensitize them to your departures
Try this technique:
- Leave for just 5 minutes and return
- Don’t make a big deal of your return
- Then leave for real, or repeat the short departure again
- Practice consistently to change their expectations
6. Don’t make a big deal about comings and goings
Avoid emotional goodbyes or excited greetings. Keep departures and arrivals calm to reduce the contrast between your presence and absence.
7. Consider anxiety medications if necessary
For severe cases, consult your veterinarian about appropriate anti-anxiety medications. These should always be used under professional guidance and typically in conjunction with behavioral modification techniques.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Get Sad When You Leave?
Yes, it’s completely normal for dogs to show some sadness when you leave, especially if they haven’t been properly trained to handle alone time. However, excessive distress or destructive behaviors aren’t healthy and should be addressed.
Remember that constant anxiety is stressful for your dog and can be detrimental to their health in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Our dogs form deep bonds with us, and it’s natural for them to miss us when we’re gone. By understanding why your dog gets sad when you leave, you can take steps to make separations easier for both of you.
With patience, training, and the right approach, most dogs can learn to feel secure even when their favorite humans aren’t around. If your dog’s separation distress seems severe or isn’t improving with home techniques, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog behaviorist for additional support.
After all, we want our furry friends to be happy and healthy – even when we can’t be right by their side!
Why Do Dogs Get Sad When You Leave?
Dogs are social animals, and they form strong bonds with their human families. When youre gone, they miss you—plain and simple. This feeling is often tied to separation anxiety, a condition that can make your dog feel uneasy or distressed when they are apart from you. Its a common issue for many dogs, especially those that are more emotionally attached or havent yet learned how to cope with being alone.
But its not all about sadness. Dogs may also experience stress, which can lead to behaviors like barking, whining, or even destructive chewing. It’s their way of dealing with the sudden change in their environment. If your dog shows these signs, it might be time to look at solutions to make their alone time a little easier.
How to Help Your Dog Feel Better When You Leave
Luckily, there are many ways you can help ease your dogs separation anxiety and make their time alone a bit more comfortable. The key is to provide distractions, comfort, and a sense of security while youre away.
1. Try a Pupsicle One of the best ways to keep your dog entertained is with a Pupsicle. These tasty frozen treats can keep your dog busy and satisfied, providing a cool and fun distraction when youre gone. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors that your dog will absolutely love!
2. Comfort with Calming Wellness Pops If your dog experiences a lot of stress or anxiety, consider the Calming Wellness Pops. These treats are specially formulated to help your dog feel relaxed and more at ease during your absence. They can help calm those nerves and make your dogs time alone less stressful.
3. Keep Their Mind Busy with Chews Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it helps relieve stress and boredom. Consider providing your dog with a tasty treat like Free Range Bully Sticks or Love Nuggets. These high-quality treats not only keep your dog occupied but also promote good dental health.
What Do Dogs Think When You Leave the House? Do They Miss You?
FAQ
How long do dogs stay sad when you leave?
Dogs can actually start missing their owners from the moment they part ways, and keep missing them more up until two hours. Beyond two hours, the melancholy stays about the same until they’re reunited with us.
Do dogs think you’re never coming back?
Do dogs feel abandoned when you leave?
Why do dogs get sad when their owners leave?