When people adopt a rescue dog, they often picture it being a joyful and exciting time – so it can be really hard to see their new furry friend struggling. New adopters often report that their dog is crying, whining or barking when left in another room during the night or when they are left home alone. Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour and learning how to address it can help you and your dog transition smoothly into a happy life together, so here is my advice for new rescue dog parents navigating this common issue!
Why do rescue dogs cry or bark when left alone?
Stress: it’s important to remember that moving into a new home can be an overwhelming experience for our rescue dogs – especially if they’ve been in kennels for a long time. It’s a big change, and it’s perfectly natural for them to need some time to adjust. As their baseline stress levels are higher than normal during this period, they may show signs of distress in situations they appeared to be comfortable with while in kennels, such as being left alone.
Need for comfort: as a social species they tend to identify their new adopter as their safe haven in this scary new world, so when we are absent this feeling of safety departs with us and they may cry, bark or howl in an attempt to get us to come back.
Past trauma: many rescue dogs have been passed from pillar to post and have lived in multiple different homes. As a result, they may have learned that when their owner leaves, they never come back. This can be a traumatic experience for some dogs, causing them to associate being alone with feelings of intense distress.
Unfamiliar environment: we tend not to notice all the background noises in our homes – traffic outside, people talking, domestic appliances etc. For our rescue dogs, though, they are all brand new and can sometimes be scary! Your dog may have been startled awake during the night by the sound of the central heating coming on, for example, causing them to cry or whine because they are frightened.
The main thing I want you to remember is that your rescue dog is not doing this intentionally, or for attention. It is a sign of genuine emotional distress, and as such we should not respond by ignoring it or telling them off for it (even if we are currently sleep deprived and exhausted). So what should you do instead?
Tips for helping your new rescue dog cope with being left alone
Gradual adjustment: this is the most important tip of all, which is why I’ve put it first. Please do not expect to be able to leave your rescue dog home alone for several hours in the first week you get them! Allow them to get used to their new environment for a good couple of weeks first, then gradually start introducing some short ‘practice’ absences. You can either install an indoor security camera or wait outside and listen to make sure they’re not showing any signs of distress like barking or destroying things. If they seem fine, you can go ahead and start introducing some longer absences.
Spend the first night with them: I always recommend that new adopters spend at least the first night sleeping in the same room as their new dog. That doesn’t mean they have to come in the bedroom if you don’t want them to – you could just camp out on the sofa or set up an inflatable mattress wherever they’re sleeping. It’s only temporary, and it will save you a lot of sleepless nights in future! The next night, try putting your dog to bed and then heading off for bed yourself – if they’re happy, great! If not, you may need to gradually move further away from them over the course of a few nights.
Establish a routine: it’s really important to create predictability in your rescue dog’s new environment. This means having a set routine for feeding, walks and even bedtime. Once they’re settled it won’t matter much if you deviate a little, but try and stick to it to start with!
Work on your relationship: try and spend lots of quality time with your dog. That might mean just chilling with them on the sofa, doing some simple training, playing or going on some nice walks together (keep these relatively short to begin with, and stay in your local area). If your dog is able to build a secure bond with you, this will also help with their confidence and therefore their ability to cope when left on their own.
What to do if you’ve followed these tips but your dog is still crying when left alone
If you’ve tried gradual adjustment and your dog seems happy and settled the rest of the time, they may be suffering from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will demonstrate some or all of the following behaviours when left alone for any length of time:
Barking/whining/howling
Destructive behaviour (often targeted at exit points, such as doors)
Toileting (even if they have been let out before being left)
Trembling, shaking
Panting
Pacing
Self-injury (e.g. due to excessive paw licking)
Not eating (meals, treats or food toys such as stuffed Kongs) when you are out
If this sounds like your dog, I highly recommend you seek the help of a qualified clinical animal behaviourist/behaviour counsellor. All dog behaviour counsellors should work on vet referral so that your vet can potentially be involved in the event that an underlying medical condition may be contributing to the behaviour or if the behaviourist feels the dog may benefit from calming medication.
If you’d like to find a qualified behaviour counsellor near you, the best place to start is the ABTC Practitioner Directory. All of the professionals included in this directory are highly qualified and committed to using kind, ethical methods.
If you have insurance, you may even be able to claim for their services - but do check your individual policy first. Click here to access the directory.
Conclusion
Adopting a rescue dog can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride! However, if you follow these top tips for helping your dog feel comfortable when left alone in the house you’ll be well on your way to building an unbreakable bond with your new companion. It may seem hard at times, but trust me, it’s worth it!
If you’d like more personalised support in training your new rescue dog, check out my Perfectly Imperfect Rescue Dog Package. It’s designed specifically with rescue dogs in mind, and you will benefit from all of the experience I have gained through living and working with rescue dogs of all breeds and personalities. Get in touch today to see how I can help!