Why do dogs struggle with being alone?
- Dogfulness
- Jun 8
- 1 min read
It’s not just about how they were raised. New research shows the issue goes much deeper—rooted in evolution, domestication, and human-driven selection.
A 2025 study by Tia Bevier points out that domestication strengthened dogs’ need for close human contact, while at the same time weakening their ability to cope with solitude.
This means barking, chewing, or peeing indoors when left alone aren’t “bad behaviors.”
They’re signs of psychological distress and emotional imbalance.
Separation issues can be tough. But instead of trying to “fix” the dog, it’s better to support them—by building emotional resilience and helping them develop independence.
Bevier, T. (2025). The Evolution, Domestication and Biology of Canines: Understanding Their Behavioral Responses to Solitude. University of Pennsylvania.
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