How Serious Is It and Does It Matter?

When working with behavioural issues such as separation anxiety, cases are often discussed in terms of severity. In many areas of life, we are accustomed to rating systems – from bite severity scales to academic grades – and it can feel natural to apply the same thinking to dog behaviour. Guardians frequently ask about the severity of their dog’s anxiety, often hoping this will provide a clue about how long it will take to resolve. While categorising can sometimes be useful, there are also reasons why it may not be the best approach.

The behaviours linked to mild anxiety often look very different from those seen in severe cases. For example, a dog who injures themselves in an attempt to escape is clearly more distressed than one who merely whines or paces. Likewise, physical symptoms such as drooling or diarrhoea suggest a greater level of stress than mild restlessness. It might be possible to agree broadly on what constitutes extreme versus mild anxiety, but the implications of these labels are not always straightforward.

When labels can hurt

Guardians asking about severity are usually searching for a timeline. It seems logical that mild cases would resolve quickly and severe cases would take much longer. In reality, there is no predictable correlation. Some mild cases may last months, while some severe cases improve surprisingly quickly. Each dog’s learning curve is different, and progress depends on many factors – particularly the dog’s own pace – rather than the label attached to the case.

Using severity labels with guardians can also affect motivation. A guardian who hears that their dog is “mild” may underestimate the importance of following absence protocols consistently. On the other hand, a guardian told their dog is “severe” may feel overwhelmed and discouraged. In both situations, the label risks undermining progress.

When labels can help

There are circumstances where labelling is useful, particularly for trainers and behaviourists. The most important distinction is between separation anxiety and isolation distress. Separation anxiety is a clinical diagnosis and far less common than many people think. A dog with separation anxiety experiences extreme distress when apart from a particular individual (or occasionally two). Isolation distress, by contrast, refers to dogs who cannot cope with being left without anyone, but are comfortable with the presence of most people.

Although the two conditions may appear similar, the treatment approaches can differ significantly. Supporting a dog who struggles without one specific individual is often more complex than supporting a dog who can settle with another person present. For this reason, distinguishing between separation anxiety and isolation distress is a meaningful and important categorisation.

Severity levels can also be helpful for trainers when setting initial criteria, deciding on management strategies, considering the need for veterinary support, or determining whether to take on a particular case.

The bottom line

Labels should be used thoughtfully. The main drawback of categorising by severity is the false expectation it creates about timelines or difficulty. Ultimately, the protocols for addressing separation anxiety or isolation distress are broadly similar, whether the case is mild, moderate or severe. The emphasis should remain on steady, individualised progress, rather than on labels that may not provide the clarity people hope for.

All the best, Victoria