separation anxiety

It's really common to see separation anxiety in young dogs, and Rottweilers in particular tend to bond very closely with their people — so it makes a lot of sense that a 1-year-old male Rottweiler like Cletus might struggle when you're not around. You're not alone in dealing with this, and there's a lot you can do to help him feel more secure.

What separation anxiety looks like

Common signs include:
- Whining, barking, or howling when you leave
- Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, scratching doors) that only happens when he's alone
- Pacing, drooling, or panting before or after you leave
- Accidents in the house even though he's otherwise house-trained
- Trying to escape

Some general things that can help

• Practice short departures. Leave for just a minute or two, come back calmly, and gradually build up the time you're gone. This teaches him that you always come back.
• Keep arrivals and departures low-key. Big emotional hellos and goodbyes can actually increase his anxiety. Try to be calm and matter-of-fact.
• Give him something to do. A food-stuffed puzzle toy or chew that he only gets when you leave can help him associate your absence with something good.
• Make sure he's tired. A well-exercised Rottweiler is a calmer Rottweiler. A solid walk or play session before you leave can take the edge off.
• Create a safe space. A crate (if he's already comfortable with one) or a designated room can help him feel contained and secure rather than overwhelmed by the whole house.
• Consider a dog camera. Watching what he actually does when you're gone can help you understand how severe the anxiety is.

At 1 year old, Cletus is still very much a puppy mentally, even if he looks like a full-grown dog. This is a great age to work on building his confidence and independence — it gets easier with consistency.

If you're not seeing improvement after a few weeks of working on this, or if the anxiety seems severe, a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist (a vet who specializes in behavior) can be a huge help. Some cases of separation anxiety do benefit from a combination of behavior work and other support that a vet can discuss with you.

When to see your vet:
- If Cletus is injuring himself trying to escape (broken nails, cuts, etc.)
- If he's not eating or is losing weight
- If the anxiety seems to be getting worse rather than better
- If basic at-home strategies aren't making a dent after 2–3 weeks

In those cases, schedule a vet visit soon — ideally within the next week or two. Your vet can rule out any underlying issues and talk through additional options with you.