Back Door or Front Door? Part 2: Is That Door Making Your Dog Bark?
In the last blog post, we explored why using the same door every time for potty outings helps dogs learn faster and with less confusion. This week, I want to show you how that same principle of consistency and environmental cues can help with another common challenge for dog parents: a dog who struggles when left alone.
My Mother-In-Law's Dog Named Bandit
My mother-in-law has a sweet Springer Spaniel named Bandit. For some time now, she has felt like she couldn’t leave him home alone because her neighbor had complained about Bandit’s barking when she went out. She lives in a condo building, where sound travels easily, and has become a stressful problem.
During a recent visit with her, we went out for dinner and Mom decided to leave Bandit at home. She wasn't sure what to expect, but when we returned, Bandit was calm and not barking. Also, her neighbor confirmed he hadn’t heard a peep the whole time we were gone.
But here’s the interesting part. On a different occasion during that same visit, Mom left Bandit at home while running a short errand, but we stayed behind at her home. This time, Bandit barked obsessively. What was the difference?
It wasn’t the time of day.
It wasn’t the length of time she was gone.
It wasn’t whether someone was there with him since we stayed behind with him.
The difference seemed to be the door.
The Door That Made All the Difference
When we went to dinner, Mom left through her front door, a solid door that Bandit could not see through.
When she went on her errand, she left through her porch door, a glass door that gave Bandit a full view of her walking away without him.
From Bandit’s perspective, watching Mom walk away without taking him might have felt confusing or upsetting. As far as we know, dogs don’t reason the way we do. He couldn’t think, “Oh, she’s just running to the store, she’ll be right back.”
What he could process were the visual patterns:
Porch door = walks, dog park, outdoor fun.
Mom leaving through the porch door = she’s going somewhere fun without me.
Result = frustration, barking, and stress.
By contrast, the front door didn’t provide that visual. Mom simply disappeared. Bandit wasn’t triggered by watching her head off toward the dog park. The neighbor reported no barking at all.
Dogs and Their Patterns
We sometimes assume our dogs are being stubborn, anxious, or dramatic. But the truth is, they’re usually just reading patterns in their environment and reacting to them.
Dogs may not rationalize like humans, but they are incredible observers:
They know the sound of your car pulling in the driveway.
They know what it means when you put on walking shoes instead of work shoes.
They know when you’re reaching for the leash versus your work bag.
And yes—they notice which door you use and what typically happens after.
Just like using the same door helps a dog understand that this outing is for potty, the door you leave through when you’re heading out alone can signal what kind of event is happening and how they should respond.
Is It Really Separation Anxiety?
Many dogs are labeled as having “separation anxiety” when they may be reacting to something much simpler: the way you leave.
True separation anxiety is a clinical condition, and it can be serious. But sometimes, what looks like separation anxiety may be a dog feeling confused or left out because of the cues we're giving them without realizing it.
If your dog barks, whines, or gets upset when you leave, ask yourself:
Am I leaving through a door where they can watch me go?
Is this a door that usually means we’re headed for fun, like a walk or the park?
Am I accidentally building frustration just by giving them the wrong cue?
A Simple Fix You Can Try
If your dog struggles when you leave, try this simple adjustment:
Leave through a door they can’t see through (like a solid front door).
It may sound almost too easy, but for some dogs, this one change can take away the visual trigger that sets off barking or worry. Instead of watching you walk away without them, your departure is quieter, less obvious, and less emotionally charged.
Of course, for dogs with true separation anxiety, additional training strategies may be needed. But for many dogs, especially those who seem fine sometimes and upset at other times, this simple door adjustment could be the key.
Potty Training or Alone Time: The Principle Is the Same
Whether you’re teaching your dog where to go potty or helping them feel calmer when you leave, the principle is the same: dogs learn through consistency and environmental cues.
With potty training, the same door and the same potty spot create a predictable routine.
With leaving home, the right door can reduce frustration and help your dog stay calmer.
Both are reminders that our dogs pay close attention to the details we often overlook.
Bandit’s story shows us that sometimes, the answer to a stressful problem isn’t complicated training protocols or assumptions about anxiety—it’s simply paying attention to the signals we’re sending.
So the next time your dog barks or whines when you leave, ask yourself:
Which door am I using?
What does this door mean to my dog?
Sometimes, the solution to a big problem is as simple as changing the door you walk through.
👉 If you missed Part 1 on using the same door for potty training, you can read it here.
Disclaimer: Dog Life Made Better (Fayes Labs LLC) does not provide or intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information, resources, and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Please consult your veterinarian accordingly.