Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for dogs taking part in the study

1. Been in owner’s possession for at least 2 weeks

1. Changes in household planned within the next 2 months, e.g. moving house, major change in household schedule

2. At least 6 months of age.

2. Clinical history of seizures

3. Body weight within range 4 kg to 48 kg inclusive.

3. Neutered within 1 month of the study

4. Subjected to at least four episodes of owner absence per week

4. Pregnant or lactating

5. Clinical signs of separation anxiety for at least 2 weeks

5. Incomplete ‘house training’ (i.e. urinates or defecates in the house regardless of the presence or absence of the owner)

6. At least one of the following signs exhibited during an eliciting context: Inappropriate urination, Inappropriate defecation, Destructive behaviour, Excessive vocalisation

6. Received treatment with any of the following psychoactive medications within 1 month before this visit: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline); Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. selegiline); Carbamazepine; Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. clomipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine); Propanolol; or psychoactive herbal product e.g. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

7. At least one of the defined separation signs in at least half of the eliciting contexts

7. History of aggressive behaviour shown towards people, which puts humans at risk of physical injury

8. Synthetic pheromone product (e.g. DAP) being used in the home for any reason.

9. Other diagnosed behavioural problems or any other suspected behavioural problem.