Clinical separation anxiety can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Many people use “separation anxiety” as an umbrella term to describe a variety of undesirable behaviors that dogs exhibit when home alone. A more appropriate catch-all term is “separation related problem behaviors.”

Typical manifestations of separation related problem behaviors in dogs include vocalization, pacing, panting, drooling, trembling, pawing or scratching at exit points, elimination (in an otherwise house trained dog), destruction of the environment, attempts to escape, and even self-mutilation. It can be one of the most challenging behaviors to live with and resolve.

Read more: What’s in a Label? Defining Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Resolution of separation related behaviors is achieved by gradually exposing your dog to alone time. We start off with a version of the absence that is not stressful for your dog and slowly increase the intensity. Over time, your dog can be comfortable for longer periods of time, and eventually is able to be comfortable alone as needed.

Gradual exposure is not only effective, it’s likely the only humane, lasting treatment option. While this may sound fairly straightforward, it’s often riddled with complexity. It can be very challenging for an owner to address on their own.

During training, it is critical that you do not leave your dog alone unless it’s part of the day’s homework assignment. If your dog experiences absences filled with distress, it is unlikely that they will recover. Many owners find this prospect daunting, but I can suggest many creative solutions that will satisfy this requirement.

Read more: Simple but Not Easy: The Three-Step Process to Resolve Separation Anxiety & The Secret Sauce to Separation Anxiety Training: Suspending Absences

Ahh, the million dollar question. I wish I could give you an answer. What I can tell you is that true, lasting behavior change takes time. This issue did not develop overnight and it definitely will not be solved overnight. Think in terms of months vs weeks.

It is critical that we move at a pace that keeps your individual dog feeling safe and comfortable. There are often ups and downs, but we will be tracking your dog’s overall progress trend to ensure that they are moving in the right direction.

I realize that this might sound overwhelming but I am here for you every step of the way. Some folks continue intensive training with me until they reach their alone time goals and graduate the program. Others may decide to continue training on their own once they have a feel for the intricacies. If you do opt to train on your own, I will continue to check in and offer various levels of support as needed. We’ve got this!

Read more: How Long Does it Take to Resolve Separation Anxiety?

All clients start with a live, online initial consultation. Upon scheduling, you will receive a link to my Zoom meeting room. We will go over your dog’s history, your absence goals, and have an in-depth discussion about what management & behavior change entails. 

From there, you can sign up for a training package and I will create the first day’s assignment: a 20 to 30 minute customized training plan. We will complete the first assignment together to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident with everything. We will use technology like external cams, laptops, and smartphones which will allow us to see how your dog is handling a training session, without the added distraction of a trainer being in your home. During training, absence rehearsals should be as organic as possible and working online allows us to achieve this.

A dedicated external camera allows us to monitor your dog during absence rehearsals. My favorite is the Wyze cam. If you are located in the US, you’ll get one for free when you sign up for an 8-week training package.

We’ll have shared access to a Google Spreadsheets document where your custom training assignments will be entered daily. You can expect a total of four 20 to 30 minute homework assignments per week, each created individually for your dog. Thereafter, each week is structured the same way—we meet online once a week to go through a training plan together and you proceed with a total of four homework assignments. You will take two days off of training per week. The training program can be very intense, and everyone needs a couple of days off each week to process, relax, and recharge.

Read more: 5 Reasons Why Separation Anxiety Training Is Done Online

I guarantee that your dog will be trained using only humane, evidence-based training methods, and that I will be transparent regarding your dog’s progress trajectory. However, it is unethical for any trainer to offer behavior change guarantees.

Behavior is subject to many factors, including but not limited to environmental changes, medical issues, learning history, human behavior, genetics, etc. There is no guarantee of behavior outcome or change.

What we are able to do with training is modify the probability of your dog’s full recovery. You can visit my client testimonials page to read about my clients who have reached their training goals.

In my training packages, I spend approximately 10 hours per month supporting each client. While the package cost is highly discounted, I understand that intensive training can be cost prohibitive for many.

Due to the complex nature of resolving separation anxiety in dogs, I do recommend investing in a minimum commitment of 4 weeks of training. From there, you can continue with intensive training packages or I will prepare you to take the reins and train on your own.

If you are only able to invest in an initial consultation, I will be arming you with the resources and information you need to tackle the training on your own. I am confident that we can come up with a plan that will get you on the right path.

Alternatively, my resources page contains links to podcasts, webinars, blogs, and low-cost DIY online courses.

Read more: Separation Anxiety Resources

Payment in full holds your appointment time on my calendar which prevents another potential client from scheduling. Refunds are not given for initial consultations.

If your appointment is canceled at least 72 hours prior to your consultation, a credit in the amount of your consultation fee will remain on file for 1 year and may be used by you or gifted to a dog in need.

If needed, you may reschedule your initial consultation up to 24 hours prior to your appointment time at no additional charge.

I do not provide consulting for issues unrelated to home alone time.

I recommend reading this article on How to Choose a Dog Trainer for any other issues you are experiencing with your dog. Also check out this video on Transparency in Dog Training before investing in a trainer’s services.