Overcoming Separation Anxiety: 3 Proven Strategies for Success

Dealing with a dog that has separation anxiety is one of the most challenging experiences a pet owner can face. Many families describe it as feeling like prisoners in their own home, as the training often seems frustratingly slow or ineffective. But after working with many dogs and their owners, I've found that focusing on three essential areas makes the biggest difference when addressing separation anxiety in dogs.

1. Suspending Absences

One of the most crucial aspects of separation anxiety training is suspending absences—ensuring your dog is not left alone for longer than they can comfortably handle. This protects their emotional well-being and maximizes the effectiveness of your training efforts, leading to faster and more lasting progress.

You may have heard the saying, "It takes a village." In the context of dog separation anxiety, it’s absolutely true. A network of friends, family, and sometimes even hired caregivers can help ensure your dog isn't left alone to panic.

Here are some ideas for building your support network:

• Friends and family: Maybe you know someone who works from home and would love some canine company while you’re at the office.

• Neighbors: They can be lifesavers for unexpected situations, like a quick run to the supermarket or picking up your child from daycare.

• Hired help: Professional dog walkers, sitters, or doggy daycare can be excellent options for regular support.

• College students: Many students miss having a pet around but can’t own one while at school. Posting on community boards or social media might connect you with someone willing to help.

• Retirees: Do you know someone retired and home during the day? They might love the idea of having a dog around.

• Community boards: You might be surprised at how many people would be eager to spend time with a dog, even if they can't have one of their own.

Once you've built your village, create a schedule of when help is needed and ask your supporters to fill in the gaps. For those who can't commit to regular hours, keep them on standby for emergencies.

2. Staying Under Threshold

Staying "under threshold" means ensuring your dog is never left home alone for longer than they can comfortably handle. This is tied closely with with suspension of absences. Some dogs show obvious signs of anxiety—barking, howling, or trying to escape—while others display subtler cues like pacing, a tucked tail, or even a furrowed brow.

The goal is to recognize and respect your dog’s limits, so they stay comfortable while gradually increasing their tolerance for alone time. Learning to read your dog’s body language and anxiety signals is crucial to keeping them under threshold.

Remember, the dog sets the pace. Don’t rush the process. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady is the way to lasting success.

3. Consistent Training

Consistency is key when working on separation anxiety. Even with a solid training plan, resolving your dog’s anxiety will likely take several months of dedicated effort. Here’s what I typically recommend to my clients:

• Train 4-5 times per week.

• Incorporate 2-3 rest days each week to avoid burnout and to give you and your dog time to relax and recover.

• Set aside about 30 minutes per training day to work on exercises.

If you’re working with Everdog, here’s what you can expect:

• Four out of five weekly training sessions are completed independently, with the dog and guardian practicing without a trainer present. Clients enter daily notes into a Google workbook for the trainer to review and adjust future exercises.

• One session each week includes live supervision from a trainer, where we’ll provide real-time feedback and discuss important topics like alone-time management, reading dog body language, and increasing duration.

• All trainer sessions are conducted virtually.

How long you choose to work with a separation anxiety specialist depends on your personal goals. Some people only need the freedom to leave their dog alone for a quick coffee run, while others may need hours of alone time for work.

Our mission is to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed, even if you can't commit to several months of professional training. With patience, consistency, and the right support, your dog can overcome separation anxiety and regain their confidence.

Ultimately, overcoming separation anxiety is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and the right support system. By suspending absences, staying mindful of your dog's threshold, and committing to regular training, you can make significant progress toward helping your dog feel more comfortable when left alone. Remember, every dog is different, and the pace of improvement will vary. But with the right approach and a dedicated "village" by your side, success is within reach. Whether you're aiming for short absences or preparing your dog for longer stretches of alone time, taking these steps will help both you and your dog lead happier, more relaxed lives.

For those who haven’t started their training journey yet, but are eager to dive deeper into our training approach or seek further insights into separation anxiety in dogs, I encourage you to explore our website, blog, or schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team. Together, we can work on helping you and your dog get your freedom back.

Everdog Training is located in Boston, MA, but accepts separation anxiety clients both nationwide and worldwide.