When I assess your dog(s), cat(s), or pet(s) and when we practice - we want as natural/normal of a picture as possible. The picture of you leaving them alone. I observe your pet via Zoom so that I get the most accurate picture of what they do and how they are progressing through the training.

Adding a new person into that picture will often change that picture whether it makes a pet more intensely anxious, over-stimulated, or more confused than would be normal.

The good news is that this means I can help anyone worldwide get relief for their pets and families.

All you need is an internet connection and 2 devices - one with a camera and Zoom capability and one that can text, chat, or also zoom.

I wish I had a crystal ball! This is the most frequently asked question and I absolutely understand the many reasons why we all want to have an amount of time to expect. Every dog, cat, or pet learns how to feel safe at their own unique pace and every protocol for each individual animal really takes a different amount of time.

I have developed my early separation anxiety packages to empower you with as much knowledge and know-how as you need to continue training on your own if you choose to.

I can’t guarantee results, as that would be unethical and every unique living being changes behavior in their own way. But I can guarantee that I will be available and supportive to you for as long as you find it helpful in this protocol.

Your protocol will not be “done” at 4, 8, or 12 weeks but we can build real foundations in that time.

During a package we are in regular contact about 5 days every week. I am available for questions, unique and individualized step-by-step practice exercises, and weekly face-to-face live check-ins. Plus I am bringing over 10 years of animal behavior expertise and certification in the most up-to-date and science-based methods to train your dog, cat, or pet.

It may feel like a big ask for some people, but no matter how long you intend to work with me it will be worth it and I will bring all of my knowledge and passion while I care for and guide you and your dog.

It is essential to treat separation anxiety incrementally at your dog’s pace. Every individual learner will build comfort at a different pace.
There really is no “faster” way to treat the root of the problem - your dog’s fear or phobia of being alone.

This means that a full separation protocol to reach your final absence goals may take months to complete. You do not need to work with me for the full training to completion since I teach you how to take on training yourself, but I am also available to guide you through as much of it as you find helpful.

We go gently and carefully in order to have lasting results that give both you and your dog peace of mind.

There is no “quick-fix” or fast cure for separation related behavior like excessive barking, whining, crying, or howling. But this is exactly the type of training I specialize in.

Systematic desensitization and building up alone time carefully and slowly is the way to treat separation anxiety and I can guide you through the process. and teach you how to do it.

To learn more about how to start training, check out my Blog article: How to begin separation anxiety training for your dog.

Possibly, but possibly not. “Velcro” or hyper-attached dogs do not always display stress when completely alone. Following you around the house and constantly being in contact are actually NOT signs of separation anxiety - just affection and curiosity about what you are up to!

However, just because it is not a symptom of separation anxiety, it does not mean that your velcro dog doesn’t have separation anxiety. It is always worth checking with a camera or hiring a professional separation anxiety trainer to watch for signs of stress or panic when alone.

If you dislike your dog always touching you and you want your dog to stop - build up habits you like more such as chewing on awesome stuff on a mat away from you or make sure their bed is comfy or raised to make it attractive to them. If you like it - let it happen!!! Letting your dog accompany you and touch you all the time will NOT make separation behaviors worse.

The only safe way to protect your property and your dog is to train. Dogs who have damaged doors, rugs, crates, windows, and more are highly likely to injure themselves and continue to panic inside of a heavy duty crate.

Your BEST and safest short-term option is to find creative ways to no longer leave your dog alone - seek out friends, family, sitters, daycare, church or book club acquaintances, neighbors (you name it) to help out. Build a support system for you and your dog while you get ready to begin separation training with a CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) like me.

That does not mean I never use a crate - I absolutely do in cases where it is needed, but before your dog is ready to be left alone, they are not ready to be left alone in a crate.

For puppies, the best toys I like are fill-able ones. I love to provide frozen items like yogurt, pumpkin, and peanut butter with kibble in a West Paw Topl or Kong. Puppies also benefit from having at least 3-5 varieties of textures, types, and sounds of toys to choose from.

Food and toys are great for puppies and dogs who are only having issues when you first leave and need to learn how to self-soothe.

But if your dog or puppy cries, barks, or whines for longer than 10-15 minutes, then any food or toy is not actually helping them relax or self-soothe. These dogs and puppies will need a more careful training protocol with a separation anxiety trainer to learn how to be safe alone.

Often when a dog or puppy has separation anxiety or separation behavior issues, they will either SCARF the food or food puzzle and as soon as it is gone they pace, cry, panic, bark, chew, scratch, climb, etc. OR they will totally ignore toys and food while they panic during alone time. Either way - the food or toy is not actually helping them relax. I can eat an entire tub of ice cream but still be really stressed during and after - that is to say that excessive eating OR refusing to eat combined with other behaviors can both be signs of separation anxiety.

No! Your dog may chew on your shoes and doors, poop in the bedroom, dig up your carpet, or rip down your curtains - but it is NOT because they are mad, spiteful, or stubborn.

This dog has an anxiety disorder and literally has an involuntary phobia of being alone. Think of it as a series of involuntary bodily changes that result in a set of behaviors being expressed. All of these behaviors are not choices - no one chooses to have an anxiety attack - and this dog needs a particular training protocol in order to learn how to feel safe alone.

Keep this in mind if your dog is doing things when alone that they generally don’t do when you are home - it will not help to correct or scold them because it was involuntary already. I can help you learn how to resolve the root of the problem to prevent further undesired behavior.