Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Why I Don’t Recommend Tethering for Dogs with Separation Anxiety

Tethering is sometimes recommended as a way to encourage independence in dogs with separation anxiety. In reality, it can increase stress, suppress distress signals, and make the problem harder to resolve. This post explains why tethering is not a humane or effective approach, and what to do instead using ethical, science-backed separation anxiety training.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

How Often Should You Train for Separation Anxiety? The Real Secret to Making Progress

Wondering how often you should train your dog for separation anxiety? The answer is simpler than you might think. In this guide, you will learn why one structured session a day, combined with science backed repetitions, creates real and sustainable progress. Perfect for owners who want to understand the process and support their dog with confidence.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Why Working with a Dog Trainer Should Be Your First Step, Not Your Last Resort

When your dog starts showing problem behaviours, it’s tempting to try and fix things on your own. But working with a professional trainer shouldn’t be a last resort. The right support early on can save you time, stress, and confusion, especially with issues like separation anxiety. A specialist trainer brings structure, clarity, and insight, helping you and your dog make steady, confident progress together.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Thinking of Getting a Second Dog to Fix Separation Anxiety? Here’s Why That’s Not the Answer

Thinking of getting a second dog to help your anxious pup? While it might seem like a simple solution, separation anxiety is a phobia, a fear of being alone or separated from their person, and adding another dog rarely fixes the problem. In fact, it can sometimes increase stress for both dogs and lead to higher costs and more behavioural challenges. Learn why a second dog isn’t the answer, and how tailored separation anxiety training can help your dog feel calm and confident when home alone.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

My Dog Can’t Have Separation Anxiety, They…

You might think your dog can’t have separation anxiety because they sleep downstairs, stay quiet when you leave, or seem fine with the dog walker. But it’s not always that simple. Separation anxiety can look very different from what you’d expect.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Christmas Tips for Dogs with Separation Anxiety: How to Prepare Now

The festive season can be overwhelming for dogs with separation anxiety. Changes in routine, noisy gatherings, and more time away from home can all make symptoms worse. The key is preparing now, from suspending absences to arranging reliable dog care, so your dog can feel safe and supported while you enjoy the celebrations.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Why Dogs Get Separation Anxiety: Understanding the Root Causes

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behaviour issues in dogs, but it’s often misunderstood. From early life experiences and maternal influences to health, pain, and even sudden changes in routine, there are many reasons why a dog may struggle when left alone. Understanding these root causes is the first step to easing your dog’s stress and helping them feel calm and confident at home.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Why TikTok Is Ruining Your Relationship With Your Dog

TikTok is full of adorable dogs, clever tricks, and heart-warming moments, but spending too much time on the app could actually harm your bond with your own pooch. From unrealistic comparisons to bad training advice, and even new anxieties you didn’t have before, here are five surprising ways TikTok might be ruining your relationship with your dog, and what to do instead.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Breed Fulfilment: Why Meeting Your Dog’s Needs Can Help With Separation Anxiety

Many dogs struggle with separation anxiety, but one overlooked factor that can make things worse is unmet breed needs. Every dog was bred with specific instincts, from herding and retrieving to digging and running. When these drives aren’t fulfilled, stress builds — and separation anxiety often follows. By recognising and meeting your dog’s natural instincts, you can reduce frustration, lower stress, and give them the resilience they need to cope with time alone.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Success Story: Gaia the Husky Cross – From Distress to Relaxed Independence

When Gaia, a Husky cross, was first left alone, she struggled with destructive chewing, howling, panting, and accidents in the house. Her owners were surprised to discover that her anxiety began even before they walked out the door. With a tailored training plan, close support, and her family’s commitment, Gaia’s progress has been remarkable. From being unable to cope with her owner simply standing up, to calmly napping through a full 7.5 hours alone, Gaia’s story shows just how much is possible with the right approach to separation anxiety.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

The Risks of Overtraining in Dog Separation Anxiety Training

When it comes to separation anxiety training, more isn’t always better. Pushing your dog too far, too fast can undo progress and increase their stress. Discover the risks of overtraining, why rest days matter, and how sticking to a structured plan helps your dog build lasting confidence when left alone.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Why Crates Aren’t the Answer for Dogs With Separation Anxiety

Many owners turn to crates to manage separation anxiety in dogs, hoping to prevent damage or accidents. But for anxious dogs, confinement often makes things worse. Crates restrict emotional expression, mask early signs of stress, and can push dogs into panic. The real solution isn’t about containment — it’s about building calm and confidence through gradual, tailored training.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

How to Be Kinder to Yourself When Living With a Dog With Separation Anxiety

Caring for a dog with separation anxiety can be overwhelming, but looking after yourself is just as important as supporting your dog. From training only five times a week to celebrating small wins and finding trusted care, here are five simple ways to be kinder to yourself while helping your anxious dog.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

How Long Will It Take to Solve My Dog's Separation Anxiety?

If you’re wondering how long it will take to fix your dog’s separation anxiety, you’re not alone — and the answer might not be what you expect. There’s no magic timeline, and rushing the process can actually make things worse. In this blog, I’m sharing what really influences your dog’s progress, the common mistake that can undo weeks of training, and why skipping one crucial step at the start could slow everything down. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, this is for you.

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Emma Franklin Emma Franklin

Understanding the Training Process for Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Separation anxiety training isn’t about pushing your dog to cope — it’s about teaching them that being alone is safe. Using a gentle, evidence-based approach called gradual desensitisation, we start where your dog is comfortable and build from there. This blog explains how we work through door desensitisation using Door Is a Bore, remove triggering departure cues, and progress to calm alone time with structured support at every step.

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