The Risks of Overtraining in Dog Separation Anxiety Training
When helping a dog overcome separation anxiety, it’s natural for owners to want to make fast progress. But when it comes to this type of training, more is not always better. In fact, overtraining can set your dog back and undo the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of doing too much, common mistakes owners make when pushing training too far, and why balance and consistency are the real keys to success.
Why Overtraining Can Harm Progress
Separation anxiety training is different from teaching tricks or obedience skills. At its core, this training is about helping your dog feel safe and calm when left alone. Pushing too hard, too soon can overwhelm your dog’s coping abilities, leading to setbacks, frustration, and increased anxiety.
Just like with physical exercise, recovery and pacing matter. A carefully structured plan, with built-in rest days, ensures your dog learns to relax without becoming stressed by the process.
Common Examples of Overtraining
1. Multiple Sessions in a Day
It’s tempting to repeat training sessions in the same day if you’re eager to see results. But for a dog with separation anxiety, one carefully planned session is enough. Trying to squeeze in another round often overwhelms your dog, especially if they’re not ready for that level of intensity.
2. Doubling Departure Durations Too Soon
If your dog has worked up to being comfortable with a one-hour absence, it doesn’t mean they can handle two one-hour absences in the same day. Each new departure is a fresh challenge, and when introducing a second absence, you need to start at a much shorter duration. Skipping this step risks pushing your dog over threshold and undoing progress.
3. Adding “Just One More” Repetition
Many owners fall into the trap of adding extra repetitions within a session. This might be because:
They want to finish on a “successful” attempt if the dog struggles.
The dog is doing well, so the owner decides to try an even longer departure.
While this comes from good intentions, it often backfires. What starts as a positive session can quickly turn into a stressful one, leaving your dog less confident the next time.
4. Testing Your Dog “Just to See”
Another common mistake is extending a departure longer than the plan calls for, simply to test your dog’s limits. Unfortunately, this can turn a calm, successful experience into a negative one, teaching your dog that being alone is scary after all.
The Importance of Rest Days
Rest is as important as practice. That’s why I recommend training five days a week, leaving two days free for both you and your dog to decompress. These rest days allow your dog’s nervous system to settle and give you a chance to recharge too.
Why Sticking to the Plan Matters
Consistency is the cornerstone of separation anxiety training. Sticking to your tailored plan means:
Your dog progresses at the right pace.
You avoid unintentional setbacks caused by overdoing it.
Both you and your dog stay motivated without burning out.
At the same time, it’s important to know when to end a session early. If your dog is struggling, cutting things short prevents them from reaching panic and keeps the training experience positive.
Key Takeaways
Overtraining in separation anxiety work often causes setbacks.
Avoid multiple sessions per day, adding extra departures, or extending sessions “just to see.”
Stick to your plan, even when things are going well.
Build in rest days to allow recovery for both you and your dog.
Don’t be afraid to cut a session short if your dog is struggling.
With patience, consistency, and a balanced approach, you’ll help your dog build lasting confidence in being left alone.
If you’re struggling to find the right balance with your separation anxiety training, you don’t have to do it alone. A structured plan and professional guidance can make the process less stressful for both you and your dog. Book your free Pre-Training Consultation Call today to find out how I can support you in creating a training plan that works, so your dog can finally learn to relax when left home alone.
