Understanding the Training Process for Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Helping your dog feel calm and confident when left alone isn’t about quick fixes or outdated methods — it’s about using a structured, kind, and evidence-based approach. If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, it can be incredibly distressing for both of you. But with the right process, progress is possible.
Let’s take a look at how separation anxiety training works, what gradual exposure really means, and how I can support you and your dog through every step of the journey.
The Training Approach: Calm, Gradual, and Kind
The method I use is called gradual desensitisation. It’s a gentle yet effective way to change your dog’s emotional response to being alone. Instead of feeling fear or panic, we help them feel neutral, or even relaxed, about alone time.
The golden rule? We never push your dog beyond their comfort zone. By gradually increasing the time they spend alone, we build their confidence slowly and consistently, and make lasting progress.
It Often Starts Before You Even Leave
For many dogs, anxiety begins long before you step out of the door or sets in immediately after you leave. In these cases, we begin with door desensitisation, using a process called Door Is a Bore. This approach helps your dog stay calm as you move towards, open, and close the door, removing the sense of anticipation that can trigger anxiety.
In the early stages of training, we also remove any departure cues your dog finds triggering, such as picking up your keys or putting on shoes, to help lower their overall stress levels. Once your dog is comfortable with being alone, we gradually reintroduce those cues during training sessions, helping your dog learn that these actions no longer predict something scary.
Only when your dog is consistently relaxed at the door stage do we move on to structured departure training. This careful progression helps build their confidence step by step.
Why Consistency Is Key
To make meaningful progress, it's essential that your dog isn’t left alone for longer than they can cope with outside of training sessions. This avoids undoing their hard-earned confidence.
That’s why I guide you through a structured plan that temporarily suspends real-life absences. During this time, we build your dog’s tolerance step by step, ensuring each session ends on a success.
What Working with Me Looks Like
I offer a fully supported programme designed around your dog’s unique needs and current comfort level. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Free Pre-Training Consultation (Optional)
You’re welcome to book a free 15-minute Zoom call before committing. It’s a no-pressure way to chat about your dog’s history, your goals, and whether this is the right path for you both.
Step 2: Intake & Preparation
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a detailed intake form. This helps me understand:
How long your dog has been showing signs of separation anxiety
Any training you have tried previously
What their current daily routine looks like
Any relevant medical background
I always recommend checking in with your vet first, pain and discomfort can be underlying causes of behaviour issues, and it’s crucial to rule those out.
Step 3: Initial Assessment (via Zoom)
Our first official session will be a live video call. During this time, we’ll:
Review your intake form in more detail
Gently assess how long your dog can currently be alone
Talk through what to expect in the weeks ahead
Importantly, your dog is never pushed past what they can handle. This early assessment is all about observing calmly and setting the foundation.
Step 4: Your Bespoke Training Plan
All training plans are delivered via the free SA Pro Trainer app. You’ll receive:
Daily training instructions
Personalised feedback on your sessions
Notes on your dog’s body language and behaviour cues
Each session builds on the last, and you’ll submit a video of each one to help shape the next step.
Ongoing Support & Progress Reviews
Throughout the process, you’re never on your own. I offer:
A Zoom check-in to review progress, offer guidance and to discuss factors outside of training that may be impacting your dog’s progress.
WhatsApp support for quick questions, feedback, and encouragement
Live training guidance, if needed
Whether it’s a small win or a major breakthrough, I’m here to celebrate your dog’s success with you.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re wondering whether this is the right solution for your dog, book your free Pre-Training Consultation Call and let’s talk it through.
Already ready to begin? Just send me an email and I’ll send over the sign-up details so we can start building your dog’s confidence — one calm moment at a time.
