Frequently Asked Questions

Training Questions

  • Dogs who benefit from working with a specialist are panicking, or otherwise very distressed, when alone.

    If you aren’t sure about how to interpret your dog’s behavior, an Initial Separation Assessment is recommended.

    Get started by clicking here.

  • To help dogs overcome separation anxiety, we use an intricate systematic desensitization protocol combined with sophisticated data tracking and record keeping. This is the most efficient and effective technique experts currently have to help dogs who become panicked when alone.

    These training methods are kind, positive, and force-free. We are focused on helping your dog feel safe when alone, directly addressing the root of your dog's anxiety and setting them up for long term success.

    Read more about V's approach here.

  • There are many ways to prevent your dog's anxiety from being triggered and becoming worse. What is best for you and your dog will depend on your unique situation. V can help you brainstorm solutions during your Initial Separation Assessment.

    In the meantime, here is a link to an article with more ideas on how to avoid triggering your dog's anxiety throughout the training process: Problem-Solving the Puzzle of Alone Time Management.

Zelda the red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi sits on a boulder in front of a river, looking at the camera. She is wearing a purple and red flower crown on her head

Logistics Questions

  • Wherever there is an internet connection!

    Since you need to leave your dog home alone in order to train them, a trainer doesn't need to physically go to your house in order to help. In fact, virtual meetings are most ideal so we can observe your dog in their real life environment!

  • During absence assessments, you point a camera(s) where you think your dog will be during your absence, then exit your home according to V's instructions. V will watch your dog through the camera(s) and alert you when it's time to return.

    The goal is not to see your dog tip over into panic. Absence assessments allow us to measure your dog’s behaviors, what triggers them (grabbing your keys, a certain amount of duration, etc.), and how fast those behaviors escalate. This information helps us build effective training plans to move forward with.

  • You will need an internet connection and a device with a camera that connects to the internet. That can be anything from an old smart phone to a dedicated security camera.

    In some cases it can be helpful to have multiple devices (for extra camera angles), but this is not a requirement.

    All other recommendations are made on a case by case basis. For example, depending on the home layout, sometimes a baby gate is recommended.

  • For the most part! V has years of experience working with a wide variety of behavior concerns, but now chooses to specialize. If your dog has other behavior concerns in addition to their separation anxiety, V will help you create a comprehensive plan that addresses each individual concern.

    If you have a dog who does not experience separation anxiety or distress, feel free to reach out via the General Message Form.

V is leaning over Freddie and placing a pastel blanket over his head and around his body. V is smiling and looking at Freddie. Freddie is relaxed and looking towards V.

Dog Questions

  • Time spent training will vary significantly from dog to dog. There is no way to rush the process because we want to set your dog up for long term success. Separation anxiety recovery is more like a marathon than a sprint.

  • Yes! Many dogs cannot eat food when they are anxious. This is one of the reasons we use a systematic desensitization protocol to help dogs overcome their anxiety, rather than a training technique where we are giving the dog food for performing specific behaviors.

    Learn more about V's approach here.

  • A dog is never too old for anxiety help!

    It is true that a long history of panicked alone time can make it more challenging to convince a dog that being alone is safe. However, dogs can learn new patterns at any point in their life!

  • Yes and no. It is developmentally appropriate for very young puppies (pre-adolescence, ~5 months and younger) to feel distressed when isolated. This is because as babies, they rely on you to survive! At this stage, it is best to focus on preventing the distress by making sure the puppy doesn’t have to spend time in isolation.

    If we try to convince a puppy that being alone is okay before their brains are developmentally ready, it’s easy to accidentally make their anxiety worse.

    All puppies develop at different rates, but in general puppies transition into adolescence around 5-7 months old. If they are still showing signs of separation anxiety even into adolescence, this is the best time to get started with separation training.

  • Yep! Depending on your dog's disability, various accommodations can be made to build a plan that works for them.

Freddie the Toller puppy and his puppy friend Homer look at the camera. Freddie is sitting, Homer is lying down. Both are wet and dirty from playing outside on a rainy day.

Other Questions