Separation Anxiety Training

Separation anxiety in dogs typically presents in three distinct phases: the Leaving Phase, Separation Phase, and Return Phase. During the Leaving Phase, dogs may show stress-related behaviours such as pacing, whining, barking, or following you closely as you prepare to leave. In the Separation Phase, distress continues even after you have left, often resulting in destructive behaviours, accidents indoors, or excessive vocalisation. The Return Phase is when dogs display extreme excitement, clinginess, or relief upon your return.

However, some dogs may only show stress during one specific phase, like the Leaving Phase. While these behaviours can be concerning, they do not always indicate full separation anxiety. The clearest sign of true separation anxiety is distress during the separation phase itself, while your dog is alone. Behaviour in the leaving and return phases adds useful context, but on its own it isn’t enough to tell.

We have a detailed guide on identifying symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Take a read and reach out to us for more information!

Separation anxiety is very treatable, and most dogs make real, lasting progress with a structured desensitisation programme. No one can guarantee an outcome, because every dog and every household is different, but Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSAT) have helped a great many dogs become comfortable being left alone. These trainers have undergone rigorous training specifically focused on resolving separation anxiety problems in dogs. A CSAT is equipped with specialised techniques and strategies to help alleviate your dog’s anxiety, ensuring a more peaceful and confident pet. So, seeking out a dog trainer certified in separation anxiety can significantly improve your furry friend’s quality of life.

Our Separation Anxiety Training is led by our Chief Behaviourist, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). CSATs undergo rigorous training and have access to a repository of evidence-based protocols proven to alleviate separation anxiety in dogs.

Expect a structured, step-by-step approach designed to deliver successful results and improve your dog’s well-being.

For more details, see our comprehensive guide on Separation Anxiety Training.

A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) is a specialised professional dog trainer dedicated to helping dogs with separation anxiety. These experts have completed an intensive months-long coursework programme, which includes practical case studies designed to ensure they can effectively implement systematic desensitisation protocols proven to alleviate symptoms of separation anxiety.

For dogs struggling with being alone, these trainers offer a lifeline. By carefully and compassionately guiding your anxious dog through a personalised training plan, they work to reduce the fear and stress your pet experiences when left alone.

Our chief behaviourist, Qiai, who trained under the renowned Malena DeMartini, is one of only two CSAT certified professionals in South East Asia, bringing her expertise and empathy to every separation anxiety case she handles.

If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, consult a certified professional to verify the condition. Once it’s confirmed, partnering with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) can be highly effective. A CSAT will guide you through Separation Anxiety Training Protocols, gradually easing your dog’s anxiety when they are left alone.

In the meantime, keeping your dog calm and comfortable is key. Options like hiring a pet sitter, enlisting help from family members, or enrolling them in our dog training school can provide the human companionship they need to feel secure.

Yes, there are professional dog trainers who specialise in separation anxiety. These certified separation anxiety trainers have undergone rigorous training and have extensive knowledge grounded in data and science. They use desensitisation protocols tailored specifically for dogs with separation anxiety, for the most effective outcomes.

Separation anxiety is distinct from typical behavioural issues, so it needs a specialised approach from a dog separation anxiety trainer. For more on this condition, read our article “What is Separation Anxiety“.

A professional dog trainer is an expert in operant conditioning, skilled at shaping and reinforcing desired behaviours in dogs. Their role involves a structured approach to training, where positive reinforcement is frequently used to encourage good behaviour.

A behaviourist delves into the full complexity of animal behaviour, including principles of classical conditioning, which are crucial in understanding separation anxiety. When a dog shows undesired behaviours, a behaviourist identifies the root causes and develops protocols tailored to address them, whether they need operant conditioning, classical conditioning, or a combination of both. Separation anxiety is a classical conditioning issue, and cannot be resolved by treating it at the operant conditioning layer.

The skills of dog trainers and behaviourists often overlap, and they frequently collaborate to give the dog the most complete support.

The duration of separation anxiety training varies widely, influenced by factors such as the dog’s anxiety levels, the owner’s commitment, and the dog’s inherent traits. For some anxious dogs, improvement can be rapid, such as increasing tolerance from 2 seconds to 20 minutes within a week. Others progress more gradually, from 5 seconds to 35 seconds over the course of a month.

Addressing separation anxiety takes real dedication from owners. If you work from home or often need to close the door, the systematic desensitisation protocols used by CSAT professionals help your dog learn that these activities are not a big deal. For a tailored plan and professional guidance, schedule a call with our chief behaviourist to evaluate your dog’s specific needs.

Training a dog with separation anxiety needs a systematic and gentle approach, often best managed with the guidance of a certified separation anxiety trainer (CSAT). The foundation is recognising the activities you perform before leaving, known as pre-departure cues (PDQs), such as locking the door or picking up your keys. Begin desensitisation without these cues, varying how long your dog is left alone and keeping it below their threshold of anxiety. Once your dog is comfortable being alone for increasing lengths of time, reintroduce the PDQs one at a time. Be prepared for setbacks as your dog adjusts. Repeat this process until your dog can handle all PDQs and reach the alone time you need.

This is a simplified outline. Each dog’s journey with separation anxiety is unique, and working with a professional separation anxiety trainer is the most effective and humane way to address your dog’s needs.

While certain breeds can appear more susceptible to separation anxiety, any dog can be affected. The condition is a complex interplay of genetics and the environment in which a dog is raised, and no breed has been definitively shown to be more prone. Addressing it involves noticing the signs early and using gradual desensitisation. A loving, understanding environment also plays a big part in easing their anxiety.

Separation anxiety in dogs can be challenging, but with the right approach it can be managed effectively. While genetic factors and environmental triggers play significant roles, spotting the symptoms early helps. Look out for signs like excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or accidents in the house. Once you’ve identified them, a professional separation anxiety trainer can help you create a customised plan to ease your dog’s anxiety. With patience and the right support, your dog can learn to feel more comfortable when alone.

Check out our article on home alone training for what to look out for to minimise the chances of separation anxiety developing in puppies.

Separation anxiety in dogs is a common concern and, unfortunately, it doesn’t usually resolve on its own. Consistent training and supportive strategies can help manage and reduce anxiety symptoms over time. Ignoring the problem may lead to more stress for your dog, making it harder to manage later on. Proactive steps, such as creating a comforting environment and gradually getting your dog used to being alone, can significantly improve their well-being.

Many well-meaning pet owners use treats to ease separation anxiety, but this doesn’t address the real issue. Separation anxiety stems from the stress of your absence, not from an aversive stimulus that a treat can offset. When you leave, it triggers anxiety, which worsens the longer you’re gone. Research shows that pairing treats with your absence (known as counter-conditioning) doesn’t relieve anxiety and may even intensify it. This approach overlooks the core problem: your dog’s fear of being separated from you.

For a deeper look at why this method falls short, check out our detailed research breakdown of Shnookal et al. (2024).

Crate training can give your dog a safe and comfortable space, but it is not a cure for separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety feel stressed when they are left alone, and this anxiety can persist even in their crate. Forcing your dog into a crate can also make separation anxiety worse, as they are unable to perform coping behaviours to relieve their stress. You may also cause your dog to develop confinement anxiety or crate phobia! It’s important to address the underlying anxiety through gradual desensitisation to help your dog feel more secure when you’re not around.

No, ignoring separation anxiety can make your dog’s distress worse. Address the issue with a kind yet structured approach, using techniques that help your dog feel more secure when you are away.