Do you have a dog dealing with Separation Anxiety???
Do You Have a Dog Dealing With Separation Anxiety?
Updated for Dog Owners Who Want Clear, Practical Answers
Separation anxiety is one of those issues that comes up constantly in training conversations, and it’s one I’ve shared resources on many times over the years.
I’m revisiting it here because it’s still widely misunderstood — and because a lot of the advice dog owners receive focuses on stopping behavior instead of addressing what the dog is actually experiencing.
The article I’m sharing below does a solid job of explaining separation anxiety from an emotional and learning-based perspective, rather than framing it as disobedience, dominance, or something a dog is doing “on purpose.”
Dogs with separation anxiety aren’t being stubborn or manipulative. They’re experiencing real distress when they’re alone — and that distinction matters.
Why This Article Is Worth Reading
One of the biggest problems with separation anxiety advice online is that it focuses on controlling symptoms instead of understanding what’s driving them.
This article explains:
• Why separation anxiety is a panic response, not a training failure
• Why punishment and “letting them cry it out” usually backfire
• Why pushing dogs past their comfort level often slows progress instead of speeding it up
It also reinforces something I talk about often in my own work: learning stops when a dog is overwhelmed. If a dog is panicking, they are not learning to feel safe — they are rehearsing fear.
How This Fits With My Training Philosophy
A lot of well-meaning owners are told to ignore the problem, rush departures, or force longer absences in the name of progress.
In reality, progress comes from:
• Predictable routines
• Gradual, successful absences
• Teaching calm, not endurance
This approach lines up with how dogs actually learn, and it’s why quick fixes rarely hold — especially for anxiety-based behaviors.
Read the Original Article
Read the original article on separation anxiety in dogs
Have Questions or Need Help With Your Own Dog?
Articles like this can be eye-opening, but every dog and household is different.
If you’re dealing with separation anxiety and want guidance tailored to your dog and your routine, we’re happy to help.
