FOCUS · WEEK 06
How to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety
Gradual desensitization plan for dogs that struggle alone. AI-built 12-week program with absence drills and calm-down sessions. From $9.99/month.
Build my plan01 · Why it happens
What's actually going on.
Separation anxiety is a panic response, not a behaviour problem. Crating harder, scolding, or 'tough love' all make it worse. The fix is gradual desensitization to absence — building tolerance from one second up.
02 · The approach
Four steps,
in this order.
- 1Baseline test: how long can your dog stay relaxed when you cross the room? That's your starting point.
- 2Micro-absences: door touches, then door opens, then 5-second exits — each below the panic threshold.
- 3Calm-down protocols layered into daily routine — not just at departure.
- 4No drama on entry or exit. Pre-departure cues (keys, shoes, coat) lose meaning over time.
03 · In the program
Front-loaded in
Week 06.
The 12-week plan dedicates Week 6 as the focus phase for separation anxiety. Before then we lay the foundations (engagement, self-control); after, we generalize to real-world distractions and lock in reliability.
04 · FAQ
Common questions.
Can severe separation anxiety be solved at home?+
Mild and moderate cases yes. Severe panic disorders should be co-treated with a vet behaviorist + medication. Our program works alongside, not instead of, professional support for severe cases.
Is a crate a good idea?+
Sometimes. If the dog is comfortable in the crate, it can be a calm space. If they're not, the crate becomes a panic trigger — we never force it.
How long does it take?+
Mild cases: 3–6 weeks. Moderate: 8–12 weeks. Severe: 6+ months with professional support.
Ready to fix it?
10 questions, 60 seconds. We'll build the 12-week plan with separation anxiety weighted in the right place.
Build my planFrom $9.99/month · 7-day refund