One of the most important (and often most challenging) parts of separation anxiety training is avoiding any absences that cause your dog distress. I know firsthand how hard that can be, it can feel impossible to manage daily life when your dog can’t be left alone. But here’s the truth, allowing your dog to experience panic during training can slow down or undo the progress you’re working so hard to achieve.

The good news? There are ways to make it work and you don’t have to do it alone.

Why Avoiding Alone Time Is So Important

When we’re helping a dog overcome separation anxiety, we’re working to slowly and safely build their confidence in being alone. This means exposing them to only what they can handle never pushing them into a full panic. If a dog is left alone before they’re ready, it can reinforce their fear and teach them that being alone is still scary and unpredictable. That kind of setback can make the training feel like two steps forward, five steps back.

It’s important to desensitise your dog to being left alone gradually, building up their confidence slowly over time so they learn that being alone is safe and nothing to fear.

So while it might sound strict, avoiding all alone time at least temporarily, it is one of the most important parts of an effective training plan.

But What If You Have a Life to Live?

Don’t worry you’re not expected to shut down your entire life to support your dog. There are practical ways to balance real-life responsibilities with your dog’s needs.

Here are a few ways you can avoid leaving your dog alone:

• Ask for help from family or friends
  Whether it’s popping over for a few hours or keeping your dog company while you run errands, people are often more willing to help than we expect, especially when they understand the situation.
• Consider a pet sitter or dog walker
  Hiring someone to stay with your dog or break up the day can provide much needed relief.
• Look into doggy day care (if appropriate for your dog’s temperament)
  Some dogs thrive in a well-run day care environment, and it can be a great option during the training period.
• Book mobile services
  Need a haircut or nails done? Look for mobile services so you don’t have to leave the house. Even grocery deliveries or pharmacy runs can help reduce the need to leave.
• Swap favours with other dog owners
  You watch their dog one day, they watch yours the next. It’s a win-win.
• Speak to your workplace
  If you’re comfortable, see if there’s any flexibility around working from home or adjusted hours during your dog’s training period.
• Take your dog with you
  More and more places are becoming dog-friendly, cafés, garden centres, hardware stores, welcome well-behaved dogs. Bringing your dog along with you is a great way to maintain a bit of freedom while still supporting their progress.

Reach Out, You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

One of the hardest parts of dealing with separation anxiety is feeling like you have to do it all yourself. But you don’t. At The Dogz Hub, I help create realistic, supportive plans that work for you and your dog. We’ll talk about your schedule, your home setup, your support network and we’ll make a plan that’s actually doable.

You’re Doing Your Best and That’s Enough

I know how overwhelming it can feel. I’ve been there. You might feel like you’re putting your life on hold, and that no one really understands what you’re going through. But please know what you’re doing matters. You’re showing up for your dog, and that makes all the difference.

If you’re struggling to juggle everything, let’s talk. I’m Debra from The Dogz Hub, and I’m here to support both you and your dog through this journey.

Get in touch today for a free consultation and let’s work out a plan that helps you both feel more at ease, every step of the way.