Separation anxiety rarely resolves quickly. Progress takes time , and it rarely follows a straight line. There will be good days and difficult days. Setbacks do not erase progress. They are part of the process. Success might look like shorter absences, calmer body language, or reduced stress signals. It does not have to mean hours alone straight away. Small changes matter. When we zoom out, they add up to meaningful improvement. All the best, Victoria

Separation anxiety is not an obedience issue. It is an emotional one. While training skills can be helpful, they are not a complete solution on their own. Teaching cues without addressing fear is like teaching someone to swim while they are panicking. The skills may be there, but the emotional state prevents them from being used. In some cases, progress requires a team approach. A qualified trainer, a clinical behaviourist, and a vet may all play a role in supporting the dog holistically....

Enrichment is often suggested as a solution for separation issues, and while it can be helpful, it is not always the right tool for every dog or every moment. For dogs experiencing anxiety, stress can suppress appetite. This means that food-based enrichment may be ignored entirely once panic sets in. This is not stubbornness or lack of interest. It is biology. If your dog cannot engage with enrichment when left alone, that information is important. It tells us that their emotional needs are...