Question 1

How long does dog separation anxiety training take?

Accepted Answer

Most dogs need 4–8 weeks of daily short sessions to build meaningful alone-time tolerance. Severe cases can take longer — the plan adjusts its pace based on how your dog is actually responding, not a fixed calendar.

Question 2

Why does my dog panic before I even leave the house?

Accepted Answer

Dogs learn to associate pre-departure cues — picking up keys, putting on shoes — with being left alone, so the anxiety starts before the door opens. That's why the protocol treats each cue as its own thing to desensitize first.

Question 3

What's the difference between this and crate training?

Accepted Answer

Crate training addresses where a dog stays; separation anxiety training addresses how a dog feels about being alone at all, crated or not. The two are often combined, but solving one doesn't automatically solve the other.

Question 4

Can I do this without a trainer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for mild to moderate cases. The assessment flags red flags — self-injury risk, destructive escape attempts — where working alongside a certified behaviorist is recommended.