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Separation anxiety support

For dogs who struggle to be left alone. 

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Separation anxiety: When you can't even leave the room

If leaving the house, or even the room, has become something you plan around, dread, or avoid altogether, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Being tied to your dog in this way affects more than just your dog. It can mean missing out on things together, coffee, a night out, a trip away, because someone always has to stay behind.

It can strain a household. It can leave you feeling like your life has shrunk around a problem you didn’t choose.

If your dog struggles to be left, even for a short time, you’re dealing with something real and exhausting.

It's not something to feel embarrassed about, and it's not something you have to sort out on your own.

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"I honestly can’t recommend Morag enough. The difference she has made to both me and my puppy Winnie has been incredible..."

When we first started working with Morag, Winnie’s separation anxiety was so bad that I couldn’t leave her alone for even a couple of minutes without her becoming extremely distressed.

It was heartbreaking to see and I honestly didn’t know how we were ever going to get to the point where she could feel safe and settled on her own.

Morag has been absolutely amazing from the very beginning. She is so knowledgeable, patient and supportive, and she really takes the time to understand your individual dog and caters everything to you. She explained everything so clearly and helped me understand Winnie’s separation anxiety so much better, including the importance of working at Winnie’s pace and building up her confidence gradually.

She has also been such a huge support to me throughout the process. Separation anxiety can be incredibly stressful as an owner and there have definitely been times where I’ve doubted whether we would ever get there, but Morag has always been reassuring, encouraging and there to help us through any little setbacks.

The progress Winnie has made since working with Morag is something I genuinely didn’t think was possible when we started. Seeing her becoming more confident and comfortable with being left has been amazing, and it has given me so much more confidence too.

How I can help with separation anxiety issues

Separation anxiety is one of the most complex behavioural issues a dog can experience.

It’s not simply about a dog being alone, real separation anxiety can be as debilitating for a dog as severe panic attacks are for a person.

This programme is delivered entirely online, over 6 sessions. That’s not for convenience, it’s because it’s better for your dog. If I come to your home and we practise leaving together, I become part of the cue your dog reacts to, which can hinder progress.

The real work happens in your everyday life, done by you, and these sessions are built to support exactly that.

Together we’ll work through a plan built around your dog, with support between sessions so you’re never left wondering what to do next.

A note on what this involves from you

This kind of work takes patience, and it’s fair to say it asks a bit more of you than some other programmes.

Your dog can’t be left alone while we’re working through this together, so you’ll likely need to arrange a sitter, a friend, or family member for the times you’d normally leave them.

Progress can take time. For some dogs it’s quicker than others, and I’ll always be honest with you about where things stand.

None of this is a reason to hold off getting started. It’s simply worth knowing before you do, so you can plan around it with confidence rather than surprise.

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Across the programme, we’ll cover:

  • A look at your dog’s general health, and ruling out pain as a contributing factor
  • Making sure your dog’s everyday needs are being met
  • Building your dog’s confidence and resilience
  • Identifying the specific cues that trigger anxiety, some obvious, some easy to miss
  • Working through those cues gradually, so they lose their power
  • Helping your dog build tolerance to being alone, calmly and at their own pace
  • Working alongside your vet or other canine professionals, where needed

What’s included

  • A tailored plan built around your dog and your situation, not a one size fits all course.
  • Delivered entirely online, because it’s better for your dog, not just easier for you
  • Ongoing support between sessions, so small problems don’t derail progress
  • Honest, realistic guidance, so you know what to expect at each stage

 Cost

£499 for 6 sessions.

This works best as an online service but can also work face to face, where appropriate. Get in touch for a free call and we can discuss what’s best for you and your dog. 

Buddy the golden lab stood in a grassy field
Buddy
Frank the staffy looking at camera
Frank
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Rusty

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions not answered here, please get in touch by clicking the button.

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  • How long does this usually take?

    With true separation anxiety, even dogs who progress well can take a fair few months to see solid change.

    It’s a genuinely complex issue, closer to a panic response than simple bad behaviour, and it deserves an honest timeline rather than a quick promise.

    I’ll always be clear with you about how things are progressing along the way.

  • Is this always separation anxiety?

    Not always. Sometimes what looks like separation anxiety is actually something else, boredom, a lack of exercise, or general restlessness when left alone, and that’s a very different issue to work through.

    Part of what we’ll do together early on is understand which one you’re dealing with, so the support is right for your dog.

  • Will you guarantee it will work?

    I don’t offer guarantees. Every dog and every situation is different, and I think it’s more honest to say that than to promise something I can’t be sure of. What I can promise is a tailored plan and my full support throughout.

  • Do I need to arrange help for when I'd normally leave my dog?

    Yes, this is worth planning for early, and is non-negotiable. For this to work, the dog cannot be left alone while we’re working through the programme. You may need a sitter, a friend, or family member to help out during this time.

  • Is this delivered in person or online?

    This programme usually works best online.  If I’m in your home practising leaving with you, I can become part of what your dog reacts to, which can get in the way of progress.

    However, where appropriate I can also provide face to face support. Get in touch and I can assess your situation. 

  • My dog's separation issues started after a big change at home, does that matter?

    It can be really relevant. Changes like a house move, a change in routine, or losing a companion animal can all affect how a dog copes with being left. It’s exactly the kind of thing we’d talk through together.

Related services

Dog behaviour support

If you’re not sure whether this is a separation issue or something broader, my dog behaviour support page might be a better starting point.

Go to dog behaviour
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Got a question or want to work together? I’d love to hear from you. Fill in the form and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.