💔 Anxiety Isn't Naughty, It's Love

• Barking, crying, chewing or accidents? Your pup isn’t misbehaving; they’re saying, "I miss you!"
• Calm and consistent training is key—never punish their fears. Instead, reward successes.

🏡 Setting Up for Success

• Walk, toilet break, water first.
• Cozy bed and one chew/lick activity ready.
• Comfortable and ready to learn.

🧩 Micro-Separation Steps

• Start: 3 seconds out of sight → return calmly.
• Gradually increase: 5s, 10s, 20s... build trust incrementally.
• If stress creeps in, dial back one step and regain easy wins.

🎭 Neutralising Departure Cues

Goodbye drama, hello calm:

• Practice keys, coats, bags without leaving, until these are boring to your pup.
• Keep departures and arrivals understated, calm and low key.

🍖 Effective Enrichment

• Teach lick mats and Kongs during relaxed moments.
• Gradually pair toys with brief absences to build positive associations.

💤 Teach a relaxed "Settle"

Settling calmly = winning at life:

• Reward relaxation on a special mat, bed or blanket.
• Slowly introduce movement, closed doors, and brief departures into the hall. Increase one difficulty at a time and reward wins.

📅 Denis's Manchester Schedule

• Week 1: 3–30s separations, 6–10 daily repetitions, camera check-ins to assess calm.
• Week 2: 30–120s, progressing to occasional longer trials if calm.
• Week 3+: Gradually reach 10–20 mins. And use a trusted dog sitter for real-life gaps e.g. work, events, hobbies, date nights.

⏲️ Safe Limits & Support

• Adults: 4-hour max alone time for all dogs; Puppies and new rescues: far less.
• Busy schedule? Book Dog Sitting Manchester for your dog's home away from home.

🎵 Comfort Boosters

Extra calm, extra comfort:

• White noise or radio to mask unsettling sounds. Doggy meditation playlists on YouTube.
• A worn T-shirt as a scent-comfort blanket.
• A simple camera to monitor your progress from your phone.

🩺 Professional Backup

Sometimes love needs science:

• Consult your vet and behaviourist if anxiety spikes or stalls.
• Medication (e.g., fluoxetine) under vet guidance can help.

🗺️ Navigating Setbacks

Setbacks happen—don’t panic:

• Step back, regain calm confidence, and climb again.
• Calm is the goal; patience is your greatest ally.

Calm, patient and consistent separation training will turn anxious pups into confident companions. You can do it!

Now, scientifically speaking, one last cuddle before you go?

With love and glee-filled tail wags,

Agent Denis 🚀 ❤️