The Complete Guide to Separation Anxiety

The Complete Guide to Separation Anxiety

By Victoria Jones CDT — Biscuits Buddies Ltd

The Complete Guide to Separation Anxiety is a clear, compassionate, science-led handbook for guardians whose dogs struggle with being left alone. Written by Certified Dog Trainer and separation-anxiety specialist Victoria Jones, this guide gently walks you through understanding your dog’s fear, creating a safe training plan, and rebuilding their confidence step by step.

This resource transforms overwhelming alone-time struggles into a structured, doable process grounded in welfare, empathy, and evidence-based methodology.

What’s Inside

🧠 Part 1 — Understanding Separation Anxiety

Learn what separation anxiety really is (and isn’t), how to recognise it, and how panic affects the brain and body. Includes a breakdown of common behaviours and how to tell SA apart from frustration or unmet needs.

🚫 Why Suspending Absences Matters

A clear, approachable explanation of why your dog cannot practise panic and how to protect progress through small lifestyle adjustments. Includes 7 realistic ways to suspend absences for every type of household.

🌿 Part 2 — Meeting Core Needs

Guidance on sleep, enrichment, nutrition, predictability, and creating a calm home environment. Welfare comes first.

🪑 Part 3 — Independence Foundations

Teach your dog early independence skills like mat training, calm stationing, predictable exits, and using safe barriers without triggering fear.

🚪 Part 4 — The Door Is a Bore Protocol (DIAB)

A full step-by-step framework to help dogs feel relaxed about your movements around the door — including 10 easy, progressive steps and trainer tips.

🐾 Part 5 — Common Mistakes

The things that set dogs back — and how to avoid them.

🆘 Part 6 — Troubleshooting

What to do when progress suddenly stalls, dips, or plateaus.

📊 Part 7 — Progress Tracking

Simple logging suggestions to keep training consistent and effective.

🧩 Part 8 — Calming Activities

Licking, chewing, foraging, sniffing and more — with explanations of how each supports emotional regulation.

📋 Part 9 — Before You Leave Checklist

A ready-to-use checklist helping guardians set their dogs up for success every time.

💬 Part 10 — Myths vs Facts

A gentle debunking of misconceptions that leave guardians feeling guilty or stuck.

🚶 Part 11 — Departure Training

How to progress after DIAB: moving into short out-of-sight absences, building duration safely, mixing missions, and adding real-life scenarios without triggering fear.

📚 Part 12 — Recommended Reading

Curated resources from trusted authors and behaviour experts.

🐶 BONUS — Dog Anxiety Body Language Cheat Sheet

A clear, one-page visual guide covering early subtle signals, moderate stress, high-anxiety behaviours, shutdown, and separation-specific cues.

Who This Guide Is For

• Guardians with puppies or adult dogs showing alone-time distress
• Families wanting a kind, structured approach
• Anyone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start
• Professionals wanting a client-friendly resource to recommend

Why You’ll Love It

✔ Clear, step-by-step instructions

✔ Force-free, welfare-first methods

✔ Realistic, achievable solutions for everyday life

✔ Reassuring tone that supports guardians emotionally and practically

✔ Designed to fit alongside 1:1 training or be used independently

This guide gives you the confidence to move forward — calmly, kindly, and at your dog’s pace.