Dog separation anxiety resources you can use.
These are SettledSolo's own plain-language notes for planning calm alone-time practice. They combine the evidence listed on the evidence page with cautious rules of thumb of our own. They are not a diagnosis, a replacement for veterinary care or a promise of a particular result.
Free downloads
Keep the useful reminders close by.
These are SettledSolo's own printable pages for the fridge, notebook or training bag. They are designed to support observation without turning every departure into a performance review.
Five reminders for choosing, observing and closing a manageable session.
Download the cheat sheet PDF downloadSetback checklistA calm sequence for reviewing a difficult session and choosing a smaller next step.
Download the checklist PDF downloadObservation logA printable five-session log for duration, context, first signs and recovery.
Download the logOne-session cheat sheet
- Choose a duration your dog has already handled comfortably.
- Keep the departure ordinary and use observation if available.
- Return early if meaningful concern appears; the target is never a quota.
- Let your dog settle before deciding whether to repeat or make it easier.
- Record what you saw, not only how long the absence lasted.
If a session goes badly
- End the absence and help your dog return to a calm state.
- Make the next planned step shorter and simpler.
- Check for context such as illness, noise, confinement or a changed routine.
- Pause timed departures and seek help if distress is escalating, persistent or unsafe.
What is useful to record
Note the duration, the first observable change, what happened between repetitions, the environment and whether your dog recovered normally. A camera can help, but constant monitoring is not required.
Common questions
How many sessions should I do?
SettledSolo uses a conservative daily ceiling, not a required quota. A shorter session or a rest day can be the right choice when your dog or circumstances need it.
Is a crate always the right place to practise?
No. If distress appears only with confinement, treat that as important information and avoid assuming it is purely separation-related. Use a setup your dog can already manage safely and ask for support if unsure.
What if my dog looks worried before I leave?
Practise one small departure cue while staying home: pick up keys, put on shoes or touch the door, then return to ordinary activity before concern builds. Keep cue practice brief and separate from timed absences.
Is separation anxiety just boredom or stubbornness?
Not necessarily. Separation-related distress can include subtle changes such as pacing, panting, exit-watching or refusing food. A camera or careful observation can help distinguish it from boredom, frustration, confinement or another problem.
Should I ignore my dog when I get home?
No special coldness is required. Keep the return calm and ordinary, and focus on avoiding absences that are too difficult. Comfort after a hard moment is not something you need to withhold.
Will spaying, neutering or medication fix this?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer that the app can safely give. Medical decisions and medication belong with your veterinarian, who can consider the whole dog, the home setup and any other health factors.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing needs catching up. Resume with an easy, familiar step rather than increasing difficulty to compensate.
When should I stop and ask for help?
Pause timed practice for self-injury, destructive escape attempts, rapidly escalating distress or repeated sessions that cannot stay manageable. A vet or qualified behaviour professional can help you work out the safest next step.
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