Separation Anxiety Solutions

Separation anxiety impacts more than 15 million dogs in the United States alone! Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic we have met more and more dogs and dog owners who struggle with this issue every day. We here at Urban Pooch want to help you resolve this issue so that you and your pooch can live their best life!

What is Separation Anxiety?

Separation Anxiety is a condition where dogs show signs of distress and exhibit behavior problems when they are separated from owners/caregivers or simply left alone.

Below are common signs of separation anxiety that are usually exhibited when a dog is left alone or sometimes even when their owner is just out of sight:

  • Vocalization like crying, barking, and howling
  • Destruction of property such as chewing or digging on things like walls, furniture & other household items
  • Potty accidents when otherwise house trained
  • Attempts to escape confinement or even the house itself
  • Self-destructive behaviors like chewing, licking, or injury trying to escape

For some dogs this anxiety can be mild with only small displays of stress and/or undesirable behaviors when left alone. However, for some dogs being left alone can lead to severe levels of anxiety and manifest in some destructive, dangerous and disruptive behaviors. This can cause a lot of stress for the dog and a lot of disorder to the lives of dog owners who naturally need to sometimes leave their dogs alone at home. The truth is even the most loving and caring dog owners can't take their dog everywhere. So they need to find a solution to make sure their pooch feels safe and comfortable staying behind sometimes. That's where we step in to help you find that solution!

How Our Program Works

Separation Solutions Initial 2-Month Package

Our program for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety is an extensive one built on a desensitization breakdown with the criteria focus of being left alone.

This 2-month program includes:

  • Initial one hour in-person meeting with the trainer either at our facility or in home (must be within 5 miles of our facility).
  • Weekly reassessments (conducted over Zoom) that build on a relaxation protocol and teach your dog the value of small approximations of being alone without you near them.
  • Personalized assignments to work on between sessions so that you'll continue to see improvement. 
  • Access to unlimited correspondence with your instructor to assure that the program is going as planned for you and your pooch. We want to make sure you have the support you need!
    • Your Commitment
      When registering for this program please understand that you are making a large personal commitment to your pooch and their wellbeing. We will be there for you every step of the way, but this is no small task. Before signing up for our Separation Anxiety Solutions Program, make sure you can commit to the following:

      • Make a promise to your dog that you will not leave them alone longer than they can handle during the duration of this program.
      • Ensure you can dedicate 30 minutes a day at least 5 days per week to completing daily quests and training.
      • Have the patience and understanding to comprehend that your pooch has a true panic disorder and needs psychological help to overcome it.
      • Commit to a consistent schedule of training--no pushing back weeks/days in your training regimen. Your instructor can make adjustments to plans before starting but once the program begins you must stay committed to see actual results.

        About Your Instructor
        Coco grew up with a love and understanding of dogs from a young age. Family pets consisted of Golden Retrievers from her grandparents to German Shepards who were too goofy to become police dogs.Prior to working in a caregiver capacity with animals, Coco worked in the entertainment industry. From working as a Radio Engineer at Clear Channel to Promotional work at Victory Records and finally a Morning News Director at WGN.Animals have always held a special place in her life, but it wasn't until she became a kennel tech and then vet tech at PAWS that she saw the potential to help dogs who needed it most. Coco left Chicago and moved to Seattle to attend the Northwest School of Canine Studies where she became a certified dog trainer. Her passion to always assist those in rescue environments kept her busy! She ran an extensive training program for a Greyhound rehoming organization in the PNW for the last 4 years. In that time she also expanded her knowledge as an accredited member of the IAABC. Coco loves to take on the hard cases and found her speciality among fearful dogs. Her patience and attention to detail have helped numerous shelter dogs grow into loving and understood companions.She spends her time off with her husband Billy, rescue whippet Leon and four rambunctious cats. Her hobbies include camping, biking, sewing, playing ukulele and dominating in board games!

        Pricing
        Separation Anxiety Solutions 2 Month Package - $1499* (Charged as four bimonthly payments of $375)
        Separation Anxiety Solutions Club - Month to Month Membership - $499 (Must have completed initial 2 month package)
        *Students must begin the program no later than 2 weeks from the date of registration. Packages will only be extended or paused for emergency reasons.

          How to Get Started

          If you are a current training student at UPTFC who is interested in the program, please schedule your consultation for the Separation Anxiety Solutions program here.

          If you are NOT a current training student at UPTFC and are interested in the program, please fill out this training intake form here. Once you complete the form our training team will review and reach out to you directly with next steps.

          What Our Customers Say

          We’re proud to provide the city’s largest team of differentiated, award-winning trainers, who can solve any behavior issue.