What Actually Helps With Separation Anxiety (and What Doesn’t)

If you’ve tried everything you’ve read online — and still nothing has worked — it’s not your fault.

Most advice is surface-level. Separation anxiety runs deeper.

Here’s a breakdown of what typically gets recommended… and what actually works:

What People Try	Why It Doesn’t Work	What’s Better
Toys, Kongs, distractions	Offers stimulation, not emotional security	Gradual, supported alone-time training
Calming sprays or plug-ins	May mask symptoms temporarily	Rewiring the fear through repetition
Ignoring your dog	Can increase fear if not done with proper timing	Connection-first approach, then confidence
Crates or confinement	Can cause panic if not introduced properly	Comfort zones built through trust

Tried Toys or Distractions? They keep your dog busy — but don’t teach them to feel safe alone.

👉 Try this instead: Gradual, supported alone-time training.

Tried Calming Sprays? They may ease symptoms, but won’t solve the core fear.

👉 Try this instead: Teach them that being alone doesn’t have to feel scary.

Tried Ignoring Your Dog? Can backfire if they’re genuinely panicked or afraid.

👉 Try this instead: Build safety first, then confidence.

Tried Crates or Confinement? May intensify fear if your dog feels trapped.

👉 Try this instead: Create a comfort zone through trust.

It’s not about forcing your dog to “get used to it.”

It’s about teaching them to feel safe, step by step.

But knowing what matters is one thing.

Actually doing it — when you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure — that’s another.

That’s where the Separation Anxiety Hub comes in.

It gives you:

• A clear step-by-step path
  (no guesswork)

• Support and community so you’re never alone in it

• Real tools to help your dog feel calm when home alone

Because you don’t just want fewer torn-up carpets.

You want your freedom back — and your dog to feel safe again.

Explore the Dog Separation Anxiety Hub