Separation Anxiety Training Program in Chicago

• Number of sessions: Customizable to your situation. Most customers start with 4 sessions
• Session duration: One hour per session
• Location:
• Zoom: This is the primary format of the program and includes one weekly meeting
• At your home: A trainer can also come your home to see your home environment, and can possibly address multiple behaviors at once
• Frequency: One live meeting per week, plus online instruction on four of the other days
• Dog Diagnostic: The first step is an assessment over Zoom. You can pay for just the assessment with no obligation to continue.
• Veterinary collaboration: If medications are being used or considered, we can work closely with you and your vet to give our observations and help ensure they are having the desired effect. We can even join you at the vet if they are in our service area.
• TrainTrack: Access our online training portal for videos, logs, video uploads to your trainer, and more
• Checkin meetings: You can have checkin meetings with your trainer for up to a year after your program ends

• Zoom-only:
• $150 for 90-minute assessment and overall plan for the program
• $850 for four weeks


• If we come to your home:
• $185 per session. This is typically for one training session, if you want us to see your home environment in person and discuss other behaviors you want to improve. The core program is via Zoom.
• Any parking as necessary

• Credit card
• Flexible payment options
• PayPal Credit, where you can pay it back over time, with six months of free interest

How much experience do your trainers have in resolving separation anxiety?

We have multiple trainers who have helped many dogs overcome separation anxiety. They are well-prepared, stay updated on the latest industry advice, and are committed to helping you succeed.

Can you fully eliminate my dog's separation anxiety?

We have had great success in helping many dogs minimize or even eliminate their separation anxiety. Having said that, there are no guarantees, since success depends on factors such as you following the exercises assigned each week, in addition to your dog's level of panic, genetic factors, and daily triggers. If you follow the advice in the program, at the least you should see a substantial reduction in the anxiety level.

How long will it take to achieve progress?

The answer to that question depends on your dog. In some cases, we start achieving success within a few weeks. In others, it can take longer. However, once we are starting to make progress, progress tends to occur faster because your dog's brain and stress will be starting to calm down and allow true learning to occur.

Can a trainer come to my home instead of meeting over Zoom?

The Zoom format is in place so the trainer can watch through to the camera to see how your dog responds when you leave. If the trainer came to your home, they would not be able to see your dog's reaction, since the reaction would be different due to a stranger being there. If you would like a trainer to come to your home to view your environment and see other behaviors, that is very possible, but you would still need the Zoom format for resolving the separation anxiety.

Can I combine behaviors from other programs?

If you are trying to improve multiple behaviors, there would need to be two programs - one for the separation anxiety, and one for the other behavior. Depending on trainer availability and your goals, it may be possible to have the same trainer for both programs, or you may have two different trainers. Alternatively, it may be best to do one program at a time. The trainer can discuss ideas with you to create the best plan for your dog.

• We give you immediate feedback that takes into account your technique, your environment, your lifestyle, your dog's background, and likely reasons for your dog's lack of progress. No online tool can match that insight.
• Avoid wasting hours sifting through conflicting advice online, much of which is incomplete, outdated, and potentially harmful — follow a structured, proven plan instead
• Avoid common mistakes that can make separation anxiety worse
• Identify what’s happening in your home environment that’s holding progress back
• Use TrainTrack to track progress and get ongoing guidance
• Stay consistent with guidance and accountability throughout the process

• Do I need to carry treats for the rest of my dog's life? Treats are for teaching behaviors - once your dog can reliably perform, treats can be phased out at your discretion.
• Do I need to carry treats at all times? No. If there are times where you are not carrying treats, our methods can still work.
• Can I use a different type of reward than treats? It may be possible to use something else your dog values, such as a favorite toy.
• Is positive reinforcement too soft for my dog? Not a bit. The best way to build reliable skills is through trust and motivation. Being tough with your dog can cause him to shut down, have anxiety, ignore you, and not truly learn.
• I have tried treats, but they don't work for my dog. You were likely using low-value treats, including from a store. We will recommend high-value treats that are irresistable for most dogs, including in high-distraction environments.
• Will it take longer to achieve results? This is a common myth. Positive reinforcement can create faster results than aversive methods, because your dog is motivated to listen to you, and truly wants to learn.
• Is it bribery? No! All animals learn behaviors from being rewarded, including humans. You wouldn't go to work for free, would you? Motivation + repetition = new behaviors.