Hey Pup Parents,

I've returned from a rejuvenating summer sojourn, my mind alight with newfound wisdom on a challenge that plagues many in our kingdom: the dreaded separation anxiety. As I basked in the constant companionship of my loyal hounds, including the once-troubled Sir Fernando, I couldn't help but reflect on our epic journey.

In our humble corner of the world, dedication has blossomed into triumph. The tale of Sir Fernando is one of transformation - from an anxious soul to a sweet companion. Once as clingy as ivy to a castle wall, he now stands tall, his spirit as robust as a mighty oak.

Since the Ides of March, I've been quietly weaving a spell of independence around our brave knight. You see, when you shower a once-neglected soul with love, they often stick to you like a knights armor - hesitant to part. But fear not! For we have vanquished the fearsome dragon of separation anxiety that once held Sir Fernando in its clutches.

As the sun's chariot races across the summer sky, and the boisterous 4th of July festivities approach, I realize many of you might be facing your own battles. Shall we venture forth together and conquer the challenge of canine separation anxiety? In the coming scrolls, I’ll unveil secrets to transform your loyal companions from clingy shadows to confident adventurers. (For those gearing up for the fireworks, be sure to check out my Boom-Be-Gone protocol for helping dogs stay calm during fireworks season.)

Twas but eight fortnights into Sir Fernando's residence in my humble abode when this formidable foe reared its ugly head. Such tribulations are not uncommon for a noble hound with a checkered past and a newly minted routine.

Fortuitously, accommodating a knight with separation-related challenges into my life proved no more daunting than a jester's riddle. After all, I face such dragons daily in my quest as a trainer of man's best friend. For those seeking wisdom without coin, I've penned many a scroll on the topic of separation anxiety, freely available in my digital library.

Indeed, separation anxiety boasts more varieties than a royal feast! Sir Fernando, bless his valiant heart, developed a hyper-attachment to yours truly. No mere squire or stand-in would suffice; he'd sound the alarm if parted from his chosen liege. Behold, the menu of anxieties from which your noble companion might be supping:

The Classic Siege: Your loyal hound loses all composure when left to guard the castle alone, turning your chambers into a battlefield worthy of legend.

The Crowd-Seeking Crusader: These pups require naught but a warm body nearby. They care not if it's your surly teenage squire or even the or even the friendly baby sitter.

The Liege-Loyal Lancer: This hound swears fealty to but one master. They sound the trumpets of distress when their chosen one (that's you, noble leader) departs, even if the rest of the court remains.

The Bonded Pair: Some dogs form an alliance so strong with another canine in the household that separating them is akin to dividing the very kingdom itself.

The Routine Rebel: These hounds only lose their composure when the daily rituals shift. They're like the court wizard who frets when you rearrange their potion ingredients.

The Sundial Sensitive: Some dogs maintain their valor by day but crumble come eventide, or vice versa. 'Tis as if they possess an internal anxiety hourglass.

The Open-Space Enthusiast: This pooch fears not solitude, but rather confined spaces. Think of them as the canine equivalent of a knight who prefers the open battlefield to the narrow castle corridors.

The Noise-Fearing Noble: Often times, what appears as separation anxiety is truly a fear of the cacophony that ensues in your absence. For these hounds, life becomes a harrowing tale where the villain is the neighbor above or a dragon's roar (or what we commoners call a "car backfiring").

One thing stands true, helping your dog overcome their separation stress boils down to one very powerful evidence-based technique called desensitization. Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the source of their anxiety in a controlled and systematic way, helping them to slowly become accustomed to it without triggering their fear or panic. Desensitization is a powerful technique that works for many dog behavior issues, such as reducing fear of loud noises fireworks, getting comfortable with car rides, overcoming anxiety around other dogs or strangers, and even addressing specific phobias like the vacuum cleaner or vet visits.

Imagine desensitization as a knight slowly training to face a dragon. Instead of charging into battle unprepared, our knight first gets used to the dragon's distant roars, then its closer presence, and finally, standing bravely in front of it. For dogs with separation anxiety, desensitization works in a similar heroic manner. Start by leaving your dog alone for very short periods—just a few seconds at first—then gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable.

Make this easier on yourself by building in daily routines that allow you to practice separating from your dog regularly at levels they can handle. This can be simple things, like closing the bathroom door and not letting your dog follow you in, placing a baby gate up so that every time you enter the kitchen your dog is practicing separating from you by remaining on the other side, or getting some hobbies that require you to go into the front yard and back inside regularly, such as gardening or cleaning the car. By integrating these small separations into your daily life, you are training your dog to become more comfortable with being alone in a gradual and manageable way.

What also aided Sir Fernando in his quest was the addition of as-needed anti-anxiety medications, which allowed us to progress from short 30-minute departures to half-day adventures. These magical potions are available to help dogs with various behavior challenges. When considering such aids, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist is the wise sage to consult. These experts can guide you in integrating medication into your training plan. For Fernando, the as-needed medication was a crucial ally, enabling him to rally when left home alone and playing an essential role in his victorious journey to recovery.

Before ye brandish the weighty proclamation of separation anxiety upon thy loyal hound, don thy detective's cap and prepare for a quest most investigative!

To unravel this furry enigma, two crucial clues must align like stars in the night sky:

• The curious behavior must manifest with the consistency of the sun's daily journey - every time you, brave guardian, venture beyond your castle gates.

• This peculiar conduct must be as exclusive as a royal decree - occurring only when you depart, and lying dormant in your presence.

If these behaviors appear unpredictably, or in scenarios beyond your absence, we may need to cast our investigative net wider. Perhaps we chase shadows of sound sensitivity or general anxiety - different beasts entirely, though no less worthy of our attention.

The sorcerers of science have bestowed upon us wondrous tools to vanquish the dragon of separation anxiety. Behold! We now wield enchanted scrolls of data, revealing the most potent spells for our quest. I employ a magical looking glass - an "app" in the common tongue - crafted solely for this challenge. It charts our progress, keeps us on our chosen path, and whispers guidance for our daily training rituals.

The far-seeing crystals - or "cameras" as the townsfolk call them - are now as common as copper coins. They grant us the power to witness our hound's progress in real-time, even as we venture beyond our castle walls. With naught but our cell phones, we can observe and guard from afar. This quest, while systematic and true, demands both effort and patience. 'Tis not a battle won in a day, but a campaign of dedication, as I learned with Sir Fernando.

While Sir Fernando's hyper-attachment has been tamed, 'tis not entirely vanquished. We've forged a sacred ritual of departure, a carefully choreographed dance that allows our brave knight to find his peace. Yet, the quest is far from over. Our next challenge lies in teaching Sir Fernando to carry his newfound courage beyond the walls of our keep. We must help him generalize his lessons of fortitude, that he might face separation with valor in lands unknown and circumstances unfamiliar.

Are you and your loyal companion locked in combat with the beast of separation anxiety, or perhaps besieged by other canine conundrums? Be it the dragon of destructiveness, the specter of excessive barking, or the ogre of on-leash reactivity that plagues your realm, fear not! I offer my services as a master trainer, crafting bespoke training plans for each unique challenge. Together, we shall emerge victorious, restoring tranquility to your realm. Sign up for a consultation and let’s embark on this quest together. My books are open for August and September—secure your spot here.

If you have tales of triumph to share, queries about your hound's well-being, or simply wish to exchange a friendly greeting, I implore you to send word. Your stories and experiences are the very lifeblood of my work, inspiring us all to greater heights of companionship. Until next time, brave guardians, stay strong and keep your hearts light. ✌🏻❤️🐶

Warmly,