Dog Separation Anxiety Training

At Copilot Dog Training, we help Chicago pups learn how to feel calm, safe, and relaxed when away from their people.

Cartoon illustration of a brown dog barking or howling at a blue door in an indoor setting.

What is separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety isn’t about “bad” behavior, it’s an emotional response to feeling intense stress. Being alone can feel scary!

This is common in city dogs who spend a lot of time with their people, live in busy apartment buildings, work from home, or have just been rescued and are adjusting to a new home.

The good news? With the right training plan, your dog can learn that being alone is safe and nothing to worry about!

What to look out for

Signs of separation anxiety

Destructive behavior

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Barking, whining & howling

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Having accidents inside

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Salivating & drooling

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Panting

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Trembling

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Pacing

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Won’t leave your side

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Self-harm

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How we help dogs with separation anxiety

We don’t believe in “just let them cry it out” or quick-fix gadgets. Our training is all about helping your dog feel safe and confident when alone.

Line drawing of a puppy lying inside a dog crate with an open door.
Line drawing of a dog jumping through a hoop

Step-by-step training

To slowly build up your dog’s ability to be alone

To help your pup learn healthy coping skills

Confidence-building

Line drawing of two dogs, one larger and one smaller, sitting together on a light blue background.
Line drawing of a dog sitting next to a shield with a heart inside, on a yellow background.

Because living with separation anxiety is stressful for people, too

If meds are part of the care plan, we’d love to collaborate

Support for you

Vet partnership

Separation anxiety packages


$150

90-minute behavior assessment

  • 90-minute Zoom meeting.

  • In-depth review of your dog's history and your goals.

  • Absence history review & potential absence assessment.

  • Overview of what management & behavior change entails

  • Recording of our session.

  • Resources & handouts

  • Option to move forward with an intensive training package or referral if desired

Separation anxiety won’t just go away on its own — but with the right training, things can get so much better! We’ll be your copilot through the process so you and your pup can finally get some peace of mind.


$1,250

4-week training
package

  • 20 Customized training plans

  • (4) 45-minute weekly online check-ins

  • Handout guides and resources

  • Email support during work hours 10am-5pm

  • Video review and feedback of your training sessions as needed

  • In-depth custom data tracking

  • Communication with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist as needed

  • Support, cheerleading & coaching


$3,350

8-week training
package

  • 40 Customized training plans

  • (8) 45-minute weekly online check-ins

  • Handout guides and resources

  • Email support during work hours 10am-5pm

  • Video review and feedback of your training sessions as needed

  • In-depth custom data tracking

  • Communication with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist as needed

  • Support, cheerleading & coaching

A happy brown and white English Springer Spaniel puppy with long ears and a blue collar

Why work with a professional trainer?

Trying to fix separation anxiety on your own can feel like guesswork. When you work with us, you get:

  1. A clear understanding of what’s driving your dog’s anxiety

  2. A custom training plan that actually works for your dog

  3. Ongoing guidance so you’re never stuck wondering what to do next

FAQs

  • With the right plan, most dogs make huge progress. It’s not an overnight cure, but your dog can absolutely learn to feel calmer when alone.

  • Only if they already feel safe in their crate. For some dogs, it can make anxiety worse. We’ll help you figure out the best setup.

  • We’ll never say never, but usually not. Separation anxiety is about missing you, not about needing a buddy.

  • Yes! We often team up with vets and veterinary behaviorists when meds are needed to make sure your dog gets the best care.