If you’ve ever looked at your dog mid-panic and thought,
“What is wrong with them?” or worse…
“What is wrong with me?”
—take a breath.
I want you to know something important:
Your dog isn’t broken. And neither are you.
Living with a dog who struggles to be alone can feel like living in the shadows.
You cancel plans.
You tiptoe around the house.
You dread the sound of your own keys.
And through it all, you’re doing everything you can just to hold things together—for them.
I see you.
I’ve been you.
And I want you to hear this:
Struggling doesn’t make you a bad dog guardian. It makes you human.
Separation anxiety isn’t your fault.
It’s not a result of loving too much or doing too little.
It’s not something you caused—it’s something your dog is going through.
And you’re the one walking beside them.
That makes you brave.
Progress doesn’t happen overnight.
But every small win—the quiet minute, the calm look, the absence of barking—is a step forward.
And it counts.
You’re building safety.
You’re building trust.
You’re showing your dog the world doesn’t fall apart when you leave.
That matters.
You don’t have to do this alone.
I work with dog guardians like you every day—people who’ve tried everything, who love their dogs fiercely, and who just want a path forward that makes sense.
There is one.
And you can find it.
Let’s take that next step together.
You’re not alone in this. And more importantly? You’re not stuck.
About the Author
Saundra Clow is a multi-certified separation anxiety trainer who serves clients internationally online. She has over 18 years of experience working with dogs of all types and breeds and is passionate about helping dogs feel comfortable at home alone.
