Why I revised my training approach to treating separation anxiety

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As a trainer committed to modern, science-based dog training, it is natural for me to constantly question and refine my methods. In many areas of dog training, the use of positive reinforcement has already become standard: new, desirable behaviours are actively encouraged instead of punishing unwanted ones – step by step, structured, and always with the goal of helping the dog feel safe, understood, and comfortable.

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When it comes to separation training, however, Germany is still lagging behind in many respects.

For a long time, so-called desensitisation training was considered the gold standard. By repeatedly coming and going, putting on a jacket, picking up keys and other triggers, dogs were supposed to get used to being left alone without developing stress. While this may sound reasonable in theory, in practice it often proves tedious, frustrating, and not particularly successful – for both dog and human.

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Recent studies, including those by Dr Erica Feuerbacher, show that approaches based solely on desensitisation can achieve minimal progress, but are significantly slower and less effective than modern methods built on positive reinforcement.

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What does this mean in practice?
Dogs who are taught to stay alone using positive, systematic training methods – that is, who are rewarded for calm behaviour when left alone, with clear cues and supportive technology – typically show clear progress after just eight weeks:

• They can remain relaxed on their own for up to 30 minutes

• And quickly extend this time to 2–3 hours afterwards

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No pressure. No overwhelm. No endless “door open, door closed” routines.

These findings led me to fundamentally rethink – and improve – my own approach.

Scientific. Humane. Up to date.

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My revised online course Happily Home Alone no longer relies on classical desensitisation, but instead on a reward-based, systematically structured training plan. This helps your dog build positive associations with being left alone.

Training is always individually tailored, step by step, and without overwhelm – in line with the latest findings in behavioural science.

In doing so, I follow the LIFE guideline developed by Eduardo J. Fernandez, a renowned researcher in the field of animal-friendly training.

 

LIFE stands for:
Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective – in other words: as little restriction as possible, as effective as necessary.

This principle ensures that training supports your dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing – never at its expense. Because sustainable learning can only succeed if your dog feels safe, understood, and motivated.