


Separation Anxiety
Guiding your dog from turbulence to tranquility.
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What is Separation Anxiety?
​Separation anxiety is a complex behavioral condition in dogs that occurs when they feel intense distress after being left alone or separated from their favorite person. It’s more than just a dog who doesn’t like being by themselves—it is a form of panic. Dogs with separation anxiety may bark, howl, chew, dig, try to escape, or even have accidents indoors not because they are being stubborn or disobedient, but because they are genuinely overwhelmed by fear and stress.
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These behaviors stem from a breakdown in the dog's ability to feel safe and secure when alone. Left untreated, separation anxiety doesn’t just disrupt your life—it causes real suffering for your dog. Fortunately, with patience, understanding, and positive, science-based strategies, most dogs can learn to feel calm and confident on their own again.
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Signs of Separation Anxiety
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Destructive behavior – chewing doors, windows, or furniture when left alone
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Excessive vocalization – barking, whining, or howling, especially soon after departure
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House soiling – urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained
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Pacing or restlessness – moving back and forth along a set path when alone
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Drooling or panting – signs of stress even without physical activity
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Escape attempts – digging at doors, chewing through crates, or breaking windows
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Following you excessively – shadowing you from room to room and showing distress if prevented
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Not eating or drinking when alone – refusal of food, even high-value treats
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Excessive excitement upon your return – frantic greetings that take a long time to settle
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Self-injury – worn teeth, broken nails, or scraped skin from trying to escape
​​If your dog regularly shows several of these behaviors when left alone, they may be experiencing separation anxiety and could benefit from a behavior modification plan tailored to their needs.
Does your dog panic when you leave the house? You're not alone—and neither is your pup. At Wiggle Butt Academy, we specialize in helping dogs (and their humans!) navigate the turbulent skies of separation anxiety with compassion, science, and a whole lot of kindness.
Our Programs
​Welcome aboard our aviation-themed separation anxiety programs, where every dog is treated like a first-class passenger on a personalized journey to calmer, more confident alone time! Whether your pup is nervous only during absenses or full-on panicking before your departure, we’re here to help them toward a happier, more independent life.
Captain's Course
Four-week Package Price: $750
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Includes Initial Assessment (60-90 minutes)
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Weekly Live Virtual Reassessments (4 sessions at 30-60 minutes)
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Daily Custom Simulations (16 absence simulations - 4 simulations per week with two days off for you and your dog to rest)
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Flying Solo
When you're ready to fly solo, we are still here for you. Access your Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer on an as needed basis with easy access virtual consults at their hourly rate.
Co-Pilot
Four-week Package Price: $350
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Initial Assessment (60-90 minutes)
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Weekly Custom Simulations (16 absence simulations - 4 simulations per week with two days off for you and your dog to rest)
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Because we write the simulations at the beginning of each week, it would be up to you to reach out to youyr trainer if changes need to be made mid-week.
Initial Consult
To ensure we cover all possible things that affect your dog's behavior, we begin with an initial consult. This allows us to address any issues before we begin to maximize training effectiveness and efficiency. Our CSAT will conduct this consultation virtually at the $150 per hour rate.