Living through separation anxiety

For a week of my pet sitting, my entire life revolved around one lovely, complex dog. I couldn’t leave the house, not even for a minute, and walks were carefully choreographed to avoid anything unexpected. This is what living with separation issues really looks like.

Meeting Bella

Bella was a lively and sensitive Springer Spaniel with a big personality. She adored her people and felt safest when they were nearby. She’d already made progress with a certified trainer, but this behavior wasn’t yet generalised to new people staying with her. On top of that, she found the outside world a bit overwhelming and reacted with barking and lunging at unexpected dogs and people. This combination meant that living with her required a bit more planning than usual.

Life Together

Because Bella wasn’t comfortable being left alone, I couldn’t step out of the house for even a moment, couldn’t go to a shop or run a quick errand. At the same time, her reactivity meant I couldn’t simply bring her everywhere with me either. Walks had to be kept to places she already knew well, and at quiet times of day to minimise unexpected encounters.

Inside the home, I focused on keeping things calm and predictable for her. I adjusted my routine to match hers, watching her body language closely and making sure she felt safe. There was no pushing her past her limits, just respect for where she was in her training journey.

What Bella Taught Me

Living with Bella showed me how separation anxiety affects not only the dog but also the humans caring for them. It shapes every part of daily life, from how you plan your day to where you can go (or can’t).

Spending that time with her also gave me a deeper sense of compassion for the people living with these challenges every day. It allowed me to truly put myself in their shoes and understand what it feels like to plan your life around a dog who struggles to be left alone. That experience helps me not only empathise more fully with caregivers, but also find practical, realistic solutions because I’ve been there too.

You’re Not Alone

If your dog struggles to be left alone, you’re not alone either. With the right, gradual training plan, things can change. I now specialise in helping dogs like Bella feel safe when home alone. You can learn more about my separation anxiety support here or book a free 15-minute call to talk through your situation.

Names and some details have been changed to protect client privacy.