Outdoor Paws

12/07/2025

Want to spend Saturday mornings playing, cuddling, and smooching with a bunch of new dogs every week? Who wouldn't, right?! Volunteer for and it could be you covered in mud and slobber 👅💦 Don't miss out for any longer!

09/07/2025

This topic was very much on my mind after a session today. Great post.

“Your Dog’s Independence Matters: Teaching Your Dog It’s OK to Be Alone”
An in-depth article for dog owners and trainers on canine independence, resilience, and why FOMO is not the same as separation anxiety.

As a dog trainer, one of the most common messages I receive begins with: “My dog’s got separation anxiety.” But more often than not, once I start asking questions, it quickly becomes clear, it’s not true separation anxiety. It’s the fear of missing out. FOMO. And yes, dogs get it too.

Let’s be honest: a dog’s need for independence is often overlooked in favour of constant closeness. We’ve unintentionally conditioned many of our dogs to believe that being glued to us 24/7 is not just normal, it’s necessary. But here’s the thing. It’s not healthy. Not for your dog. Not for you. And not for the bond you’re trying to build.

What Is Canine Independence?

Canine independence means your dog has the confidence to be alone, whether that’s in another room, on their bed while you cook dinner, or even left at home while you nip to the shops. It’s the ability to self-settle, cope with low stimulation, and understand that separation doesn’t mean abandonment. It’s an essential life skill that too many dogs are lacking.

But why? Because we’ve stopped allowing dogs to just be dogs.

The Root of the Problem: You Created a Shadow

It usually starts small. You get a new puppy or rescue dog and feel guilty leaving them alone. You let them follow you to the toilet, lie under your feet at the dinner table, jump on your lap while you’re watching telly. You feel flattered that your dog loves you so much. But what you’re actually doing is removing their ability to be calm, comfortable, and secure without you being constantly present.

Dogs are opportunistic learners. If following you around the house is allowed and occasionally rewarded, through affection, treats, or access, they’ll keep doing it. Soon, they expect to be included in every activity. And when they’re not? Cue panic, barking, destruction, pacing, or excessive drooling. But again, this isn’t always separation anxiety. It’s simply a dog who’s never learnt how to not be involved.

Real Separation Anxiety: A Different Beast Entirely

Let’s not minimise the reality of true separation anxiety. It’s serious. It’s debilitating. It’s not a dog simply whining for attention. It’s a dog that panics to the point of soiling itself, ripping through doors, and risking self-harm just to try to reunite with its owner. These dogs can’t be left in a room without becoming distressed. Some can’t be crated. Some can’t even cope if you turn your back.

That’s not the same as a dog who doesn’t like being left out while you’re upstairs folding laundry. That’s not the same as a dog sulking because it wasn’t invited into the car. There’s a distinction, and we need to recognise it.

Why Teaching Independence Matters

A dog that can cope with time alone is more balanced, more emotionally stable, and, dare I say it, more fulfilled. Independence:
• Reduces stress by allowing the dog to learn that time alone isn’t threatening.
• Builds resilience by teaching the dog to manage low-stimulation environments without panic.
• Promotes self-soothing behaviours like chewing a toy, relaxing on a bed, or sleeping through the quiet.
• Prevents over-attachment which, if left unchecked, can evolve into real anxiety issues.
• Encourages problem solving, dogs learn to adapt, explore their environment, and entertain themselves.

Let’s not forget, dogs are capable problem-solvers. But if they’re never given the space or opportunity, they won’t develop the skill.

How to Build Your Dog’s Independence
1. Create Physical Distance in the Home
Start small. Use baby gates or close doors to prevent your dog from shadowing you around the house. Teach them that they can’t always be with you and that it’s perfectly OK.
2. Place Training and Settle Time
Train your dog to go to a bed or designated spot and stay there, calmly. No attention, no fuss. Just chill time. You’re teaching them to self-regulate and be still.
3. Don’t Reward Attention-Seeking
If your dog paws you for affection or follows you relentlessly, avoid giving in. Attention given at the wrong moment reinforces needy behaviour.
4. Enforced Rest Periods
Put your dog in a crate or separate room for quiet time, even when you’re at home. This isn’t punishment, it’s teaching downtime.
5. Gradual Departures
Practise leaving the house for short periods and build up slowly. Don’t make a big song and dance about leaving or returning. Make it a non-event.
6. Avoid the Guilt Trip
You’re not being cruel by teaching your dog to be alone. In fact, it’s one of the kindest things you can do. You’re giving them a skill that will last a lifetime.

Independence Is a Gift, Not a Punishment

Let’s stop thinking that being apart from our dogs is somehow neglectful. Dogs who are given the tools to cope with alone time are more confident, less anxious, and less demanding. They’re not looking to you to micromanage their every moment. And ironically, once your dog can be on their own, you’ll find your time together is more meaningful. Less clingy. More connected.

Because true connection doesn’t mean constant proximity. It means trust. It means balance. And it means knowing that even when you’re apart, you’re still a team.

In Summary

If you want a well-rounded, emotionally stable dog, don’t just focus on obedience or enrichment, focus on independence. Your dog doesn’t need to be part of every moment of your life. In fact, they’ll be better for it if they’re not. Teach them to switch off. To self-settle. To be OK when they’re on their own.

It’s not just about stopping behaviours you don’t like, it’s about preparing your dog to handle the world without falling apart.

So next time you feel guilty about shutting the bathroom door on your dog, remind yourself: you’re not being cruel. You’re building a better dog.

If you’d like help building independence in your dog, or you’re struggling to tell the difference between FOMO and genuine separation anxiety, get in touch. We’ll guide you and your dog towards a calmer, more confident future, together, and apart.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
Training that makes a difference.

21/06/2025

Cash was sceptical about popping up his chicken hoodie, but the volunteers assured him it'd help with getting adopted... so don't make liars out of us! Check out Cash at along with lots of other dogs who may not have funky chicken hoodies but are still all lovely too 😍

12/06/2025

This right here is what you need. Yes, you. Go get it. Now!

10/06/2025

A nice headshot of Elsy, just cause the thumbnail for her video came out rubbish 😍

09/06/2025

These photos just came up in my Facebook memories: 4 years ago, Guinness shortly after his IVDD disaster. I think at that time we thought he might walk again. Never happened, but I'm still amazed at how happily he's lived as a busted-ass little muppet, especially after gaining some independence back thanks to getting a wheelchair. He's currently wearing out his 2nd one! 🛞🔥💨

08/06/2025

07/06/2025

Bear was the volunteers' helper dog at temp testing this morning, and he was such a happy fun little guy! 🥳

21/05/2025

Thinking back to when Guinness "helped" with the yard work by digging his own hole... not a bad effort, for a half-paralyzed dog 🐾

20/05/2025

My social media feed occasionally throws up a gem - sharing this one.

“Quick Fix” or Quick Fail? Why Good Dog Training Is About Smart Time, Not Shortcuts

I recently took a phone call from someone asking for some quick training advice. Now, I’ve no issue with helping where I can, especially if it’s just a nudge in the right direction but it quickly became clear that what this person was really after wasn’t guidance… it was a miracle.

They wanted a quick fix. Let’s clear something up: quick fixes in dog training don’t exist, at least, not without effort. You can certainly get quicker results if you’re consistent, patient, and use the right tools correctly, but a true “quick fix” without doing the groundwork? That’s just wishful thinking.

The Kettle and the Cup of Tea
Partway through the conversation, the caller got their partner to make a cup of tea. Fair enough, nothing wrong with a cuppa. But then, mid-sip and splutter (because they drank it too soon), they told me they “didn’t have time” to do 20 minutes of training a day for their dog.
I couldn’t help myself. “What do you do while the kettle’s boiling?” I asked.
“Oh, I just sit back down.”
“Why not use that time to train your dog?”

That’s when I explained kettle training, something I do daily. Every time the kettle goes on, I use that window to call over one of the dogs and do a bit of obedience or focus work. I use part of their daily food allowance, reward them, build engagement, and by the time the kettle clicks off, we’ve both gained something, me a cuppa, them a bit of mental stimulation and structure.

A few hours later? …. 30/40 minutes, I drink lots of tea! Another kettle session, another dog, another few minutes of meaningful training. It’s easy, consistent, and it adds up.

The Walk Around the Block Argument

Then the subject of walks came up.
They told me they walk the dog “around the block” usually for about 20 to 25 minutes, maybe 30 on a good day. My reply? “Stop just walking the dog, start working the dog while you’re out.”

Use that walk as training time. Practise recall. Ask for sits, downs, and stands at kerbs or junctions. Work on loose lead walking. Sprinkle in some impulse control. Yes, let your dog sniff, it’s vital for their wellbeing, but don’t treat the walk as a chore to get done. Make it an opportunity.

You can even incorporate scent-based enrichment into your own garden, scatter feeding, hiding food under plant pots, letting the dog hunt for it. It taps into their biological need to sniff and problem-solve. Dogs need this kind of stimulation, and it doesn’t cost a penny more than a handful of their regular food.

Misunderstanding The Power of Four

At one point, they quoted my Power of Four method back at me:
“Didn’t you say we have to do a 20-minute session?”

Yes, ideally. That’s the goal. Five minutes of play, five minutes of rest, five minutes of obedience, five minutes of play again. But nowhere do I say it has to be 20 minutes solid, every single time. Life gets busy. That’s why I also stress the flexibility of the routine. Break it up. Spread it out. Find what fits your day without losing structure.

Sadly, this person didn’t want to hear it. They were “too busy” for all of it—even the kettle training. They wanted a pre-programmed dog. One that didn’t require time, effort, or involvement. One that behaved perfectly without input.

I told them, quite honestly, perhaps they shouldn’t have got a dog in the first place.

That didn’t go down too well, and I doubt they’ll be booking in any time soon—but it got me thinking.

Training Isn’t About Having Time, It’s About Using It

You don’t need to spend hours training your dog. Unless you’re doing high-level sport or competition work, most sessions are short and broken up with breaks. Even then, no one’s drilling their dog solidly for 60 minutes. You’re looking at focused bursts of six or seven minutes, a break, then repeat.

It’s not about training harder. It’s about training smarter.

Use the time you’ve already got, the time while the kettle’s boiling, while dinner’s cooking, or while you’re in the garden. Turn walks into training sessions. Use food to build engagement. Give your dog purpose, structure, and consistency, and you’ll see the difference.

Final Thought

Dogs don’t come pre-installed with perfect behaviour. They’re not plug-and-play. They’re living, thinking, feeling animals that need leadership, guidance, and time.

You don’t need to train for hours. But if you can spare 15–20 minutes a day, even if that’s in little pockets here and there, you’ll not only see results, you’ll build a stronger bond with your dog in the process.

So next time the kettle’s on, ask yourself: “What can I do with my dog while I wait?”

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk

20/05/2025

Bobby and roos in the dusk 🦘🦘

14/02/2025

This just came up in my Facebook memories... please enjoy one of the oddest dog photos I've ever taken 🤨