Best Buddies Dog Training & Behaviour

01/05/2026

Helping a dog overcome separation anxiety can feel like a slow process.

It’s so tempting to push ahead…
only to find things start to crumble.

For many dogs, moving forward by just a few seconds is enough.
And that’s okay, they’re learning to overcome one of their biggest fears- being home alone.

Next time you feel tempted to rush ahead, think about this…

One minute doesn’t sound like much, does it?

But when you’re starting something new, it can feel huge.

Take something like a plank or a wall sit.
On paper, it’s “just one minute”…

But when you’re doing it for the first time,
it can feel like the longest minute of your life!

That’s exactly how it can feel for dogs
when they’re first learning to be home alone.

Slow and steady really does matter!

30/04/2026

There’s no doubt about it…
living with a dog with separation anxiety can feel incredibly stressful.

It takes time.
It takes patience.
And it takes real commitment.

Some days, it can feel like a long road.

But when you’re following a process that truly supports both you and your dog, progress does come.

Separation anxiety training is rarely linear.
There are ups, downs, and the occasional roadblock along the way…

…but it is so worth it.

Because when you finally turn a corner —
you feel it.

That relief. That excitement. That hope.

Just like one of my lovely owners messaged me today 👇

26/04/2026

25/04/2026

They just have to get on with it.
They’re just dogs — they’ll be fine.
They have to fit into your lifestyle. They’ll grow out of it.

If you’re living with a dog struggling with separation anxiety, you’ve probably heard comments like these.

And whilst they may be said with good intentions, they’re often unhelpful and simply not true.

Instead of encouraging you, they can leave you feeling overwhelmed, defeated, and unsure where to even begin.

Because the reality is …

Dogs don’t “just get on with it.” Just like people with a fear or phobia, they need help, understanding, and support.

They’re not “just dogs.” They’re living, feeling beings capable of experiencing stress, panic, and distress when they don’t understand how to cope.

And yes… they do need to fit into your lifestyle to a degree. Just like anyone in a family, there has to be some level of adjustment for things to work and feel calm.

But fitting in doesn’t mean coping alone.

It doesn’t mean being left to struggle. And it doesn’t mean they should somehow “figure it out” without guidance.

What they do need…is to be gently shown what’s expected of them and supported, step by step, as they learn.
If this sounds like your dog, you’re not alone — and there is a way forward.

Feel free to drop me a message or comment below — I’m always happy to help you figure out the next step.

19/04/2026

It’s such a lovely feeling when owners start to see progress 😊

One of my owners today was so excited…all the hard work is starting to pay off, and you could hear it in her voice.

Overcoming separation anxiety can feel tough at times but when they begin to turn a corner the sun comes out!

This is often the part that catches people out…it takes time, patience, and sticking with the process even when it feels slow.
But when it starts to come together, it really does feel worth it.

So this is just a little shout out to those of you who are persevering, staying consistent and starting to see those changes.

You’re getting there!

23/03/2026

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow 🌱

It’s easy to look at a calm, settled dog and think… “I just want that.”

But what we don’t always see is where it started.

Small steps. Short moments. Tiny pieces of progress that didn’t feel like much at the time.

That’s how real change happens.

And when it comes to separation anxiety, those “little steps” often begin before you even leave the room never mind the home.

It’s not about rushing. It’s not about pushing through.

It’s about building things slowly, with patience… so your dog can truly feel safe being home alone.

Because that’s how your little acorn grows 🌿

If this feels familiar and you’d like a bit of support, feel free to reach out ...I’m always happy to chat.

Jan

21/03/2026

This year I’ll be taking part in a couple of 10K charity events and then working towards a half marathon… exciting! 🏃‍♀️

When you think about it, 10K doesn’t sound very far… but when you enter an event, you have to complete the route within set times and that puts a completely different slant on things.

Suddenly it becomes about preparation, building up distance gradually, and becoming more comfortable at a slightly quicker pace.

I’m not competitive by nature, but I do like to achieve. So success for me will simply be completing the distance within the allowed time.

And when you think about it… there are so many similarities when it comes to helping our dogs overcome separation anxiety.

First, you make a start, that’s taking action.

Then comes the preparation (we’ll talk more about that another time). And from there, it’s about gradually building up the time your dog can comfortably manage being alone.

Success isn’t about how quickly your dog “gets over it.”
It’s about the small, steady steps… The moments they cope just a little better… How easily they settle again between each stage…

Just like training for a charity event, overcoming separation anxiety is a journey built on small, achievable, comfortable steps towards a bigger goal.

If you’re on this journey with your dog right now, knowing how to take those next steps can make all the difference.

Jan x

17/03/2026

Sometimes it’s not the training that feels hardest…

It’s everything around it.

Planning your day.
Working out when you can go out.
Feeling like you always need to be back.

Many owners juggle their lives around their dog, whilst others struggle to do that...it can feel exhausting.

You may be feeling this way too...

Jan x

15/03/2026

Wishing all the wonderful mums, dog mums and pet parents a very special Mother’s Day.

I hope you’re enjoying some lovely moments with those you love — including the four-legged ones. 💐🐾

13/03/2026

Dogs can be wonderful teachers.

If your dog could give you a piece of advice, what do you think it might be?

Some answers might be light-hearted…others perhaps a little more thoughtful.

Over the years my own dogs have taught me many things.

My awesome wise old boy is such a trooper and has shown me through his actions rather than words what really matters.

If he could speak, I suspect his advice would be something like:
“Embrace each day … and never give up.”

What do you think your dog would say?

Jan x

12/03/2026

Sometimes separation anxiety training can feel like a huge task.

But it can help to look at it another way.

Instead of seeing it as something stressful or overwhelming, try thinking of it as an opportunity for you and your dog to learn together.

Helping your dog feel safe and comfortable when home alone isn’t just a skill for them — it brings peace of mind for you as well.

Knowing your dog is relaxed and coping when you leave the house really is a gift… to both of you.

Teaching a dog the confidence to manage being home alone is probably one of the most valuable life skills we can give them.

So rather than focusing on fear or worrying about getting it wrong, try holding onto the thought:
“We can do this.”

Sometimes the first step is simply deciding to begin.

Jan x