About Julie

The separation anxiety expert behind it all

I've spent 15 years helping dogs with separation anxiety — including my own dog Percy, who couldn't be left alone for a minute when I first got him.

Julie with a dog
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Episode 21: 7 Stages of SA Recovery

Your Steps to Freedom

Which stage are you at? There is no set timeline for moving from step 1 to step 7. Every dog is different. What matters is consistent, sub-threshold training that builds real confidence.

Each step has milestones to celebrate and things to focus on. Find where you are and see what’s ahead.

Freedom Step 1

Shower in peace

Your dog gets upset when you go to the door. You’re not ready to start departures yet.

Milestones

  • You can open the door without your dog freaking out
  • Your dog might follow you less
  • Maybe you can even take a shower in peace

Focus on…

Freedom Step 2

Stepping out

Your dog can handle short training departures — minutes, not hours.

Milestones

  • Taking the garbage out
  • Getting something from the car
  • Quick chat with a neighbor

Focus on…

  • Work on departures in line with your plans
  • Repeat, repeat, repeat!
  • Start to test out different scenarios

Freedom Step 3

Grab a coffee

Your dog can cope with longer departures — 15 minutes or so — but isn’t always consistent.

Milestones

  • You can get away from the door (but not too far)
  • You might even be able to get a coffee (to bring home, of course)

Focus on…

  • Rinse and repeat departure exercises
  • Work on unavoidable cues

Freedom Step 4

Buy a few groceries

Consistency around the 30-minute mark. Some longer sessions but not yet predictable.

Milestones

  • You dare to actually do something in the long absence — get a few groceries

Focus on…

  • Focus on building consistency, not just duration

Freedom Step 5

Catch up with friends

Your dog is reliable at an hour or so. Your dog also seems to follow you less at home.

Milestones

  • You can do a proper shop or quick catch-up with friends
  • But you keep your camera on, ready to dash back
  • Starting to taste freedom!

Focus on…

  • Reward yourself with doing something away from the house (maybe 30 minutes)
  • Double down on consistency

Freedom Step 6

Dinner, movies, gym, yoga!

Your dog can now comfortably do 2 hours.

Milestones

  • Fewer “formal” training sessions
  • Instead, you go to the gym, do stuff with the kids, have dinner with your partner
  • You’re still watching and ready to dash back

Focus on…

  • Do occasional formal training sessions
  • But also lots of cold departures
  • Mix it up

Freedom Step 7

Freedom!

Your dog can be left on their own for as long as you need (3–4 hours).

Milestones

  • Your dog has the occasional hiccup, but this doesn’t undo their recovery
  • You finally stop feeling like a prisoner in your own home!

Focus on…

  • Don’t give up on the camera habit — it’s a good habit to have!
  • Be ready for regressions when life changes happen

Things to remember

  • There is no set timeline for moving from step 1 to step 7. Every dog is different.
  • Progress isn’t linear. You’ll have good days and bad days, especially in the early steps.
  • Many owners reach step 6 and find that’s enough — life feels normal again.
  • What you do as an owner — consistent training, managing absences, using medication if appropriate — is the single biggest factor in how quickly you progress.

Listen to the full episode for more on this topic:

Episode 21: What You Need to Know About The 7 Stages of Separation Anxiety Recovery →
Julie Naismith

Written by Julie Naismith

Dog separation anxiety specialist. 15 years of experience, 100,000+ guardians helped, author of four books, and creator of the Be Right Back program.

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