Canine separation-related problems: Part 4: first steps in resolving owner absent problems

‘Canine separation-related problems’ cover a range of behavioural presentations that occur while a dog is separated from its carer. These problems can result from activity in an array of emotional networks and can be motivated by various factors within the dog's environment and social relationships. Given the broad range of factors that are associated with separation-related problems, assisting carers in supporting their dogs as they develop the capacity to cope during carer absence can be complex, exhausting and time consuming for both the rehabilitation team and carer. Yet, supporting carers as they create an underlying sense of safety for their dog is a common requirement that is critical to all rehabilitation plans. For some dogs, an improved sense of coping and safety may be all that is required to enable the dog to progress to spending time independently of their owner.