To be prepared is half the victory.-Miguel de CervantesThe purpose of this podcast is to empower you to take the reins on your own separation anxiety training journey. Resolving separation anxiety is a lofty goal–one that is complex and messy even under the guidance of a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. With that in mind, I want to be sure you are prepared as you DIY this endeavor. When obstacles inevitably confront you along your journey, I want you to remember that they are 1) normal and 2) surmountable. When you feel derailed, I want you to think “I remember Jackie saying this would happen,” instead of “I am a failure and this will never work.” A little preparation and familiarization with the footings on which the whole process rests will give you that sense of groundedness. So in this episode, I am laying out the 10 pillars that serve as your foundation for separation anxiety training. Any time you feel stuck (and you will feel stuck), I want you to circle back to this episode and assess how solid your foundation truly is. The 10 pillars I’ll address are: Viewing your dog as a study of oneProviding enrichment and meeting your dog’s needsManaging your dog’s distress with absence suspensionBecoming fluent in body languageReducing your dog’s overall stressGetting your dog checked out by your veterinarianBeing open to the use of behavior medicationExecuting a gradual exposure training planSetting realistic expectationsTaking care of yourselfResources mentioned in this episode:Study of One: A DisclaimerThe Secret Sauce to Separation Anxiety Success: Suspending AbsencesCanine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender & Emily Strong Enrichment for the Real World PodcastDoggie Language by Lili ChinBravo Dog's Body Language Online CourseFallout from the Use of AversivesMedication Education ResourcesHow Long Does It Take to Resolve Separation Anxiety?