Three focused days of skill-building. Each session is 5–15 minutes. Start whenever you're ready.
Why this first: The crate isn't a cage — it's your dog's den. Today you build an association that makes them want to go in.
Toss treats progressively closer to, then inside, then to the back of the crate. Never close the door yet.
Feed your dog's meals with their bowl inside the crate, door open.
Once they enter voluntarily, say "crate" and briefly close and immediately reopen. Extend by 10-second increments.
your dog will be entering voluntarily for food by tonight. No pressure — that's the entire goal today.
📅 3 sessions throughout the day
Why this first: your dog's distress when alone is about unpredictability. Today you make your departures boring — and therefore safe.
Practice micro-separations: walk into another room for 10 seconds, return with no ceremony.
Build gradually: 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes. Leave calmly. Return calmly.
Leave a stuffed Kong when you go. It builds a positive pre-departure cue over time.
your dog will show less pre-departure anxiety by separation 4 or 5 today.
📅 5-6 short separations throughout the day
Why this first: Every dog needs an "off" switch. your dog's mat becomes the place where the world gets small and calm again.
Place a mat in a quiet corner. Toss a treat onto it and say "mat" when your dog steps on.
Build duration: reward for 5 seconds, then 15, then 30. Stay nearby at first.
Practice while something mildly distracting happens — someone walking past, a noise.
your dog will go to their mat on cue by tonight. That mat is now a skill.
📅 3 sessions × 10 minutes
📬 Save this plan + unlock Day 4–21
Enter your email and we'll send your full 21-day progression plan — plus drop you into our free coaching sequence.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Includes a link to your free AI coach session.