Separation Anxiety in Doodles: Myths, Causes, and What Actually Helps (with Malena DeMartini)

Is your Doodle struggling with separation anxiety and leaving you wondering if it’s your fault?
You’re not alone — and the answer is no.

In this episode of The Doodle Pro® Podcast, I’m joined by world-renowned separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini to explain what separation anxiety really looks and feels like for dogs, why sensitive Doodles are especially vulnerable, and which common beliefs actually make the problem worse instead of better.

💡 We cover questions like:
✔️ Did I cause my dog’s separation anxiety by coddling them?
✔️ Does letting my dog sleep in my bed make it worse?
✔️ Should I have crated them or left the house more?
✔️ What actually helps dogs feel safe when alone?

🔬 With research-backed insights and real hope for pet parents, Malena explains how to break the anxiety cycle and support independence without damaging trust.

🎁 Exclusive listener resource:
Malena offers Doodle Pro® listeners $75 off her self-paced online course, Mission Possible.
👉 Learn more at https://thedoodlepro.com/missionpossible

💰 Use code doodleSA at checkout for $75 off

👉 Next listen: Continue with “Separation Anxiety IS Fixable! (Part 2)”, where Malena outlines what works — and what doesn’t — when treating separation anxiety step by step.

 📘 Preventative support note:
When separation challenges are still mild or haven’t started yet, predictable daily rhythms can help some dogs feel more secure with short periods of alone time. I share this preventative approach inside Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™, which focuses on structure and emotional safety before distress becomes entrenched. Learn more at thedoodlepro.com/book

Supportive tools for anxious Doodles

My favorite calming tools for sensitive or easily overwhelmed Doodles
👉 https://thedoodlepro.com/shopcalm

🎧 Hit play to understand separation anxiety with clarity and compassion — and help your Doodle feel safer when alone.

Corinne Gearhart is the founder of The Doodle Pro®, a science-based training platform helping Doodle parents raise calmer, well-mannered dogs using positive reinforcement. She is the host of The Doodle Pro® Podcast and author of Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint™.

📘 Get the Doodle Schedule Blueprint:
https://thedoodlepro.com/doodle-schedule-bonus/

🎧 More episodes:
https://thedoodlepro.com/podcast