Does your dog struggle whILE home alone?

Barking… pacing… crying… howling… scratching the door… trying to escape… having potty accidents only while you are gone…

Those may be signs of Separation Anxiety, a panic disorder that does not tend to simply go away without treatment.

If you have read a hundred pieces of advice, tried it all, and nothing has worked… and you are wondering if your pup will ever be able to simply snooze through your absence like some other dogs, take a deep breath, there is help.

Joanna Meleiro, CTC, CPDT-KA, CSAP-BC, FFCP, CAMadvocate level 1

I found my calling while photographing adoptable dogs for local rescues in 2013. Intrigued by the challenge of helping the dogs feel comfortable for the camera I started studying canine behavior and soon adopted Zoe Moo - one of the dogs I had photographed.

As behavior became more interesting than painting with light, I left the camera behind and applied to Jean Donaldson’s prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers to explore a more formal path of education in dog training and client counseling. I graduated with honors in 2017 and I am committed to continued education in increasingly more specialized areas of interest as well as animal behavior in general.

I created DOG IS RIGHT to help worried dogs and their stressed people.

I am a graduate of the Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer Program with Julie Naismith (author of “Be Right Back: How to Overcome Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety and Regain Your Freedom”) and I have completed a one-on-one mentorship with Tracy Krulik of Separation Anxiety & Beyond.

I work primarily with Separation Related Behaviors whether that is anxiety, frustration, boredom, fear, or a combination of the above. Whatever the reason your dog is not able to relax while home alone and you are consumed with stress from dealing with the aftermath of their panic moments - we work together to help your dog learn that absences are safe so you can go about your life while they snooze.

Thanks to all the lessons from Zoe (and later her siblings Violet and Blue) I am especially drawn to the ‘worried’ dogs, with endless patience to help their people speak dog more fluently so they can communicate better and navigate the world confidently together. My special interests include social play, fear & aggression, practical enrichment solutions, and training games.

I live in Vancouver, WA with my husband and three senior dogs.

Separation Anxiety Training is conducted entirely online, via Zoom and Google spreadsheets and is based on gradual exposure.

6 week training package: $725

The package includes:

customized training plans
progress video calls
a personalized resource folder
video review
email/text support throughout the process

Book a free 30 minute call

Learn More About Separation Anxiety

ZoeMooDogIsRightCopyRightJoannaMeleiro — Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t live near you. Can you still help me?

Yes! Separation Anxiety training is (and for years has been, even pre-pandemic) done remotely - there is no need for the trainer to be physically present. No matter where you are located, as long as we can communicate and the time zone differences are manageable - I can help your dog feel better about staying home alone.

Do I need special equipment?

No. A tablet, a laptop computer, or a smartphone will work for our weekly video check-ins. Once you start walking out the door you will need a way to monitor your dog - you might already be doing that. Some great options are the Wyze Cam or Wyze Cam Pan.

How long will it take to cure my dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to answer. First, each dog has their own learning history, genetic influences, health/age factors, etc. Then, there is the training itself: how dedicated all family members will be, how well the management instructions will be followed, how much of the supplemental suggestions will be incorporated into the dog’s daily life… It would be unethical to make any specific predictions about outcomes. However, I can promise you this: you will get honest answers to all your questions, your dog will start learning how to relax, we will work at their pace and teach you both a whole new set of skills. Keep in mind that curing Separation Anxiety completely takes months rather than weeks, in most cases, so the sooner you start the better.

How does training work?

Monday through Friday you will get new training steps to do. You will write your observations in the spreadsheet provided. The next day you will get a new plan based on how your dog did the day before. Rinse and repeat until we meet in seven days for a check-in. We sprinkle days off in between. If you have time you can train twice in a day as long as your dog agrees. Meanwhile, if you have questions you can get in touch with me between our check-ins for clarification. Or support. Or to send me a photo of your snoozy pup :)

I’m not sure if this is the type of training my dog needs. Can we talk?

Yes! Book your free consult here.

How do I book a package?

Let’s chat first. Once we confirm that the Separation Anxiety package is the right fit for you, we will get you on the books!

Do you work with dogs who don’t have Separation Anxiety but have other behavior issues?

I am fully booked with Separation Anxiety clients. Please check this page for local trainer recommendations.