This booklet explains the difference between dogs who truly have separation anxiety and those that merely misbehave and the describes a behavior modification program for the prevention and treatment of both problems. A treasure chest of ideas for keeping your dog happy in your absence, this booklet can help prevent and treat both minor and severe behavioral problems related to dogs being "home alone." Clear and understandable, this easy to read booklet is written for anyone who wants to leave the house knowing that their dog is happy and their house is safe.

For $11, I thought I was getting a BOOK. This was a big pamplet, maybe more like a booklet. Not worth $11. I have another McConnell booklet and one that's an actual book, and I will read them because her info is good. But not worth $11. Please don't gouge me again - I cannot afford it.

I bought this little booklet because I have had a dog in the past who had problems with separation anxiety, so I already know I don't know what to do to help such a dog. Also, the breed I am considering for my next dog has a high need for companionship, and I wanted to know how to forestall any behaviour (on my part or the dog's) that would result in separation anxiety. The author defines what separation anxiety is (and is not) and explains how it can develop. She then gives examples and exercises that will help you and your dog, inch by slow inch, learn a different behaviour and become sound of mind again. It's a short book that doesn't sugar coat the seriousness of the problem or the work and time involved in solving it, but it is also sprinkled throughout with good humor and clear evidence that the author loves dogs and wants to help them lead happy lives.

This is an excellent book...The author is very straightforward and doesn't waste her time (and the readers) with fluff...Reading this book allowed my husband and I to understand what our dog may be feeling.

This is very helpful for anyone who has or is considering getting one of the "velcro" dog breeds, anyone who has a dog and comes home to destruction, anyone who works all day but wants to get a dog...basically anyone who has or wants to get a dog!
She starts out by telling you that not all behaviors add up to Separation Anxiety but that any dog can benefit from a little preventative training. I am working on teaching my little velcro buddy how to play by himself and that he doesn't need my attention 100% of the time to be okay.
I would recommend anything written by McConnell because a) her books and pamphlets are clear and easy to read with lots of stories to help you visualize what she means and b) because I really like her approach to training your dog.

This book is brief and small but I liked that because it contained a lot of good information and gave me some great pointers to do right away. If you want more than this you'd probably need to hire a dog trainer or behaviorist to help you anyway.