Separation anxiety advice is everywhere, but a lot of it is doing more harm than good. Myths like “it’s spite,” “just add a Kong,” or “ignore them before you leave” sound reasonable on the surface — but they blame pet parents, oversimplify a complex behavioral issue, and can actually deepen a dog’s distress. This post breaks down three of the most common separation anxiety myths, explains why each one falls short, and shares what actually helps: building choice, control, agency, and secure attachment so dogs can feel safe home alone — without restriction or guesswork.
