Can you go on holiday during Separation Anxiety Training?
Will a break Ruin Your Dog's Progress?
One of the biggest worries I hear from clients is this:
"We've booked a holiday, but we're halfway through separation anxiety training. Have we just undone all of our hard work?"
The short answer is probably not.
Taking a planned break from your dog's separation anxiety training is very unlikely to erase the progress they've made, provided the break is managed well.
Let's look at why.
Does a break from Separation Anxiety Training make dogs forget what they’ve learned?
No. Dogs don't suddenly forget everything they've learned because you haven't trained for a week or two.
Just as people don't forget how to ride a bike after taking a holiday, dogs don't lose their emotional learning overnight.
Should you continue training while you're away?
In most cases, I'd advise not trying to continue formal separation anxiety training while you're on holiday.
Your dog is already coping with lots of changes.
They may be sleeping somewhere unfamiliar.
Their daily routine is different.
They're surrounded by new sounds, smells and sights.
Perhaps they've travelled a long distance or are sharing accommodation with extended family. Even confident dogs can find holidays mentally tiring.
Adding structured separation training into an unfamiliar environment often isn't necessary and can make interpreting your dog's behaviour more difficult.
Instead, enjoy your holiday and allow your dog to settle into their temporary routine.
HOWEVER: if your dog is already reliably at a longer duration (happy home alone), you can certainly test how they cope at a new location (test with a little DIAB first, of course). And if they do well, try a longer duration (make sure you pack your camera so you can monitor your dog).
What if your dog is staying behind?
If your dog isn't coming with you, planning their care becomes especially important.
They should stay with someone who understands their needs and can avoid leaving them alone beyond what they can comfortably cope with.
This could be:
A trusted family member
A friend your dog already knows well
A professional dog sitter
A boarding environment that genuinely suits your dog's personality and emotional needs
Every dog is different. Some dogs thrive staying with relatives. Others feel safest remaining in their own home with a familiar sitter.
The aim is always the same: keep your dog feeling safe while you're away.
Will I have to start at zero again when I return?
Almost never.
Most dogs return to training remarkably well.
That said, I nearly always recommend beginning with a couple of easy, confidence-building sessions.
Think of these as a warm-up rather than starting from scratch.
Successful separation anxiety training isn't about constantly pushing for longer durations.
It's about helping your dog feel successful.
A few easy wins help both you and your dog settle back into the routine before gradually increasing the difficulty again.
What if my dog seems worse after the holiday?
Sometimes dogs appear slightly unsettled after returning home.
That doesn't necessarily mean the holiday caused a setback.
Travel, excitement, disrupted sleep, different exercise levels and changes in routine can all temporarily affect your dog's emotional resilience.
If this happens:
Go back to a duration you know your dog can comfortably manage.
Build confidence again with several successful sessions.
Avoid rushing back to where you left off.
Watch your dog's body language rather than focusing only on the timer.
Many dogs are back to their previous level within just a few sessions
Remember: Separation Anxiety Training Isn't Linear
This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. Progress isn't measured by never taking holidays. It isn't measured by training every single day without interruption.
Life happens.
People travel.
Families have weddings.
Work trips come up.
Children have school holidays.
Your dog may become unwell.
You may become unwell.
A well-designed separation anxiety training plan is flexible enough to cope with real life. One or two weeks away won't undo months of thoughtful, consistent training.
The priority is simply making sure your dog feels safe during that time.
Final Thoughts
If you've already booked a holiday, try not to let guilt spoil it.
A short break from training is completely normal.
With sensible management and a plan that prevents your dog from experiencing unnecessary panic, most dogs return home ready to continue exactly where they left off, often after just a couple of easy refresher sessions.
Remember, separation anxiety training isn't about perfection.
It's about steadily building your dog's confidence over time.
And confidence doesn't disappear just because you've taken a well-earned holiday.