Quick Answer: Three immediate steps: (1) give a frozen lick mat calmly before you leave — occupies the first high-anxiety 30 minutes. (2) Leave white noise or TV on. (3) Practice 30-second departures, returning before barking starts, building duration over days and weeks. The lick mat is the fastest single change you can make and helps most dogs immediately.
The Calm Leaving Ritual
Dramatic farewells increase pre-departure anxiety. Getting your coat and bag out triggers the stress response before you've even opened the door. A calm, predictable, brief goodbye and the lick mat as departure signal reduces this significantly.
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