Staying alone without stress: 14-day plan | TerreCompagnons

Staying alone without stress: a 14-day plan for your dog

A progressive and measurable protocol to teach your dog to stay alone calmly. Desensitization to departure signals, calming enrichment, "neutral departures" and a progress chart.

4 principles that make a difference

  • Gradual progression : the duration is increased when the dog remains calm (steady breathing, relaxed posture).
  • Neutrality : sober departures/returns (no goodbyes or grand displays of emotion).
  • Occupation : solitude is associated with positive and self-soothing activities .
  • Measurement : we film excerpts (smartphone) to objectively measure progress.

Prepare the ground (home setup)

14-day plan — step-by-step

Rules: 2–3 sessions/day. Move on to the next step when 3 consecutive sessions take place without signs of stress (see section “Reading the signs”).

Day Objective Target duration Actions
J1 Disarm signals — Handle keys/coat 10 times without leaving + calm treats on mat.
J2 Neutral door 10–30 s Open/close door, stay behind for 10–30 seconds, return before any stress.
D3 Micro-outputs 30–60 s Lick mat → remove 30–60 s → return to neutral, remove mat after calm.
D4 Stabilize 1–2 min 3 repetitions with variations (shoes, without shoes; keys, without keys).
J5 Generalize 3–4 min Add light noise (hallway/garden), same protocol.
J6 Consolidate 5–6 min One session with an easy puzzle rather than a mat.
J7 Program middle 8–10 min Film 2 sessions; adjust according to indicators.
J8 Increase 12–15 min Longer occupation (stuffing toy frozen 20 min before).
J9 Realistic 18–20 min Departures with coat/key “complete”, discreet return + short pee break.
D10 Vary hours 20–25 min 1 morning session + 1 late afternoon session.
J11 Simulate race 30–35 min Pack bag, go outside, take a walk around the block.
D12 Comfort 35–40 min Occu + water available; note latencies (setting up on the mat, falling asleep).
D13 Pre-long 45–50 min One successful session rather than two average ones.
D14 Assessment 60 min “Test” session 50–60 min. If OK, maintenance plan 2×/week.
Tracking sheet to copy 
 Date | Duration | Occupancy | Vocalizations (0–5) | Agitation (0–5) | Panting (0–5) | Sleep onset time | Comments

Soothing activities

  • Lick mat (plain cream cheese, diluted pâté) — “off” effect.
  • Toys to stuff (freeze 20–30 min) — more durable.
  • Easy puzzles — quick success = confidence.
  • Snuffle mat — 5–10 min of quiet sniffing.

👉 Licking mats · Toys/puzzles · Mats & beds

Read the signs of stress (to adjust)

  • Minor symptoms : ears back, yawning, occasional nose licking → stay on the landing.
  • Moderate : prolonged panting, walking in circles > 30 s → descend one level 24–48 h.
  • Strong : continuous vocalizations > 1 min, door scratching, persistent self-licking → return to J2–J3.

Troubleshooting: if it gets stuck

  • Dog gets excited at first → put the activity in 2 minutes before the “coat/key” sequence.
  • Increase vocalizations to 3–4/5 → reduce the duration by half, increase the appeal.
  • Don't interfere with the activities → suggest a scent walk beforehand , start with an ultra-easy puzzle.
  • Noisy environment → low volume white noise, room further away from street noise.

FAQ

How many sessions per day?
Two or three short sessions are better than one long one. Always end on a high note.
What if I have to be away for a long time before day 14?
Arrange for childcare/visits. Avoid an "out-of-protocol" absence that disrupts learning.
Do I need to use a cage?
Only if it is trained positively and experienced as a refuge. Otherwise, opt for a delimited area.

TerreCompagnons Recommended Products

Tip: create a Zen Solitude Pack : licking mat + stuffing toy + snuffle mat + bed.

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