The Alone & Okay team: how we write and check our guides
The separation anxiety guides on Dog Training Steps are written by the Alone & Okay team, a small content team at Costa Launch LLC. We are not veterinarians or certified behaviorists, and we do not claim to be. Our job is to turn what trusted sources say into clear, practical steps for owners who work long days.
How do we write each guide?
- Start from a real owner question, the way people type it into a search box.
- Read the sources first: veterinary and behavior organizations (ASPCA, American Kennel Club, AVSAB) and peer reviewed studies.
- Write a short answer, then the steps. We use AI writing tools to help draft, and every claim is checked against the sources listed at the end of each page.
- Reward based methods only. We follow the AVSAB position against aversive training.
- No medication advice. Anything about medicine or supplements is for your vet.
- Review and update. Each page shows the date it was last updated. If you spot an error, write to [email protected] and we will fix it.
What do we promise, and what don't we?
We do not promise results or timelines. Every dog is different, and severe cases need a professional. When a dog panics, gets hurt or changes suddenly, our advice is always the same: talk to your vet.
Which sources do we use most?
- ASPCA: Separation Anxiety
- American Kennel Club: Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- American Kennel Club: How to Crate Train Your Dog in 9 Easy Steps
- AVSAB: Humane Dog Training Position Statement (2021)
- Sargisson (2014), Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports
- Palestrini et al. (2010), Video analysis of dogs with separation-related behaviors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science
- Stephan et al. (2021), Pet dogs home alone: a video-based study. Applied Animal Behaviour Science
- Harvey et al. (2022), Impact of changes in time left alone on separation-related behaviour in UK pet dogs. Animals
Where should you start?
Read Dog Separation Anxiety: The Complete Guide or get the Free 7-Day Dog Home Alone Plan.