Bark About Behavior

A New Discussion in the 'Bark About Behavior' Series

Understanding Dogs, One Conversation at a Time

⭐️SOMETHING NEW THIS MONTH!⭐️

Special Fundraiser this month to benefit The World Central Kitchen!

TOPIC FOR September:

Understanding Separation Anxiety: What’s True, What’s Not, and What Really Matters

Exploring the conflicting advice, emotional realities, and what it actually takes to support dogs who can’t be left alone.

Separation anxiety is one of the most emotionally devastating and logistically challenging behavior issues a dog owner can face.

It disrupts lives, relationships, and routines — forcing people to cancel plans, quit jobs, delay vacations, and rearrange their lives around a dog who cannot be left alone.

When it comes to separation anxiety in dogs, there’s no shortage of opinions — and they often conflict.

Some trainers and professionals believe it’s a relationship issue, caused by too much affection, too much responsiveness, or too much dependence on the human.

Others see it as a neurological or emotional condition — one that may require medication, lifestyle changes, or therapeutic interventions.

Some recommend protocols like:

🔸 Teaching the dog to spend time alone in a crate or a separate room
🔸 Ignoring the dog’s requests for attention
🔸 Avoiding greetings or goodbyes that create emotional spikes
🔸 Reducing physical or verbal affection unless "earned"

Still others argue the issue lies deeper — not in how much love is given, but in how the dog feels when separated — and how we can shift those internal experiences.

Join us for a conversation about what’s true, what’s not, and what really matters...

I WANT TO ATTEND!

Date: Thursday September 25th, 2025

Time: 7pm (Eastern)

Choose Your Price – 100% of Proceeds Donated to World Central Kitchen

A replay of this event will be available to registrants for 30 days (normally it's offered for 7 days).

The replay will then be made available in our catalog for a small fee.

WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

To learn more, visit their website: World Central Kitchen

I'M IN!

In this conversation, we’ll explore:

Is separation anxiety caused by the human — or is that an oversimplification?
Is it really about too much connection — or something deeper or different?
Why popular protocols often lead to partial (or temporary) improvements

What it means to create emotional resilience in dogs who struggle to be alone
Why the ultimate goal isn’t just managing absence, but helping dogs feel safe in it
And the one key that could unlock a new way of thinking about separation anxiety…

... and stick around for a live Q&A session at the end!

A Special Fundraiser Edition

Normally, Bark About Behavior discussions are free. This month, we’re doing something different: we’re asking for a donation to one of our favorite charities, World Central Kitchen.

You choose the amount — $5, $10, $15, $25, or $50 — whatever feels right to you.
Every dollar goes directly to support this non-profit. 💛

Thank you for joining us and making a difference!

Choose Your Price – 100% of Proceeds Donated to World Central Kitchen

Bark About Behavior:

Separation Anxiety

WCK is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

To learn more, visit their website: World Central Kitchen

⚠️ Important Note⚠️

This is not a course and it's not designed to teach you how to fully resolve separation anxiety. And that’s on purpose.

In one hour, we can’t give you a complete protocol or system — because truly resolving separation anxiety takes time, a thoughtful process, and a customized approach that supports both the dog and the human. What we can do is start the conversation.

We’ll look at what you’ve likely heard online — and explore what’s accurate, what’s incomplete, and what might be missing entirely.

You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how we think about separation anxiety, what factors we consider essential, and what questions we believe matter most when supporting these complex cases.

Meet Us

Mark McCabe, a Level 3 SATS-certified trainer with over 35 years of experience, specializes in transforming dogs with severe behavioral issues through innovative, pet-friendly methods. Mark focuses on advanced communication, relaxation, and emotional change to address problems like aggression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. His approach helps dogs naturally adopt calm, desirable behaviors without rigid obedience, leading to lasting change. With a background in working with both domestic and exotic animals, as well as competitive success in K9 sports, Mark combines practical expertise with compassionate problem-solving to help dogs and their owners achieve harmony and success.

Mark McCabe

Co-Owner, Training Between the Ears (TBTE)

With many years of experience doing animal rescue work, Stephanie McCabe is a dedicated dog trainer, course creator, and coach who works alongside her husband, Mark, to help dog owners and professional trainers address challenging behavioral issues in dogs. With a focus on understanding the emotional roots of behaviors like reactivity, anxiety, and aggression, Stephanie guides others toward practical, lasting solutions. She has shared her expertise as a speaker at national conferences and is committed to creating supportive, transformative learning experiences for both people and their dogs.

Stephanie McCabe

Co-Owner, Training Between the Ears (TBTE)

Testimonials

Client Love

Debora M.

This is an amazing system. I really feel like if TBTE can't fix a dog, nothing will.

Nicole L.

TBTE will change your dog. It has revolutionized the work with my personal dogs and client dogs.

Danna B.

Once (TBTE) clicked for me, I quit every training forum and support group I was subscribed to because I don't need them anymore. It was liberating.