About this Webinar:

This two part webinar is a deep dive on everything you need to know about separation related behaviour jointly delivered by Dr Moira Hechenleitner and Daniel Shaw.

Part 1 - Inside Separation Anxiety: From Neurobiology to Real-World Behaviour

‘Separation anxiety’ is a widely reported behaviour concern by many canine caregivers an in many ways reflects the incredible evolution dog-human relationship that they can struggle so much without our presence. The first webinar in this two- part series introduces the complex world of separation related behaviour in dogs. Moira and Daniel will dive into the neurobiology of various presentations of separation related behaviour and look at real life examples of what the behaviour looks like in practice from fear and frustration compared to healthy adaptation to alone time. They will also consider how separation related behaviours can develop and explore the role of pain and discomfort as potential factors in separation cases.

Part 2  - Supporting Dogs with Separation-Related Behaviour: Foundations and Interventions

In part two of this series, Moira and Daniel will look at the practical’s of supporting dogs with separation related behaviours. They will start with looking at the foundational work needed to build a strong dog-human attachment, prepare the brain for new learning, and how to manage when things go wrong. They will then explore different approaches for working with separation related behaviours, how to set up successful learning experiences that promote improved welfare, and consider whether we can counter condition dogs to truly love absences? Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain what is meant by separation anxiety and separation related behaviour, and describe the range of ways these difficulties can present in dogs.
  2. Understand the neurobiological processes involved in different separation related presentations, including fear, frustration, adaptation, and the influence of pain and discomfort.
  3. Recognise how separation related behaviours can develop over time, including the roles of learning history, emotional state, and environmental factors.
  4. Identify key foundations required to support dogs with separation related behaviours, including attachment, emotional regulation, preparation for learning, and management strategies.
  5. Apply evidence informed training and treatment approaches to support dogs experiencing separation related behaviours, with a focus on welfare, realistic goals, and ethical practice.

Meet your Instructors

Moira Hechenleitner, DVM, CSAT

Dr. Moira Hechenleitner graduated from Mayor University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007, in Santiago, Chile. She is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), with a postgraduate in Animal- Assisted Therapy. Dr. Hechenleitner is a founding board member of the Chilean Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT Chile) and has spent the last 17 years offering consultation services for pet guardians and teaching courses to dog professionals. She is a speaker on the topic of Separation Anxiety, giving seminars internationally in English and Spanish. Moira currently resides in Noank, Connecticut and helps dogs and their families from all over the world overcome separation anxiety through http://www.separationanxietydog.com/
Moira Hechenleitner (she/her), DVM, CSAT

Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC

Daniel is an experienced animal behaviourist with extensive experiencing supporting dogs and cats with behavioural difficulties. As the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent (ABK), Daniel works with dogs and cats facing serious behavioural challenges, provides expert witness assessments for legal cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and has contributed to Parliamentary discussions on dog bite reform. With a master’s degree in neuroscience and background in psychology, Daniel bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications, offering science-backed training programmes that help both pets and their owners. His work has been featured on BBC Southeast Today, TalkTV, and LBC News, and he regularly teaches internationally on aggression, frustration, and trauma in dogs. Daniel is the founder of the Brain and Behaviour Academy, a platform offering accessible, science-based education in animal behaviour, training, and neuroscience.