Highland Park · Chicago North Shore · Private appointments

Help for dog anxiety, fear and separation anxiety in Highland Park

Does your dog struggle when left alone, worry about visitors, avoid ordinary situations, or find it difficult to settle? Tell us what life looks like for your dog and your household. Canine Family Guidance offers private behavior lessons with Marnie Harris, KPA-CTP, beginning with Free Orientation.

Explore private lessons · $120 introductory in-home visit. We discuss the kindest, safest setting with you before confirming an appointment.

Separation anxiety and distress when left alone

Families may describe barking, howling, pacing, destruction, toileting changes or difficulty resting during an absence. Some dogs struggle with a particular person's departure; others have difficulty with being alone, confinement or changes in routine. Those differences matter. A label on its own does not tell us what this individual dog needs.

During your first conversation, we ask when the difficulty begins, who is present, where the dog stays, what happens around departures and returns, and whether the pattern changes in different circumstances. Existing recordings of ordinary life can help us understand the sequence. Video is optional; there is no need to create distress for a recording.

Fear of people, dogs, noises or everyday situations

Fear may show up as hiding, avoiding, freezing, barking, growling or struggling with touch and handling. A dog may be comfortable in one setting and overwhelmed in another. We consider their history, relationships, environment, opportunities to rest and the circumstances surrounding each response.

When fear includes snapping or biting, or barking and lunging on walks, tell us that too. Serious concerns are welcome. We agree on an appropriate starting point before the visit.

What private lessons can offer your family

We begin with observation and your account of everyday life. Together we identify what is difficult, what already works, and which practical changes are appropriate to explore. The plan is individual to your dog; we do not promise a fixed number of lessons or that separation anxiety will resolve in one hour.

Behavior guidance does not replace veterinary assessment. Where health questions or medication needs arise, those belong with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. CFG can coordinate with the professionals already helping your dog.

Meet Marnie Harris

Marnie has over three decades of applied canine behavior experience, including work in 15 shelters and complex cases where earlier approaches have not helped. She became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in 2011. Her approach begins with observation before interpretation and understanding before intervention.

Local support on the North Shore

CFG is based at 1906 Holly Road, Highland Park, Illinois, by appointment. We welcome enquiries from Highland Park, Highwood, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northbrook and Glenview. In-home availability, travel and the best setting for your dog are confirmed individually. Remote assessment can also be discussed.

How to begin

1. Free Orientation: explain what is happening, your concerns and what you hope will change.
2. Your first private lesson: explore the $120, 60-minute introductory in-home visit, where appropriate. There is no package commitment.
3. Booking and next steps: request an available time through your family dashboard. CFG confirms the appointment and discusses any further support with you.

Questions about anxiety lessons

Can you help if my dog barks when I leave?

Yes, that is a concern you can bring to CFG. We explore the circumstances rather than assuming all barking during an absence has the same cause.

Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you?

No. Describe what you observe and any veterinary advice you already have. We can discuss an appropriate route for behavior support and coordination with your veterinarian.

Are anxious or fearful dogs welcome in private lessons?

Yes. Speak with us before booking so we can plan the setting around your dog and household. We welcome serious concerns without requiring footage of a dangerous or distressing incident.

Questions? Text Marnie at (872) 222-3851.