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Welcome to SAfe Pro with Stephie

Our holistic, trauma-informed separation anxiety course for professionals 

SupportAwarenessFacilitationExploration

Welcome to SAfe Pro with Stephie

Our holistic, trauma-informed separation anxiety course for professionals

Meet needs - shift experience - invite calm

Separation anxiety has too often been framed as a problem of “time apart” - a matter of rehearsing key-picking, door-opening, and gradually extending absences. You’ll already know that in practice, this approach often fails. Not because caregivers aren’t dedicated, but because it overlooks the dog’s inner world: trauma, physical discomfort, trust, and the environment they live in.

Stephie Guy's SAfe approach - Support, Awareness, Facilitation, Exploration - is different. It gives you a structured, compassionate framework for guiding both dogs and caregivers, without the pressure of linear protocols or rigid desensitisation.

You’ll learn how to support both dog and caregiver, build awareness of subtle signals, facilitate safer pathways, and explore new possibilities - all in a trauma-informed, ACE (Animal Centred Education)-rooted way.

Why this course is different 

Most separation anxiety approaches focus narrowly on behaviour - as if the problem begins and ends with being left alone. SAfe Pro recognises that separation struggles are never just about time apart. They’re about safety, trust, trauma, pain, communication, and daily life.

This course takes a holistic, layered approach:

  • Holistic and integrated: because a dog’s inner state, their environment, and their human partner are inseparable.
  • Trauma- and ACE-informed: we honour past experiences, nervous system states, and the calming effect of being alongside a supportive human, creating safety first.
  • Relational, not mechanical: instead of forcing behaviour change, we invite, scaffold, and expand choice.
  • Dual support: practical tools for helping both ends of the lead with mindset, resilience, and communication.
  • Depth and breadth: bringing together behaviour science, physiology, trauma awareness, ACE Free Work, movement, and client coaching.

If you’ve ever found that standard desensitisation plans leave some dogs struggling, you’re in the right place.

Why this course is different

 

Most separation anxiety approaches focus narrowly on behaviour - as if the problem begins and ends with being left alone. SAfe Pro recognises that separation struggles are never just about time apart. They’re about safety, trust, trauma, pain, communication, and daily life.
 

This course takes a holistic, layered approach:

  • Holistic and systemic - because a dog’s inner state, their environment, and their human partner are inseparable.
  • Trauma- and ACE-informed - we honour past experiences, nervous system states, and co-regulation, creating safety first.
  • Relational, not mechanical - instead of forcing behaviour change, we invite, scaffold, and expand choice.
  • Dual support - practical tools for helping both ends of the lead with mindset, resilience, and communication.
  • Depth and breadth - bringing together behaviour science, physiology, trauma awareness, Free Work, movement, and client coaching.

If you’ve ever found that standard desensitisation plans leave some dogs struggling, you’re in the right place.

"I cannot thank Stephie enough for the SAfe Pro program! It came at a time when I was pulling my hair out over my Zoey's separation anxiety. For three years I tried all the "trainer-prescribed cures" to no avail. They not only didn't help; but in subtle ways, I think some did more harm than good...
This course has really opened my eyes to so many layers of my dogs' behaviors. And opened my mind to the fact that their daily lives really are webs of intricate data waiting to be observed and pondered... I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel now, whereas six months ago there was only darkness."

 
Sue 

"I really enjoy the course!
It goes beyond separation anxiety.
It's about what is an enjoyable life for a dog, based on safety and wellbeing and every piece we should find behind these words.
And the Readiness Web is there as a great reminder throughout this caring journey.
So glad to have found people with this wonderful vision of help, made of respect, patience and love.
It's full of hope and possibilities!"

 
Katia

"I cannot thank Stephie enough for the SAfe Pro program! It came at a time when I was pulling my hair out over my Zoey's separation anxiety. For three years I tried all the "trainer-prescribed cures" to no avail. They not only didn't help; but in subtle ways, I think some did more harm than good...
This course has really opened my eyes to so many layers of my dogs' behaviors. And opened my mind to the fact that their daily lives really are webs of intricate data waiting to be observed and pondered... I can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel now, whereas six months ago there was only darkness."

Sue 

"I really enjoy the course!
It goes beyond separation anxiety.
It's about what is an enjoyable life for a dog, based on safety and wellbeing and every piece we should find behind these words.
And the Readiness Web is there as a great reminder throughout this caring journey.
So glad to have found people with this wonderful vision of help, made of respect, patience and love.
It's full of hope and possibilities!"

Katia

What You'll Learn:

This course takes you step by step through the SAfe framework, blending theory with practical tools you can use immediately with your clients.

  • Support - Building trust, co-regulation, and emotional safety for dogs, humans and other animals in the home.
  • Awareness - Deepening observation skills to notice subtle signals in body language, posture, and breath.
  • Facilitation - Guiding caregivers to adapt the environment, routines, and interactions to reduce pressure.
  • Exploration - Expanding choice and agency, helping dogs rebuild calm confidence at their own pace.

You’ll also learn how to:

  • Recognise the role of pain and physical discomfort in separation struggles.
  • Work with the Web of Readiness™ to spot gaps in support and strengthen the threads that help dogs feel safe when alone.
  • Use ACE Free Work - a choice-led activity that lets dogs explore with their senses, move at their own pace, and find calm and confidence - to uncover subtle clues about posture, movement, and stress.
  • Collaborate with caregivers in a way that reduces guilt and frustration.
  • Map “candles” of daily stressors and support caregivers to blow them out.

Replace linear desensitisation with a layered, trauma-informed journey.

 

JOIN NOW

Course format

  • 12 modules delivered across 6 months - in-depth tutorials with clear takeaways.
  • Twice-monthly live Zooms (1-2 hours) with Q&A and case discussions.
  • Video feedback and peer support inside a private Facebook group.
  • Practical resources - ready-to-use worksheets and tools.
  • Guest expert module on nutrition with a canine nutritionist.

Course format

  • 12 modules delivered across 6 months - in-depth tutorials with clear takeaways.
  • Twice-monthly live Zooms (1-2 hours) with Q&A and case discussions.
  • Video feedback and peer support inside a private Facebook group.
  • Practical resources - ready-to-use worksheets and tools.
  • Guest expert module on nutrition with canine nutritionist.
  • 6 months ongoing mentoring with Stephie after the course ends, with the option to continue further with a monthly subscription. 

SAfe Separation Anxiety Pro Course

What's in each module?

What's in the Modules?

 

MODULE #1

Separation Anxiety Unpacked

Go beneath the surface to understand the real drivers behind separation struggles - not just the behaviours you see. 

MODULE #2

Introduction to ACE Free Work

Discover how choice and autonomy reduce stress and reveal vital information about the dog’s needs.

MODULE #3

Developing Trust, Calm & Free Work

Deepen trust and emotional safety through adaptive, individualised Free Work setups.

MODULE #4

Supporting Gut Health

Explore how gut health shapes behaviour and emotional resilience - and how to support it in practice.

MODULE #5

Exploring Dog Body Language

Build your observational skills to spot subtle signals in posture, movement, and expression.

MODULE #6

Spotting and Supporting Pain

Recognise how pain influences behaviour and how to collaborate with veterinary professionals.

MODULE #7

Supporting Independence and Safety

Learn practical ways to nurture independence without overwhelming the dog.

MODULE #8

Candle Mapping for Trauma Reappraisal

Use candle mapping to identify stressors and reshape how trauma affects behaviour..

MODULE #9

Independent Decision Making

Support dogs in building confidence through safe choice-making.

MODULE #10

Emotional Stability Beyond the Home

See how experiences outside the home shape progress inside it.

MODULE #11

Exploring Departures

Unpack the meaning of departures and learn strategies to approach them carefully and compassionately.

MODULE #12

Supporting Clients with the SAfe Framework

Strengthen your communication and collaboration skills to create lasting change.

Flexibility & Access

We know your schedule is already full. SAfe Pro is designed to work alongside your client load - and to support you whether you want to move quickly or take your time.

  • A 6-month programme with a blend of self-study and live sessions, supported throughout by the Facebook group.
  • Self-paced - work as fast or as gently as your schedule allows.
  • Pause and return anytime - lifetime access to course materials means they’re always there for you.
  • Designed to fit alongside your client load - modules and live sessions are scheduled with professionals in mind.
  • Mentoring support - after the core 6 months, enjoy a further 6 months in the SAfe Mentorship programme with monthly support sessions, additional resources and ongoing support from the SAfe team.

You’re not just signing up for a course - you’re joining a mentoring community that will support you for a full year and beyond.

SAfe Pro is ideal for dog professionals who want to:

  • Go beyond surface-level desensitisation and understand separation anxiety at its roots.

  • Deepen their trauma-informed, holistic approach.

  • Work compassionately and effectively with both dogs and caregivers.

  • Bring ACE principles and Free Work into their separation anxiety practice.

  • Join a supportive community of peers on the same path.

You don’t need to already be working with separation anxiety cases to benefit. You will need a dog to work with - but that can be your own dog, a friend’s, or a client’s.

LET'S DO THIS

SAfe Pro is ideal for professionals who want to:

  • Go beyond surface-level desensitisation and understand separation anxiety at its roots..

  • Deepen their trauma-informed, holistic approach.

  • Work compassionately and effectively with both dogs and caregivers.

  • Bring ACE principles and Free Work into their separation anxiety practice.

  • Join a supportive community of peers on the same path.

You don’t need to already be working with separation anxiety cases to benefit. You will need a dog to work with - but that can be your own dog, a friend’s, or a client’s.

LET'S DO THIS

Certification, Accreditation & Pro Branding

When you complete the programme, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion - recognising the depth of knowledge and skills you’ve gained.

If you’d like to take your learning a step further and showcase your expertise, you can choose to become a Certified SAfe Pro by submitting three case studies for review.

Certified SAfe Pros can:

  • Display the SAfe Pro badge on their website and marketing materials.
  • Promote themselves as accredited specialists in separation anxiety. 

Whether you stop at the completion certificate or pursue accreditation, you’ll leave this programme with tools and confidence that transform the way you support dogs and their people.

Certification, Accreditation & Pro Branding

When you complete the programme, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion - recognising the depth of knowledge and skills you’ve gained.

If you’d like to take your learning a step further and showcase your expertise, you can choose to become a Certified SAfe Pro by submitting three case studies for review.

Certified SAfe Pros can:
 

  • Display the SAfe Pro badge on their website and marketing materials.
  • Promote themselves as accredited specialists in separation anxiety.

Whether you stop at the completion certificate or pursue accreditation, you’ll leave this programme with tools and confidence that transform the way you support dogs and their people.

Designed and Led by
Stephie Guy

Separation Anxiety & Sensitive Dog Specialist

Hi, I’m Stephie, a Separation Anxiety & Sensitive Dog Specialist, ACE Associate Tutor, and trauma-informed pet professional. I began this work in 2016, inspired by my foster puppy Minty, whose struggles with being alone led me to look beyond traditional approaches and into gentler, more supportive ways of helping dogs and their families.

Since then, I’ve founded the SAfe approach - Support, Awareness, Facilitation, Exploration - and dedicated my work to reducing pressure, deepening trust, and helping families move forward, even when standard methods have failed.

People often tell me that what makes working with me different is the way I bring calm, friendliness, and genuine listening into every interaction. I’m non-judgemental, helpful, and take the time to dissect problems in a way that feels supportive and easy to understand. My role is not to impose the routines of the last twenty years of dog training, but to look with different eyes, to notice the small details that others might miss, and to show families and pro’s new, kinder ways of rebuilding safety and connection with their dogs.

Designed and Led by
Stephie Guy

Separation Anxiety & Sensitive Dog Specialist

Hi, I’m Stephie, a Separation Anxiety & Sensitive Dog Specialist, ACE Associate Tutor, and trauma-informed pet professional. I’ve been supporting dogs and their humans since 2016 and am the founder of the SAfe approach.

My work is about reducing pressure, deepening trust, and helping families find a way forward - even when standard methods have failed.

What are you waiting for?

The SAfe Separation Anxiety Pro Course is available now as a full certification programme at an early bird price. 

Join us and change the way you work for the better.

Early Bird places are limited. Enrolment closes 31st May 2026.

PAY IN FULL

Full price ÂŁ2500 Early Bird Price ÂŁ1495 (40% off)

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community, with options for ongoing support afterwards.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
JOIN NOW

3 MONTH PAYMENT PLAN

Full price ÂŁ834 Early Bird Price ÂŁ499/m (40% off)

3 monthly payments

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community,, with options for ongoing support afterwards.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
  • NO ADDITIONAL COST
JOIN NOW

6 MONTH PAYMENT PLAN

Full price ÂŁ417 Early Bird Price ÂŁ250/m (40% off)

6 monthly payments

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community,, with options for ongoing support afterwards.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
  • NO ADDITIONAL COST
JOIN NOW
What are you waiting for?

The SAfe Separation Anxiety Pro Course is available now as a full certification programme at an early bird price.

Join us and change the way you work for the better.

Early Bird Member places are limited.

PAY IN FULL

Full price ÂŁ2500 Early Bird Member Price ÂŁ1495 (40% off)

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community, with the option to continue beyond your first year.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
JOIN NOW

PAYMENT PLAN

Full price ÂŁ834/m Early Bird Price ÂŁ499/m (40% off)

3 monthly payments

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community, with the option to continue beyond your first year.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
  • NO ADDITIONAL COST
JOIN NOW

PAYMENT PLAN

Full price ÂŁ417/m Early Bird Price ÂŁ250/m (40% off)

6 monthly payments

  • 12 comprehensive modules, released step-by-step over 6 months.
  • Live-taught by SAfe founder Stephie Guy, with supportive self-study resources to deepen learning.
  • Grounded in ACE principles, bringing a trauma-informed and dog-centred approach throughout.
  • 12 months’ membership in the SAfe Community, with the option to continue beyond your first year.
  • Lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates.
  • Certificate of Completion awarded at the end of the programme.
  • Opportunity to qualify as a SAfe Pro: Certified Separation Anxiety Professional.
  • NO ADDITIONAL COST
JOIN NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions