Fireworks & Fear? Helping Dogs With Separation Anxiety in Everett

Everett folks, it’s that time of year again. The days get longer, the barbecue grills start firing up, and your neighbor—yeah, the one with five lawn chairs and zero shame—is stocking up on fireworks like he's starting his own Fourth of July festival.

And while most of us are out here trying to enjoy the summer, your dog? Your dog’s acting like the world is ending every time you grab your keys or a sparkler goes off. Tail between the legs, heavy panting, pacing like they’re being followed by the FBI.

Let’s call it what it is: separation anxiety. Or as we like to say, “My human walked out for milk and I’m convinced they’ve been kidnapped by a cult.”

At Got Sit Dog Training, we understand this isn’t just a quirky little phase. It’s real. It’s intense. And it’s turning your summer from chilled-out lake days to a full-on emotional support mission with a side of destruction. But guess what? There’s hope—and help.

What Is Separation Anxiety, Really?

Look, not every dog has it. But if yours does? You know. This isn’t just a little whimper at the door. This is “I chewed through drywall” level drama.

Signs your dog might be battling separation anxiety:

• Barking or howling the second you leave (your neighbors know your dog's voice better than yours)

• Destroying furniture, shoes, or, yep, walls

• Pacing like they’ve lost the winning lotto ticket

• Going potty indoors even though they’re house-trained

• Attempting prison breaks—scratching doors, jumping fences, digging like they’re auditioning for The Great Escape

It’s not “bad behavior.” It’s fear. It’s panic. It’s them not understanding why the one person they love most disappears every day without sniffing a goodbye.

Why Summer Triggers the Anxiety Monster

Ever notice how things ramp up in the summer? That’s because:

• Your routine changes. Vacations. Staycations. Stay-at-work-late-cations.

• Fireworks happen. Every. Dang. Weekend.

• People are outside more, so your dog’s inside alone more.

• Loud noises, new people, more smells—it’s a full buffet of “I’m not okay” for dogs with anxiety.

If your pup is more anxious than a teen on the first day of school, it’s time to intervene before they turn your home into a canine version of Fight Club.

Everett Dogs Deserve Better Than Panic Attacks

Look, Everett is a great place to be a dog. You’ve got parks, trails, waterfront views, and more squirrels than your dog can reasonably handle. But none of that matters if your pup’s scared to be left alone for more than 30 seconds.

This isn’t just about barking or chewed-up remotes. It’s about quality of life. For them—and for you.

You shouldn’t feel guilty for going to the grocery store. Or worried you’ll come back to find your throw pillows in therapy. That’s no way to live, my friend.

Our Training Focuses on the Root, Not the Symptoms

At Got Sit Dog Training, we don’t believe in band-aid fixes. We’re not gonna tell you to just leave the TV on or toss them a chew toy and hope for the best.

We do:

• In-home training so we can see what’s really going on where it happens

• Customized plans for your dog, not someone else’s perfect Instagram Lab

• Gradual desensitization and confidence building, because “just get over it” doesn’t even work on people

• Real-world distractions and conditioning so your dog gets better where it matters—in your life, not just a training room

We’ve helped dogs who:

• Howled non-stop for hours

• Tore through drywall (seriously)

• Refused to eat when left alone

• Wouldn’t even let their owner shower without crying

And yeah, now those same dogs? Chilling. Snacking. Napping. Living their best lives while their humans go out for date night without carrying guilt like a weighted blanket.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until July 4th

You know what’s coming. Boom. Crackle. Boom-boom.

If your dog already struggles with separation anxiety, fireworks season is like tossing gasoline on a fear fire. And in Everett, those backyard fireworks start well before Independence Day—and usually don’t end until your HOA steps in or someone runs out of lighter fluid.

Let’s get ahead of it. Let’s get your dog ready before they go full panic mode.

Our Trainers Know Their Stuff (And They’ve Got Dogs Too)

Our crew? Certified. Experienced. And real.

We’ve got:

• Marvin Versteeg – The man who started it all. Calm, confident, and excellent with anxious pups.

• Corey Versteeg and Copper – A duo smoother than peanut butter on toast.

• Hunter & Lokai – Adventure buddies who help turn nervous wrecks into steady sidekicks.

• AJ & Garnet – Masters of the energy exchange. They get dogs on an emotional level.

• Hillary & Bristol – Firm but fair. Excellent with dogs who need gentle leadership.

• Jeffrey & Snowy – Trust builders who bring out the best in your dog.

• Alicia & Kevin, Tatum – The all-star squad with the patience of saints and results to match.

We're based here. We know Everett, its rhythms, its neighborhoods—whether you're in Silver Lake, down by the waterfront, or up in Forest Park. We’re not some out-of-town franchise. We’re your neighbors, and we’ve helped dogs just like yours.

Call It What You Want—But Let’s Fix It

Whether you call it separation anxiety, panic mode, or “he just really loves me,” one thing’s clear: your dog needs help. Not judgment. Not YouTube quick fixes. Just real help from folks who know what they’re doing.

Training takes time, consistency, and a little humor (because you will have a moment where your dog hides under the coffee table like they owe someone money). But the results? Life-changing.

Call to Action: The Chill Life Starts Now

📞 Ready to stop the anxiety spiral before fireworks season hits?
📞 Want to enjoy a weekend out without texting your dog sitter every 10 minutes?
📞 Tired of watching your dog unravel like a bad mystery novel every time you leave?

Call Got Sit Dog Training today at (425) 405-5748 or hit us up online.

We’ll help your dog feel confident, safe, and calm—whether you’re gone for five minutes or five hours.

Because you deserve a break. And your dog deserves peace.

Let’s make this summer in Everett one for the books—with less barking, less destruction, and a whole lot more tail wags.

Stay tuned when you’re ready for August’s blog: Too Hot to Handle? Curb Aggression & Nipping in Renton — it’s gonna be a good one.