A dog expert is hoping to help owners ‘paws’ for thought when it comes to tackling separation anxiety in their pets with the release of her first book.

Kate Mallatratt, from Newton Poppleford, has written Home Alone and Happy, to give dogs the ability to cope with being on their own when their owners are at work.

Through her business, Contemplating Canines, Kate has observed the impact of separation anxiety, which can developed into destructive or needy behaviour.

Kate, who has four dogs herself, said: “It’s a severe problem. There’s lots of books on how to help when you have a problem. So I thought there’s a market to help owners before they have a problem. It’s important for a puppy to enjoy its own company.

“Owners often assume that their dog will sleep, yet many dogs suffer from anxiety and stress when left alone and some owners only discover this when their dog becomes destructive, or a neighbour complains about his barking.

“It’s changing that mentality - you do not have to have a problem but you can take steps to make sure you never do.”

The new author provides tips and owners can evaluate their pets progress and contentment.

The book is available at Amazon. Waterstones and locally in Paragon Books in Sidmouth.