Dog Separation Anxiety FAQ's
WHAT IS SEPARATION ANXIETY?
Separation Anxiety is a panic disorder. Dogs who struggling with this behavioral challenge tend to be fine as long as they are with someone but go into a panic when they are left alone. Only about 20% of dogs truly suffer from separation anxiety, which is why most people don't understand the true nature of it and many trainers don't know how to help you resolve it.
WHAY DOES SEPARATION ANXIETY HAPPEN?
We don't really know why separation anxiety happens but what we do know is that it can be any breed and at any age. Some breeds of dogs can be more prone to it than others but any dog can struggle with it.
CAN IT BE FIXED?
When using a gradual desensitization training protocol 75% of dogs who struggle with separation anxiety can overcome this challenge, sometimes even more. It is one of the more challenging behaviors to overcome but it can be done. Many of my clients and their dogs have overcome it. Your commitment to the process will go a long way in accomplishing this.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
That is a very hard question to answer as every dog and every situation is different. We will talk more about this during the initial consultation.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STOP LEAVING MY DOG ALONE?
Managing our dogs alone time is the magic sauce when it comes to working with separation anxiety. By managing their alone time we help our dogs anxiety level decrease and it allows them to be able to focus on learning rather than on when you're leaving. Our dogs, like us, can't learn when we are in a state of fear.
This can be worked through without managing your pup's alone time but it will take much longer and progress will be very slow.
This can be worked through without managing your pup's alone time but it will take much longer and progress will be very slow.
DO YOU OFFER A GUARANTEE?
I can guarantee that you will get my full support and dedication when it comes to helping you accomplish your goal of being able to leave your pup home alone. You must decide how much you will commit yourself to the process. Your commitment is what will guarantee results, the training protocol will help to move you in the right direction.
When changing behaviors there is truly no guarantee, especially when dealing with fear.
When changing behaviors there is truly no guarantee, especially when dealing with fear.
WHY IS TRAINING DONE VIRTUALLY?
For a long time, we’ve known that gradual/methodical desensitization was the only effective training method for separation anxiety. But even if we were able to do it right, that didn’t mean we were consistently able to do it well.
We could never see what was going on behind the door when we left the dog alone. We could only guess, and sometimes we guessed wrong.
That is until technology caught up with us. Now, with virtual technology (e.g. Skype and Zoom; laptops, smartphones and tablets), we can watch the dog handle their owner’s absence in real time, from around the block or around the world.
We can see when he’s tolerating an absence, and when he’s not. And we do all that without our presence influencing the separation anxiety training.
We could never see what was going on behind the door when we left the dog alone. We could only guess, and sometimes we guessed wrong.
That is until technology caught up with us. Now, with virtual technology (e.g. Skype and Zoom; laptops, smartphones and tablets), we can watch the dog handle their owner’s absence in real time, from around the block or around the world.
We can see when he’s tolerating an absence, and when he’s not. And we do all that without our presence influencing the separation anxiety training.
CAN YOU BREAK DOWN WHAT I'M GETTING FROM YOU?
Of course!
Each week we meet up for a live session that lasts about 30 minutes. I then create 5 personalized training sessions for you to do with your pup during the week. That is about 20 missions a month. Missions will take you anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
I am also here to help you if you have any questions between our live sessions and you can reach out to me as many times as you need throughout the week (during working business hours) as you need.
My main job is to give you the tools you need, along with the support to get you to a place where you can continue on your own.
Each week we meet up for a live session that lasts about 30 minutes. I then create 5 personalized training sessions for you to do with your pup during the week. That is about 20 missions a month. Missions will take you anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
I am also here to help you if you have any questions between our live sessions and you can reach out to me as many times as you need throughout the week (during working business hours) as you need.
My main job is to give you the tools you need, along with the support to get you to a place where you can continue on your own.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW TRAINING WORKS?
The most effective, long-lasting training approach to separation anxiety is straightforward, but not easy. It can be very challenging for you to address on their own, especially at first.
Every client experience begins with a live, online video assessment of your dog. We take into consideration your schedule and objectives. We write the first assignment, a 30-minute mission, based on what we’ve observed.
Next, we complete that assignment with you online so we can be sure to address all your questions. Our primary goal is to make sure your dog is handling the program well.
From there, you can expect a total of five 30-minute assignments based on your daily progress reports. Each mission is created individually by us, for you and your dog. Future weeks are structured the same way: a live video assessment and four or five homework assignments created just for you.
The training program for separation anxiety can be very intense, and everyone, canine and human, needs at least two days off each week to relax and recharge. As your coach my job is to make sure that you are taking care of yourself as you work through this.
Burnout is real and not fun.
Every client experience begins with a live, online video assessment of your dog. We take into consideration your schedule and objectives. We write the first assignment, a 30-minute mission, based on what we’ve observed.
Next, we complete that assignment with you online so we can be sure to address all your questions. Our primary goal is to make sure your dog is handling the program well.
From there, you can expect a total of five 30-minute assignments based on your daily progress reports. Each mission is created individually by us, for you and your dog. Future weeks are structured the same way: a live video assessment and four or five homework assignments created just for you.
The training program for separation anxiety can be very intense, and everyone, canine and human, needs at least two days off each week to relax and recharge. As your coach my job is to make sure that you are taking care of yourself as you work through this.
Burnout is real and not fun.