The Heartfelt Spaniel

The Heartfelt Spaniel Helping Anxious Spaniels and Cockapoos 🐕‍🦺
Separation Anxiety, Reactivity and General Anxiety of our busy world. I do not need to be present in your home.
(12)

Hello I am Clare a Qualified Teacher, Coach, Force Free Dog Trainer and Behaviourist specialising in training and behaviour for all Spaniel breeds and Spaniel Crosses. I am a certified Separation Anxiety PRO Trainer along with being a member of the Pet Professional Network and ICAN. I have studied with the ISCP, IMDTB, The Dog Training College ,Julie Naismith, Canine Principles, the ICB and the I

AABC. My journey with dogs started with my own rescue Spaniel, Bob who suffered from Separation Anxiety when I was a child. Back then the term was not recognised and there certainly wasn't the positive dog training we are so fortunate to have now. So Bob came with us everywhere and when he couldn't come with us we made arrangements or sacrifices so he didn't have to be alone. As an adult my own dogs continued to be Spaniels. I became a teacher and through much canine study, a dog trainer and behaviour consultant. It was through my Canine Behaviour Diploma that I became particularly interested in helping owners whose dogs displayed anxious and fear based behaviours. This helped me to make my decision to specialise, not only with the Spaniel Breeds but with fearful behaviours such as separation anxiety and reactivity. I know what it is like to have a dog that is anxious on walks as my current Spaniel, Paddy has had a fear of other dogs all of his life. He is so much better now as he knows there are other choices to his reacting. This has taken time but the small steps do add up! Spaniel Speak offers one to one online consultations and longer programmes to help your dog's training and behaviour struggles. I offer longer term programmes of one or two months so that progress forward can be made. Positive training methods are used so that your dog is always able to go at their own pace and is never at the point where they have to feel stressed or overwhelmed. If you have a new puppy Spaniel Speak offers one off consultations with a training plan for important and essential 'home alone training.'

I also run regular group programmes and a membership for training and one for purely separation anxiety. These are wonderful community spaces for people on the same journey with their dogs. Online is a very effective way to work with your dogs fearful behaviours or to prevent them. This will simply add to any stress your dog is already feeling. Through regular consultations, video footage and daily training plans I will support you step by step on this very important journey. Although I do work predominantly with Spaniels and Spaniel crosses I do of course welcome all breeds of dogs onto my programmes! Do get in touch through messenger or email to set up a free discovery call on how I can help. Clare - [email protected]

SEPARATION ANXIETY SANCTUARY🎇🐾🐕‍🦺😊Doors close tonight for the special, founders rate. - A platform of on-demand SA train...
19/08/2024

SEPARATION ANXIETY SANCTUARY🎇🐾🐕‍🦺😊

Doors close tonight for the special, founders rate.

- A platform of on-demand SA trainings covering my 5 pillars of Separation Anxiety teaching

-Membership facebook group with weekly lives
- x 2 Coaching zooms a month to drop in and ask me questions about your own dogs home set up and separation anxiety next steps
- Bonus trainings covering many aspects of anxious dog training in your platform
- Community of other dog guardians in the membership group on same journey as you.

Join for immediate access to the trainings.

This is a monthly membership. You can cancel at any time from your own account dashboard.

I hope to see you over in our special membership space - all are welcome!

Clare x

03/08/2024

Welcome to new followers!
About me and how I can support you 🐕‍🦺🐾

Our dogs anxieties can be complex and difficult to understand. Despite our reassurance the modern day world can be overw...
26/06/2024

Our dogs anxieties can be complex and difficult to understand.

Despite our reassurance the modern day world can be overwhelming for our four legged friends and our dogs can show anxiety through changes in behavior which then cause us to worry.

Kindness, compassion and understanding along with acceptance is a road to walk on one step at a time.

This includes separation anxiety where our dogs panic if they are without us.

I am working on something very exciting and a little bit different. A new space for dog guardians to have mindset and well- being support as well as the teachings and ongoing coaching to help with separation anxiety.

All will be revealed soon💕

I prefer to use the term ‘Teach'’ rather than ‘Train.' Even when I began my 'dog training' career I had an issue with th...
15/06/2024

I prefer to use the term ‘Teach'’ rather than ‘Train.'

Even when I began my 'dog training' career I had an issue with the word 'Train.'

The word ‘Train’ seems to have a harsh edge around it, like training for a marathon, a new career or something that needs a lot of hard effort. A goal that needs to be reached.

The word ‘Teach’ is different. I see ‘teach’ as a gentler, more open term. It suggests we can be patient, understanding and at times accepting.

Our modern day dogs are becoming more anxious.

I see it everywhere, The dog who is scared of walking along a busy road, the dog who is scared of getting into the car, the dog who is scared of walking his local route due to an overload of other dogs.

And of course, dogs that are scared of being alone.

In an age of noise and overwhelm can we blame our dogs for being anxious?

Maybe we too feel anxiety and understand perfectly how our dogs are feeling. Maybe we are desperate to help them but are unable to know how to move forwards.

Here's the thing though - we can teach our dogs to learn about our world in a way that's not scary or frightening. We can allow them to explore, to learn and investigate at their own pace without any demands of them other than to be fully allowed to display their natural and wonderful behaviours.

It does take a special kind of commitment to our dogs though. A commitment that means we are deeply connected to what our dogs are telling us even if we ourselves are struggling. A commitment that means we set up daily routines to support our dogs anxieties and undertand fully what triggers or upsets them.

Having a dog with separation anxiety is hard on us.

Having a dog with reactivity when on walks is hard on us.

Having a dog who is highly anxious of nosies, new places, other dogs, children, traffic, is hard on us.

But because of our special commitment we work with our dog to help them with patience and kindness. Even when we don't understand what they are telling us and have no idea what is going on in their lovely heads we still show that love, commitment and reassurance because ultimaely we know that is what they need.

To feel safe. Not to work towards some training goal.

Teach not Train .

Clare - Spaniel Speak

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DOOR IS A BORE🐶The door is a bore is the start of our Separation Anxiety teaching and is a vital p...
24/04/2024

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DOOR IS A BORE🐶

The door is a bore is the start of our Separation Anxiety teaching and is a vital part of helping our dogs overcome their fears of being alone!

A big misconception for dogs with separation anxiety is to step outside and begin building duartion straight away. To just build up 5 minutes at a time.

The issue with this approach is the DOOR is not DESENSITISED. The door is a scary thing and until your dog sees the door as a calm, neutral place they will struggle with you stepping out of it.

5 minutes is a long time for a dog with a fearful phobia of being alone. And if your dog is struggling as soon as you step out of the door doing the 'door is a bore' teaching is essential.

I can support you with desensiting your door and beyond withstep by step daily help over in my Separation Anxiety HUB - a wonderful community of spaniel and cockapoo guardians ( all breeds welcome) just like you who are wanting to help their dogs fears of being alone.

For APRIL only the price is half price at £11 a month and you can cancel at any time.

To join us see link below - just a few days left to join with this founders price, then I have to put it up! ( stay at this price until you choose to cancel )

https://preview.mailerlite.com/j3q0d3i1r4
Thank you as always for helping your dogs separation anxiety with patience and understanding
Clare x

Fortnightly coaching, an online platform of trainings and a community members only Facebook group, the Separation Anxiety HUB is the place to be for ongoing training and support with your dogs Separation Anxiety.

FREE SEPARATION ANXIETY TRAININGS!  ⬇️🐾I am delighted to be bringing you four days of live trainings called 'Understandi...
15/11/2023

FREE SEPARATION ANXIETY TRAININGS! ⬇️🐾

I am delighted to be bringing you four days of live trainings called 'Understanding your dogs' separation anxiety' beginning on Monday November the 29th.

If your dog struggles being alone and panics when you are not with them these trainings will clarify HOW to help them without using distraction techniques such as the radio or kongs.

Because your dog has a fear phobia, distraction techniques rarely work because the fear is all consuming for your dog.

Instead we need to help them a different way.

A way that means they are calm and feel safe when you do your separation anxiety training.

A way that means you can build duration with your dog being left and changing their fearful response to being without you.

This is not a challenge! These are live trainings where you can grab a cup of tea and make notes so you can begin to implement the teachings straight away.

I will be live in our separation anxiety and anxious behaviour support group ( link in chat below ) from 1pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from the 29th of November.

Can't make it?

Sign up for replays via the link below in your inbox. ⬇️

I look foward to supporting you with this - my passion is to help dogs with the terrible fear of being alone and together we can absolutely help them.

Clare x
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r1a5c0

Helping our dogs with Separation Anxiety takes patience, understanding and lots of compassion.Our dogs are scared and fe...
14/11/2023

Helping our dogs with Separation Anxiety takes patience, understanding and lots of compassion.

Our dogs are scared and fearful of being without us and this fear is real to them. They panic if you are not there.

But we can help them - and even if you are managing your dogs separation anxiety through dog sitters and family members helping them to gradually diminish their fears will mean a happier and less anxious dog overall.

In this group we follow the sub- threshold, pyramid of home alone success teaching where the emphasis is gentle teaching rather than traditional training which may cause our dogs extra stress.

As a specilist in Separation Anxiety I will be the first to say openly there is not a quick fix because we are helping change our dogs emotions of fear and panic and this takes time.

BUT what you will see, even after a few weeks of 'teaching your dog' the sub- threshold method their confidence will build. They will not need to follow you around the house and will start to settle as you step out of the door and build duration.

The most important thing is knowing HOW to teach your dog. Most of what you find on google about separation anxiety is not up to date and uses distraction techniques such as putting the radio on or leaving food. Although well - meaning this is simply not enough to help your dogs fear of being alone.

If you need support and want to understand more on separation anxiety don't forget you can come over and join us in the Separation Anxiety HUB membership. In a private facebook group and with monthly coaching from myself you will have continual support for as long as you need it. Plus in the group there are the steo by step videos so you can follow the teaching and pop in videos and questions for me to help you.

Our HUB is just £11 a month - it is half price for a very limited time and you can cancel at any time.

Click here for more details and how to sign up.⬇️
Together we can help your dogs anxieties of being alone.
Clare x
https://preview.mailerlite.com/j6h9s7m3g0

Hello all - info below on upcoming REACTIVITY on walks webinar this coming Monday🐶⬇️🐾If your dog struggles with walks an...
08/11/2023

Hello all - info below on upcoming REACTIVITY on walks webinar this coming Monday🐶⬇️🐾

If your dog struggles with walks and is known to bark, lunge or growl, this is commonly know as 'reactivity' in the dog behavioural world.

You may find your dog tries to hide or whines and shakes. This is still reactivity and known as the 'flight' rather than 'fight' response.
I always feel though it is important not to label any dog and to know that if your dog does find encounters with the outside world hard this is an indication of a strong emotion taking place.

These emotions can be excitement, frustration or very often, fear.
Just like Separation Anxiety is a fear- based phobia of being alone our dogs can also react communicting they are fearful of what has been seen, felt or heard.

Reactivity can be due to the fear of other dogs, strange people, noise, bikes, traffic, children and even hats and flapping coats.
If your dog also suffers from Separation Anxiety this can mean both you and your dogs daily lives are impacted greatly by your dogs high anxieties.

The good news is there is hope you can limit your dogs fears and work with their reactivity using kind and up to date exercises and management so your dog begins to relax on walks. Once this happens the overall anxieties they feel will begin to fade.

Next Monday, the 13th of November at 6.30pm I am putting on a webinar for dogs that struggle with reactivity on walks.

'Reactive to Relaxed' will bring together all my expertise of working with reactive dogs in my local area and online.

The webinar will give you exercises you can teach your dog straight away along with covering why they react and management needed to ensure they feel safe.

It will be recorded and you will get a recording to keep if you can't join me on Monday evening. I also include a PDF handout of the exercises I cover.

The cost of the webinar lasting 90 minuites and the PDF of exercises with the recording to keep for life is just £21
Once signed up ( link below) I will send you the zoom link for Monday evening.

I am really looking forward to giving you and your dog this valuable support.

Clare - Spaniel Speak - Behaviour and Training Support
https://pay.gocardless.com/BRT00023J7KDHYD

Hello All!I am excited to be offering you this three week separation anxiety video course for the last time this year.🎉🐾...
02/11/2023

Hello All!

I am excited to be offering you this three week separation anxiety video course for the last time this year.🎉🐾⬇️

We begin on Monday where you will get your first video and handout in your inbox.

If you are struggling with Separation Anxiety and not sure HOW to help your dog then this is absolutely for you.

A step by step process going at your dogs pace so you know how to help their fears of being alone.

🐾21 days
🐾21 videos
🐾21 handouts
🐾21 pounds ( for the very last time this year at this price. )

Once signed up I will send you a welcome email and you are all set up for Day one on Monday.

Thank you as always for being there for your dogs. They cannot do this without you

Clare - Spaniel Speak

https://buy.stripe.com/8wM3fn9mqbmPaVq8wT

Please get in touch with Ali at Be Kind Rescue if you can help with Pippa x
02/11/2023

Please get in touch with Ali at Be Kind Rescue if you can help with Pippa x

When we have anxious dogs, they need lots of support and reassurance. It may be you are managing your dogs fears of bein...
25/10/2023

When we have anxious dogs, they need lots of support and reassurance.

It may be you are managing your dogs fears of being alone, their worry of our outside world or because they are frightened of other dogs or strange people.

I hear you.

I get how this feels.

It can be draining, exhausting and at times so very overwhelming.

It is important to take care of you too.

You are no good to your dog if you have not rested, eaten properly or given your mind/body what it needs.

That may be asking for support. That may be taking time out to do something that feels good for just you.

When I support and help your dog, I am here to support and help you too.

You are not alone.

Today do one thing just for you. This may or may not be with your dog.

But take time for you.

Clare x

I am excited to annouce my Separation Anxiety HUB  Membership has opened its doors.🎉🎉At its heart the HUB is a community...
13/10/2023

I am excited to annouce my Separation Anxiety HUB Membership has opened its doors.🎉🎉

At its heart the HUB is a community of dog guardians all wanting the best for their dogs and all having dogs who struggle with the fear of being alone.

As part of the HUB you get tons of value including fortnightly coaching calls, a platform of recorded trainings and my personal daily support in the members only facebook group.

Fancy joining us?

Its is just £11 a month and you can cancel at any time.

This is the very last time I will be putting it out at this price - pop over and join us so you can remain at this price for as long as you wish to stay.

All breeds welcome - simply click the link on further info and how to sign up. 🤗🐶

Clare

Fortnightly coaching, an online platform of trainings and a community members only Facebook group, the Separation Anxiety HUB is the place to be for ongoing training and support with your dogs Separation Anxiety.

Struggling with your dogs anxieties? Not sure how to help them or where to begin? Need help with separation anxiety, rea...
11/10/2023

Struggling with your dogs anxieties?

Not sure how to help them or where to begin?

Need help with separation anxiety, reactivity or general anxieties?

I have just three slots left for one to one consultations this month - just £95 for a consultation, a training plan and a follow up a month later.

Get in touch via messenger or email to book one of these spaces.

Clare [email protected]

Needing extra one off support for your dog without signing up for a lengthy, expensive programme? I have opened up my bo...
05/10/2023

Needing extra one off support for your dog without signing up for a lengthy, expensive programme?

I have opened up my books for extra one to one consultations during this month.

Covering all anxious behaviours such as separation anxiety, reactivity, resource guarding, anxiety of other dogs and people and puppy anxiety. This is open to all breeds.

Just message if you would like one of these slots.

Just one off payment of £95 which includes a main consultation on zoom, a follow up consultation and behavior modification plan with email support for two months.

Limited spaces so do message to book your place.

Clare

Our Door is a BORE and foundation games free challenge is now open to join. 🎉🐾🐶Perfect if you are strugging to leave you...
01/10/2023

Our Door is a BORE and foundation games free challenge is now open to join. 🎉🐾🐶

Perfect if you are strugging to leave your dog or have a new puppy and want to teach wihout overwhelm or stress.

This challenge involves so much free value and content - plus you can sign up for the replays too. 😀

5 days of training videos and handouts
Q and A sessions
Training tasks
prizes for engagement

To join in - we begin the 9th of October simply join our pop up group here: ⬇️🐾🎉
https://www.facebook.com/groups/447148810101202

Separation Anxiety Free Webinar - Monday 18th of September at 6.30pm ( UK Time ) Hello all! 🐶😊I am hosting a free webina...
13/09/2023

Separation Anxiety Free Webinar - Monday 18th of September at 6.30pm ( UK Time )

Hello all! 🐶😊

I am hosting a free webinar on Monday on Zoom. 😊

SEPARATION ANXIETY STEP BY STEP is perfect for you if you are confused or stuck with knowng HOW to help your dogs fear of being alone.

You get the recording if you can't join live.

I am also allowing time for questions at the end so it would be lovely to see you there.

I will be going through the 'Pyramid of Home Alone Success' Sub- threshold Training and why this training works, allowing you to leave your spaniel or cockapoo home alone and comfortable.

Sign up here and I look forward to meeting you all on Monday!
https://preview.mailerlite.com/p2o5a4m3f8
Clare Spaniel Speak - Behaviour and Training Support

Clare Lousie Larkin is a Behaviourist, Trainer. and certified Separation Anxiety SA PRO Trainer specilising in Separation Anxiety so dog guardians can leave their dog home alone and stress free. 

12/08/2023

5 Day Separation Anxiety Free Challenge is back beginning on Monday. 🐾🎉

5 days of free training - recordings available
Q and A sessions
Masterclass

To join in with this challenge and to help your dog be home alone using kind, positive and science based methods do join our pop up group below!

We begin Monday at 2pm and all trainings will be left in the group to watch if you cannot join me live.

As always, thank you for being there for your dogs.

Clare - Spaniel Speak - Behaviour and Training Support

https://www.facebook.com/groups/182613467347084

31/07/2023
Looking for separation anxiety or behaviour support without paying for a longer programme? I have 4 slots left this mont...
09/07/2023

Looking for separation anxiety or behaviour support without paying for a longer programme?

I have 4 slots left this month for one to one consultations and a follow up with a written training plan.

Get in touch to book your slot by sending me a message.

Consultation issues include Separation Anxiety, reactivity in the home and on walks, resource guarding, new rescue dog settling in, new puppy routines and puppy preventative for separation anxiety 🐶🐾

Consultations last between an hour and an hour a half and I will ask for a behaviour questionnaire to be filled our first so I can prepare for our time together.

Just £125 for 2 consultations and a training plan.
Pop me a message to book

Clare - Spaniel Speak

We begin our 5 day Separation Anxiety Free Challenge on Monday at 1.30pm. Have you joined us over in our pop up group?Si...
17/06/2023

We begin our 5 day Separation Anxiety Free Challenge on Monday at 1.30pm.

Have you joined us over in our pop up group?

Sign up below to join the group and an option to get the recordings!

Thank you for being there to help your dogs fears of being alone.

Clare x

https://www.facebook.com/groups/182613467347084

IT'S BACK!!🐶🐾🎉Due to a wonderful response of asking if you would like me to run this challenge again I have now decided ...
12/06/2023

IT'S BACK!!🐶🐾🎉

Due to a wonderful response of asking if you would like me to run this challenge again I have now decided on a date for next Monday ( Time to be confirmed. )

For those of you who have not done this yet the 5 day separation anxiety Challenge happens in a pop up group!

The Challenge involves:

5 days of separation anxiety training
5 days of training tasks to build your dogs confidence to help their fears of being alone
Q and A session
Prizes for engagement
Recordings available

To be part of the challenge simply sign up here and you will get an email with a link to the free challenge and group.⬇️⬇️
Lets do this!
Clare x
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y1b1i0

ONE to ONE Consultations special offer🐶🐾Hello all - I am opening up more slots for one to one separation anxiety consult...
09/06/2023

ONE to ONE Consultations special offer🐶🐾

Hello all - I am opening up more slots for one to one separation anxiety consultations.

What does this involve?⬇️

🐾An individual consultation on zoom which includes an assessment of where your dog is reguarding duration and how to build up their time alone within your own home set up.

🐾Next Steps support in a follow on consultation a month later

🐾Training plan/sub- threshold separation anxiety booklet

🐾A months FREE access to the separation anxiety HUB membership with recorded trainings and group coaching.

All the above for offer price of £97
I have just SIX slots left this month!

If you would like one of these consultations and all that goes with it just pop me a message or email me at [email protected]

Clare x

TRAINING STEPS to support our dogs FEAR of being ALONE.Separation Anxiety can be confusing and worrying. So much conflic...
05/06/2023

TRAINING STEPS to support our dogs FEAR of being ALONE.

Separation Anxiety can be confusing and worrying. So much conflicting advice out there no wonder you are feeling anxious.

Luckily there are people who can help you. People such as myself who have undergone rigourous training in understanding separation anxiety so we can help the plight of so many dogs out there struggling with this fear phobia of being alone.

If you are anxious yourself and want to know exactly how to help your dog be stress free when alone reach out and send me a message so we can have a chat on how I can help through my separation anxiety programmes.

Together we work through the stages of the Sub- Threshold Separation Anxiety Training whilst I give you daily plans to follow.

The stages are:
🐾Foundation Games within the home to build confidence
🐾Door is a Bore Parts One and Two
🐾Warm - Up Steps
🐾Assessment keeping below threshold
🐾Duration Build up using the desensitisation timings

There are also many other aspects to the training such as settling, the magic mat and thinking of our whole dog and their individual needs.

This can seem overwhelming and it is hard to do this alone.

Sometimes you do need support whilst your dog becomes comfortable home alone and you implement the training.

This is why I created the HUB!! 💪😊

The 'Separation Anxiety HUB' is a monthly membership which includes an amazing COMMUNITY of other spaniel and cockapoo guardians all on the same journey as you and all feeling the same way as you!

🐾Fortnightly live Coaching on zoom
🐾Weekly Lives answering all your questions
🐾A platform of recorded separation anxiety trainings to work through
🐾Bonus regular zoom trainings

Most importantly you are not alone.

Full details here to join us ⬇️and just now there is a special offer to come and join us 🐶

Clare x

https://preview.mailerlite.com/z5t4d0w4v9

SEPARATION ANXIETY TRAINING FREE WEBINAR ⬇️⬇️🐶On Thursday the 15th of June at 6.30pm Spaniel Speak is putting on a free ...
02/06/2023

SEPARATION ANXIETY TRAINING FREE WEBINAR ⬇️⬇️🐶

On Thursday the 15th of June at 6.30pm Spaniel Speak is putting on a free webinar called 'Separation Anxiety Training - Where to begin?'

It covers all aspects of separation anxiety and is open to all breeds and ages of dogs.

This is a brand new presentation going through the step by step training process so you can begin to build up duartion when leaving your dog home alone and stress free.

🐾The webinar will cover important questions you may have!!⬇️⬇️
🐾What exactly is separation anxiety and does my dog have it?

🐾Why leaving a radio on, using a kong or putting my dog in a crate does not help?

🐾How I can step out of the door and build up duration without my dog barking, whining or becoming anxious?

🐾The 'Creating Inner Calmness' step by step separation anxiety method and how this ensures your dog remains stress free!

Sign up to be part of the webinar below.
⬇️⬇️
Once signed up you will get an email with the zoom invite for the evening.

Recordings are availble for 48 hours afterwards.
As always thank you for being there for your dogs😊
Clare - Spaniel Speak
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r2i0f8

Hi all - I have opened the doors to the Separation Anxiety HUB at a discounted rate of £27 a month ( normally £39 ) for ...
26/05/2023

Hi all - I have opened the doors to the Separation Anxiety HUB at a discounted rate of £27 a month ( normally £39 ) for the bank holiday weekend only. 🎉⬇️🐶

The HUB is a membership for those working on their dogs separation anxiety and would like extra suppot through my own zoom coaching, a library of trainings to work with, Bonus trainings and of course a lovely community group all working on the same thing - to help their dogs fear of being alone! There is no obligation to stay for a certain length of time and you can cancel at any time.

Full details via this link and how to sign up and join us!! ⬇️⬇️

Once signed up you will get a confirmation link to the online platform trainings and I will send you an invite to our members only facebook group.

Looking forward to welcoming you! 🐾🎉🐶
Clare
https://preview.mailerlite.com/z8d8w9q8t1

OUTCOMES with SEPARATION ANXIETY 🐾🐶As human beings we are wired to look ahead, into the future and predict, analyse and ...
16/05/2023

OUTCOMES with SEPARATION ANXIETY 🐾🐶

As human beings we are wired to look ahead, into the future and predict, analyse and only look at the end goal as the end goal is what we ultimately want.

When it comes to helping our dogs with their separation anxiety our outcome is to leave them happily at home resting and comfortable whilst we go out and do what we have to or would like to do.

The issue is when we focus only on the outcome we can get stressed and anxious that it is not happening quickly enough, we are not hitting our goals when we feel we 'should' be hitting them.

With separation anxiety teaching there is no 'shoulds' involved as this is ultimately putting pressure not only on ourselves but on our dogs too.

Our dogs can only ever be themselves and as our own individual dog is completely unique we have to allow, through our consisitent training sessions to go at their pace so progress can be made towards that goal without the stress and anxiety.

Step by step we go on a journey. 💪

We let go of our end goal, stay present where our dog is now and we travel along the path that builds up duration step by step.

Before we know it our dog can be comfortable for 10 minutes, 30 minuites and an hour onwards but we have to be patient and allow this duration to happen at our dogs pace.

The sub - threshold ( keeping below stress/threshold ) method of separation anxiety builds one step upon the next right from the foundation exercises at the start. to desensitising the door, to building up duration, to introducing leaving cues and more.

Yes, this can seem overwhelming.

It can seem overwhelming beacuse we have slipped back again to focussing on the end goal.

The journey can seem so long and the outcome way in the distance.

But if we do not take that first step on the path, on the journey nothing will change. Your dog will be fearful of being alone and you will remain anxious and worried.

The 21 days separation anxiety video course begining Monday gives you the full step by step trainings you need to travel on that path, to begin the journey.

To go on the journey of helping your dogs fears, doing it properly and not looking for a quick fix.

Quick fixes rarely work and we only want the best for our dogs.
The 21 days separaion anxiety video course begins Monday. Each day for three weeks you will get a new video in your inbox.

21 days
21 videos
21 handouts
Just £21 for a limited time

Using this course you then work through the modules at your dogs pace celebrating every step forward in building their confidence with being alone.

FULL DETAILS HERE and how to SIGN UP.⬇️
As always thank you for being there for your dogs 🐾
https://preview.mailerlite.com/z2d4d4d8g3

Is your dog struggling with SEPARATION ANXIETY?Do they whine, bark or be destructive when you leave them?Are you looking...
26/04/2023

Is your dog struggling with SEPARATION ANXIETY?

Do they whine, bark or be destructive when you leave them?

Are you looking for up to date training using science based and positive training?

Have you tried other 'outdated methods' only to find they do not work and your dog is still stressed?

If the answer to the above is YES come and join our FREE 5 day Separation Anxiety Training Challenge beginning on Bank Holiday Monday.

Ran by Clare Louise an SA PRO certified Trainer the challenge involves 5 deep dive trainings to help your dog be happier when alone.

To be part of this challenge - simply join the pop up challenge group on the link below. ALL BREEDS and AGES of dogs welcome!!⬇️⬇️⬇️

https://www.facebook.com/groups/182613467347084

IT IS SO HARD when there is so much ADVICE given over the internet to KNOW EXACTLY what we should be doing when it comes...
17/04/2023

IT IS SO HARD when there is so much ADVICE given over the internet to KNOW EXACTLY what we should be doing when it comes to separation anxiety.🤔

How do we know which is the RIGHT advice to follow?

Which training WILL allow our Spaniel breeds to start building up duration so they can be home alone?

Much of the advice given, is given with good intentions. The thing is so many of this so called advice has been hanging around for decades and is now known to be outdated and even detrimental to our dogs welfare.

Outdated advice includes:

- Put your dog into a crate and leave them there to cry it out.
- Get another dog for company
- Leave chews/kongs so they are not bored
- Give your dog more exercise so they are tired
- Get a calm plug in/put on quiet music
- Let your dog ‘Bark it out’
- Ignore your dog when you return home
- use aversive methods such as anti- bark collars, fear or pain. This will never work as you cannot combat the fear a dog is feeling by exposing them to more FEAR.

The above is just passed from person to person with no real understanding. Some of these people are sadly, outdated and old school trainers of whom dog guardians pay good money and put their trust.

You may even get advice from 'non- doggy people' or family members who feel you should just leave your dog at home to 'get on with it' 😢

Because the advice is given so readily we can often forget to ask ourselves the WHY and HOW.

WHY am I doing this? HOW is it going to help my dog?

If our dogs suffer from true Separation Anxiety the outdated advice above will not help. Some will cause added stress and make the fear of being left alone far worse.

Instead we need to be addressing the emotion of FEAR and using the sub- threshold method for separation anxiety which uses DESENSITISATION to ethically overcome our dogs fears.This method uses strategies which allows the dog to be exposed the training at alevel they can cope with.

Separation Anxiety is fear based and the behaviours displayed are a response to that fear. Only by addressing our dogs emotions through positive desensitisation can we start to move forward. We move forward by exposing what they fear ( being alone) in such small steps they are able to cope.

And those small steps become bigger steps with consistency and patience.

If you would like to understand more, have an exclssive one to one consultation and follow - up with myself during which I assess your dog and give you a clear separation anxiety training plan I am opening up SIX slots for new clients to work with me.

The Current price for a 60 - 90 minuite consultation followed by a 30 minute follow up and training plan is just £125 before the end of April.

Send me a message if you would like one of these slots - I have just SIX available.

Lets help your dogs fear of being alone!

Clare - Spaniel Speak - Behaviour and Training Support

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Welcome to Spaniel Speak

Are you the proud owner of one of our many Spaniel Breeds?

Are you finding that despite your Spaniel being an important member of the family there are certain behaviours you wish they wouldn’t do?

Maybe they won’t listen when off lead and you really need them to come back.

Maybe they pull on their lead and are almost too strong to hold.