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Ardent Dog • Online Training & Behavior

Online Dog Training and Behavior | Help your dog overcome their anxiety, build confidence, and impro

02/10/2025

As a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, I do not use punishment in my training for many reasons. This stance is also backed by science! According to a scientific article in the Veterinary Medicine Research and Reports, for the treatment of separation anxiety “Dog owners should immediately cease all punishment of any dog behavior.”

According to the article, “Dog owners who return to a house subjected to destruction may punish the dog. However, high frequencies of punishment are associated with anxious behavior for small dogs and dogs are less anxious when a high proportion of their training interactions involve positive reinforcement. Additionally, punishment delivered upon the owner’s return to the house is unlikely to be temporally contingent upon the problem behavior and is likely, therefore, to be ineffective. Thus, punishment is best avoided in dealing with dogs with separation-related problems.”

Separation anxiety can be an overwhelming behavioral issue but there are many ways to help your dog, without the use of any punishment!

If you need help with your dog’s separation anxiety training, check out our online course: www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining

02/03/2025

Do you ever feel alone with a dog who can’t be left alone? 🐶💔

Living with a dog that has separation anxiety is incredibly challenging, both for the dog and their humans. It can feel overwhelming but know that you're not alone in this journey.

A scientific study found that living with a dog experiencing separation-related problems causes significant emotional and financial stress in households. This is a common struggle, with an estimated 20% of the dog population showing signs of separation-related behavior issues.

Despite how rarely it's discussed, many pet parents face these challenges daily.

I understand how isolating it can feel to have a dog with behavioral issues. But remember, there are many others who share your struggles and are here to support you.

If you need help with your dog's separation anxiety, check out our online course: www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining.com
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01/27/2025

Debunking Separation Anxiety Myths!🐾

Did you know these common beliefs about separation anxiety aren’t true?

Many dog parents are told things like, “Your dog will grow out of it” or “They’re just acting out,” but these myths can prevent us from truly understanding and helping our anxious dogs.

✨ Why this matters:
Separation anxiety isn’t just bad behavior—it’s a sign of stress and fear. By addressing the root cause, we can help our dogs feel more secure and confident, even when they’re home alone.

💡 Save this post to revisit later, and share it with someone whose dog might be struggling with anxiety. Let’s work together to spread kindness and understanding for all our furry friends. 🐾

Want to get started? Check out our website: www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining
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01/21/2025

Fearful dogs thrive with predictability! 🐾✨

Pattern games are a powerful tool to help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and promote calmness through movement. These simple yet effective exercises provide a safe and structured way for your dog to process fear and develop resilience. 💕

Patterns help your dog:
✔️ Feel in control by knowing what to expect.
✔️ Redirect focus to something positive and familiar.
✔️ Build confidence through repetitive success.
✔️ Foster calmness, even in stressful situations.
✔️ Generalize skills across different environments.

Want to help your dog overcome fear? Check out our Training Games for Confidence Building online course today! www.ardentdog.com/training-games

01/13/2025

Even non-anxious dogs need to learn how to stay home alone! 🐾🏡

Wally wasn’t anxious, but he didn’t like being left out or left behind. This led to barking and stress whenever I tried to leave without him. 😢

Here’s what helped Wally feel comfortable being home alone:
- A relaxing environment with his favorite bed, calming music, and white noise.
- Meeting his needs before leaving—exercise, play, food, and potty.
- Short, positive departures to build his confidence that I would always come back.
- Patience and consistency to show him that being home alone could be safe and okay! 💡✨

Home alone training isn’t just for dogs with separation anxiety—it’s a skill every dog needs to feel secure and calm on their own.

To help your dog, join our online course, Separation Anxiety Solutions, today! www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining

01/06/2025

Overcoming fear isn’t about bravery—it’s about rewiring the brain. 💡🐾

When dogs are scared, their brain creates strong connections between fear and panic—it’s a survival instinct. But here’s the good news: with techniques like counterconditioning (positive associations) and desensitization (slow, safe exposure), you can help them learn new habits! ✨

Unlike fear, which is automatic, learning takes repetition, consistency, and patience. Every small step forward helps your dog build confidence and create positive associations. 💕

Keep going—you’re helping their brain make incredible changes! 🙌

To help your dog overcome separation anxiety, enroll in our online course: Separation Anxiety Solutions! www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining

11/06/2024

Should you crate your dog with separation anxiety?

I get this question so often because there is a lot of misinformation on the internet which claims that crate training is the best way to solve a dog’s separation anxiety.

And while crate training is a good life skill, it should be taught outside of separation anxiety training.

If you confine an anxious dog to a crate, it can actually make their anxiety worse, and they can injure themselves trying to escape. Many dogs with separation anxiety also have anxiety around confinement. Giving an anxious dog more agency and allowing them a choice where they go when home alone can help make their separation anxiety training more successful.

Crate training is often suggested to solve behavioral issues, but all it does it confine the problem behaviors, not change a dog’s emotions surrounding alone time.

The best way to change a dog’s feelings about being home alone is desensitization within a systematic separation anxiety training protocol.

If you need help with your dog’s separation anxiety training, get our FREE beginner's guide to separation anxiety training: https://ardentdog.com/freeguide

11/04/2024

Enrichment impacts behaviors!

Enrichment:
• Reduces anxiety
• Improves memory & learning ability
• Provides natural-stress relief by releasing endorphins
• Provides outlets for instinctual behaviors

When working on a behavior modification protocol, like working to improve separation anxiety or reactivity, all of the benefits above can impact behavior change!

For example, for a dog with separation anxiety, being home alone causes immense stress. To overcome separation anxiety, you’ll need to work through a separation anxiety training protocol. If we can add enrichment into the life of a dog with separation anxiety, we can reduce the overall stress and anxiety in their life and improve their learning abilities!

Think about how much more effective the separation anxiety training protocol would be when you are improving the overall wellbeing of your dog! If you do need help with your dog’s separation anxiety, check out our Separation Anxiety Solutions course! (https://ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining)

Every dog is an individual, so you’ll need to observe your dog to understand what works best for them. The enrichment you choose will totally depend on you, your dog, and the type of behavior you are trying to change.

Do you want to learn more about canine enrichment? Check out our Canine Enrichment Essentials course! 💕 (https://ardentdog.com/canine-enrichment-essentials)

10/29/2024

We love pumpkin at our house! Does your dog love pumpkin?

08/20/2024

Ever been told that ‘spoiling’ your dog or treating them like a baby causes separation anxiety? If so, I want to start by saying I’m truly sorry that you have been made to feel this way. 🙏 I know how it feels. People can have a lot of opinions on how we care for our dogs!

But let’s set the record straight: Loving and caring for our dogs as if they were our children is not only natural but something to be celebrated! 🎉 These acts of affection do not spoil them; rather, they foster a deeper, more meaningful bond.

Our pups are more than just pets; they’re integral members of our families. Their emotional well-being is as important as our own. 🏡 And guess what? Scientific research supports this nurturing approach. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reveals that ‘spoiling activities,’ like allowing your dog on your bed or feeding them treats from the table, are not linked to separation anxiety. 📖

This insight challenges the myth that excessive affection leads to behavioral issues. Instead, it highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the root causes of separation anxiety, which can be complex and varied.

Are you navigating the challenges of separation anxiety with your pup? Interested in learning more about how to help them? Check out link in bio to get our comprehensive Beginner’s Guide to Separation Anxiety Training. Let’s work together to ensure our dogs feel secure, loved, and happy. 💕
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08/07/2024

Separation anxiety training is so much more than just stopping unwanted behaviors like barking or howling. 🐾

It’s really about addressing the underlying fear and anxiety that your dog feels when alone. These emotions drive the behaviors we see, such as potty accidents, scratching doors, and destroying furniture. By treating the root cause and helping your dog feel safe, these behaviors will naturally fade away. 🩵

Join our separation anxiety self-study course to learn how to help your dog overcome their fears! Link in bio. 🐶✨
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07/30/2024

My favorite tool for separation anxiety training is a camera! It is critical that you can observe your dog while you are out of the house! Whether that be during a training session or an actual absence.

Preventing your dog from having a scary alone time experience is key to successful separation anxiety training!

Do you use a camera to watch your dog while you are out of the house?

If you would like to find out more about how to help your dog feel comfortable being home alone, comment “FREE GUIDE” and I’ll send you a link to our FREE Beginner’s Guide to Separation Anxiety Training! Let’s tackle this together! 🌟
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07/18/2024

Do you allow your dog on furniture? Do they sleep on the bed with you? If you do, that is OKAY!

As a certified dog behavior consultant, I specialize in separation anxiety. According to a scientific study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is no association between separation anxiety and “spoiling” activities, such as letting your dog on furniture or sleep on the bed.

If you have ever been made to feel bad that “spoiling” your dog has caused their separation anxiety, I want you to know that is NOT the case! And you can continue living and loving your dog how you choose to!

Now, there might be other reasons that you choose not to allow your dog on furniture, and that is okay too. Do whatever works best for you, your dog, and your household.

Check out our website for our separation anxiety self-study course! www.ardentdog.com/separationanxietytraining

07/17/2024

I am here to help you live the best life with your anxious dog! 🙋🏼‍♀️🐶

Online dog training is especially effective for nervous pups and I have created affordable, self-study training courses to help you ease your dog’s anxiety. 💻

Social is great for quick tips! But if you would like to dive deep, go to our website (www.ardentdog.com) and check out our training resources!

07/15/2024

🏕️ Camping Safely with a Reactive Dog 🐾

Here are my top 5 tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for both you and your dog:

1. Plan Ahead: Find a dog-friendly campsite that has ample space and distance from other campers to minimize stress. I like to use the camping app , it is like Airbnb but for camping! You can filter through their database of private camp sites, some with just a single site! Perfect for reactive dogs! Tip: Always read the reviews before booking!

2. Gradual Exposure: If your dog isn't used to the outdoors, start with short day trips before diving into a full camping adventure. This helps your dog acclimate to new sounds, smells, and environments gradually. Before you go, you can even set up the tent, bedding, and other gear at home to help desensitize your dog to the unfamiliar camping equipment.

3. Leash & Harness: A long line and a well-fitting harness are your best friends. Keep your dog on a leash at all times! You never know what your dog might see, smell, or hear while camping. I also recommend a harness with a handle for safety. makes great outdoor gear for dogs!

4. Campsite Preparation: Set up a secure and cozy space for your dog at the campsite. Bring familiar bedding, blankets, toys, towels, and treats. Create a safe and cozy area where your dog can go if feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to bring plenty of fresh water and food!

5. Safety: Ensure your dog wears a visible ID tag with up-to-date contact information and a microchip as an added layer of security. Bring a doggie first aid kit and any medication your dog may need. Look up the weather before you go to make sure you have appropriate gear and extra layers for sleeping outside. And stay up to date about the wild animals in your area. Do you need to lock up your food at night? Do you need bear spray? You can never be too prepared when camping!

Camping with your reactive dog might take a little extra work, but being prepared will create the best experience for you and your dog!

07/11/2024

Here are 5 ways to reduce your dog’s stress:

1. Predictability & routines
2. Relaxation exercises (I recommend Dr. Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol)
3. Enrichment
4. Agency & choice
5. Safe space (Note: This does NOT mean confining an anxious dog to a crate or other small space. Doing so could make your anxious dog more stressed. But if you create a safe space that your dog feels comfortable in, you can provide an escape from external stimuli that they find overwhelming.)

These are just a few ways that I help to reduce stress for my dogs each day. If you have an anxious dog, it is important to work on reducing stress while separately training to help change their feelings towards specific fears through behavior modification like desensitization and counter conditioning. Each dog is an individual so their training plan will vary. And as always, consult your veterinarian.

If you need help with your dog’s separation anxiety, check out our website (www.ardentdog.com) for our online training courses! Separation Anxiety Solutions has an entire lesson on stress reduction! Canine Enrichment Essentials dives deep into enrichment and how to use it in your dog’s daily life!

07/10/2024

Wally and Raisin have taught me so much as a pet parent and as a dog trainer & behavior consultant. They have shaped my views and have encouraged me to always keep learning!

I am so proud of how far my pups have come and am so happy with the progress we continue to make! I feel incredibly lucky that they get along so well. They wrestle and play every single night!

I absolutely love helping dog parents navigate the world with their nervous pups! It is not always easy but it is so worth it!

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Moving with a separation anxiety dog can be difficult and daunting. Moves can exacerbate separation anxiety. So, we will be working through our separation anxiety training protocol in the new home! This isn’t starting from scratch, but reassessing where she is currently comfortable with. I know she will rock it! If you are ready to start your separation anxiety training journey, join our separation anxiety self-study course or get our free beginner’s guide, link in bio! 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 #ardentdog #seattledogtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainingtip #dogbehavior #positivedogtraining #positivereinforcement #separationanxiety #dogseparationanxiety #feelsafebeinghomealone

Does your dog get overexcited to go outside? Try using training games for door manners! This game is called the Up/Down Pattern Game! It is great to use in small spaces. Just place a treat on the ground between your dog’s feet and wait for them to look up at you! And repeat. This game is a great way to refocus your dog’s attention and calm them down within a predictable and safe framework. I like to use this game before I go outside and then again once I get outside with my dog! To learn more about training games, check out the link in my bio for our Training Games for Confidence Building course! 🐾 🐾 🐾 #ardentdog #dogtraining #positivedogtraining #seattledogtraining #controlunleashed #reactivetorelaxed #reactivedogtraining #reactivedog #confidencetraining #buildconnection #confidence #shydog #shypup #excitement #doormanners

Remember to bring water for you and your dog when hiking in the desert! #hiking #desert #deserthikes #hikingtrails #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #dogtraining #positivedogtraining #dogwalking #offleashdogs