Head Over Heels

29/08/2024

Schedule changes can be hard on your dog.

27/08/2024

National Dog Day (and Taco Day if you are Tango).

24/08/2024

Practice detailed customized exercises daily

Far from a one-size fits all approach, effective separation anxiety training works when it is at the right level for your dog.

Helping your dog with separation related issues means starting at a point where your dog can be successful. This means adjusting alone time training exercises based on the things your dog finds concerning.

Each dog has unique set of triggers or things that get them worried. Identifying those things that bother them and introducing them carefully into the exercises helps your dog learn that it isn’t scary when you leave.

Each dog has their own patterns of behaviors that they exhibit when they are relaxed and another set they exhibit when they are worried. Learning to identify and understand these behaviors is a critical skill for guardians and owners.

Set up nearly daily practice that keeps your dog in the more relaxed pattern of behaviors.

If you want support understanding how to help your dog be more comfortable at home alone, please reach out and book a free 30 minute session below in the comments.

22/08/2024

Expect a Team Approach with your Team and your Trainer

Behavior issues like separation-related behaviors are often best addressed with a team approach. It is pretty common for dogs with separation issues to also have other physical and/or behavioral issues at play. Each team member has a vital role to play in helping you and your dog succeed.

1-As the owner and guardian, your job is to oversee and provide the day-to-day care and training for your dog. You will observe and document the changes you see in your dog’s behavior, practice alone time exercises provided by your trainer and administer medications if provided by your vet.

2- Your vet will evaluate and treat your dog to keep them physically healthy and well. When behavioral issues are suspected, vets may consider behavioral medications to help your dog when appropriate.

3- Your dog trainer’s job is to help you learn how to manage your dog’s separation anxiety, read your dog’s body language, identify environments where your dog succeeds and those that are harder and then create training exercises that help your dog learn that being alone at home isn’t anything to worry about. Your trainer should also be tracking the progress and adjusting the training plan to help your dog succeed. Additionally your trainer can be a supportive presence when your dog is having a bad day or week. Your trainer should provide regular progress reports to you and your vet based on the data you collect. This data can help you, your vet and your trainer make better treatment decisions.

Working through separation anxiety issues with a dog is possible and very rewarding when you’ve got the right team on board!

19/08/2024

Key Qualities to Look For in A Sep Anx Trainer
Finding a skilled and experienced dog trainer for your dog's separation anxiety is more achievable than you might think. Here are the qualities to look for:
1. Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) or Similar Certification: This certification indicates that they have passed a rigorous test demonstrating their knowledge of training principles and ethics.
2. Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT): A trainer with this certification has undergone extensive training and mentorship specifically in separation anxiety. They are well-versed in the latest techniques and strategies to address these issues effectively.
3. Proven Track Record: Seek out a trainer who has substantial experience working with dogs exhibiting separation-related behaviors. Their hands-on experience with similar cases can make a significant difference.
4. No Guarantees: An ethical trainer will not promise a quick fix or set deadlines for resolving separation anxiety. The success of the training depends on various factors, including those beyond anyone's control. A good trainer will focus on providing education and guidance to help you manage and improve the situation.
5. Frequent Communication and Tailored Training Plans: Expect a trainer to provide detailed, personalized training plans and maintain regular communication. The approach should be customized to fit your dog’s specific needs, your family dynamics, and your home environment.
6. Supporting the Human Element: The trainer should prioritize educating and supporting you, as the changes you make at home are crucial to your dog's progress. Their role is to guide and coach you through the process to effectively address and improve your dog’s behavior.
By seeking a trainer with these qualifications, you can find a professional who is well-equipped to help both you and your dog navigate and manage separation anxiety.

17/08/2024

Tell Your Vet About Concerning Behavior

When your pup has trouble with being left alone at home, one of the most important steps is to talk to your vet about it! For concerning separation-related behaviors your vet can screen for any physical issues that may be contributing to the problem. Additionally vets are a critical part of addressing separation-related behaviors along with your trainer.

Some dogs are more clingy when they don’t feel good physically and it can look like separation anxiety. Once the physical issue is resolved, the separation related behaviors resolve too.

Other times the issue for your dog may be more behavioral in nature and your vet can guide you about medications that may be appropriate for your dog to help with that.

Having a team of a trainer, vet and owner who are working together to help your dog be more comfortable at home alone means that you have more resources available to address physical and psychological issues your pup is experiencing and improves outcomes on all fronts.

15/08/2024

Don’t wait for major destruction or damage

Many times people wait to seek out a dog trainer for their dog’s separation-related behaviors until they are seeing major destruction or damage. For some they may not realize that their dog is having issues being left at home alone until they come home to a destroyed couch, chewed up baseboards, or ripped up carpet. But often the signs of discomfort and anxiety were present long before this happens.

It can be tricky because each dog can have a different expression of their anxiety. Some howl and bark; others whine, pant or pace and some do their best to break down the barriers that keep them inside.

Seeking help for your dog’s less destructive alone time behaviors saves you and your pup from stressful events and can even save you money in the long run!

13/08/2024

For the next few posts I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips for dogs with separation distress. Each post will go into more details about what to look for and how to take action on each tip.

10/08/2024

Another gentle reminder that separation anxiety isn't caused by spoiling your dog. Sometimes the word "hyper-attachment" is used to describe separation-related behaviors and that can lead people to think the best thing to do is to attempt to break the attachment with their dog. Unfortunately that often leads to dogs becoming more anxious, isolated and worried and can have the opposite effect than the one intended. There's a better way. Behavior modification shouldn't hurt.

Permission to cuddle and smooch granted!

09/08/2024

07/08/2024

Separation anxiety isn't a hopeless diagnosis. There are so many resources available to help you, your dog and your couch feel safe and comfortable when you are away.

04/08/2024

Don't be afraid to take a break from training. Spending time with friends and family, fresh air, cool water and fun times can leave our minds and bodies refreshed. Furry bodies can benefit from all the fun and love too.

02/08/2024

Routine changes can be a tough time for dogs who struggle with alone time. Book a free 30 minute call to talk about how to help your dog ease into new routines.

29/07/2024

One myth I hear often from dog owners is that they've been told allowing their dogs on the bed or couch causes separation anxiety. It doesn't. You don't have to allow your dog on the bed or the couch but if you do, you aren't making the separation related behaviors worse. For many dogs with separation related distress near your is where they relax and sleep best. A well-rested dog is better able to learn new calm alone time behaviors.

27/07/2024

Especially for dogs who panic when left alone at home, bonding activities can improve their relaxation when you are with them. Try some of these activities when you are together to strengthen your relationship. Contrary to some ideas, bonding with your dog doesn't make them more dependent, it actually makes them more resilient! If your dog is hyper-focused on your have a trusted friend or family member try some of these activities with your dog.

25/07/2024

One of the best things any dog owner can do is learn about dog body language. For dog owners with dogs who struggle when left alone understanding how dogs use their bodies to communicate is a must. This is the starting point for getting more comfortable at home alone.

23/07/2024

For dogs who struggle when left alone strengthening the bond between your dog and the important people in their lives benefits both the humans and dogs.

21/07/2024

It is ok to comfort a worried and anxious dog. If your dog needs lots of soothing when you return home training can help your dog learn that your absences are no big deal.

19/07/2024

Setting up a comfy and safe place for newly adopted dogs in their new home can help them feel more comfortable being alone. It is important to use that space when you are home and when you are away. It's sort of a home base for your new friend.

17/07/2024

Helping your newly adopted dog feel more comfortable in their new home can be as simple as having a neighbor or friend check in on your dog while you are gone for longer absences.

15/07/2024

Consider taking dogternity leave when bringing a new dog home. That way practicing absences can be eased into a little bit at a time.

12/07/2024

Things like bags, sunglasses, keys often become tip offs to your dog that things are about to get scary. What signs does your dog notice and get worried about before you leave?

10/07/2024

Your dog's separation distress isn't hopeless. And you can both have a great quality of life immediately if you know the right steps

08/07/2024

Sometimes dogs with separation anxiety can be very insistent about leaving with you. Using a second barrier or gate can help keep your dog safe when you are coming and going.

03/07/2024

July is lost pet prevention month. Especially if you are expecting fireworks, your dog with separation anxiety is safer inside preferably with a trusted person nearby.

01/07/2024

Vacations don't have to be on hold during separation anxiety training. With a little extra planning you and your dog can go on adventures together!

29/06/2024

Some people find out that their dogs have alone time issues when their neighbors tell them their dog is barking and howling when they are gone. Training your dog to be comfortable at home alone also makes good neighbors.

26/06/2024

You don't have to wait for your dog to destroy the house to get help. If your dog is already destroying the house, ask for help now.

24/06/2024

Owners often wait until they are seeing destructive behaviors to ask for help, but asking for help earlier is a much better plan.