Healthy Mind Canine - Separation Anxiety Training

05/12/2024

Did you know crating a dog with separation anxiety can often make the problem worse?

While crates can be a good tool for many dogs, they aren’t typically ideal for those struggling with separation anxiety. For some dogs, being confined in a crate can heighten their sense of panic, leading to attempts to escape that can even result in injury. Imagine feeling trapped while also being terrified that you are alone—this can be how a dog with separation anxiety experiences a crate.

Instead, many dogs with SA do better in a safe area or a cozy spot where they feel secure but not confined. Creating a peaceful, quiet environment with familiar scents and sounds often provides comfort and helps them feel at ease during alone time.

The key is to understand your dog’s individual needs. We’ll help you determine the best approach to creating a safe, comfortable space for your dog that can improve alone-time training. Every dog’s journey with separation anxiety is unique, and we’re here to guide you in finding the right fit.

28/10/2024

🚨 Now taking non-separation anxiety cases on a limited basis! In person vs virtual dependent on location and what your dog needs help with. Schedule your discovery call to learn about pricing and see if I may be a good fit for you and your dog!

Updated website with this information will be coming soon! 👀

02/10/2024

11/09/2024

Hero’s ☺️

When the World Trade Center collapsed on 9/11, nearly 10,000 rescue workers joined in the efforts. Over 300 of those heroes were dogs.

09/09/2024

Welcome Jasper! 💜

06/09/2024

Huge congrats to Sue and her family for graduating door desensitization!!!

Sometimes it takes us a little extra time to get our foot in the door in the beginning of training. 💜 Miss Sue is one of those special sweet pups! Her family has done such a great job being patient with her and trusting the process!

Go Sue!!!!!

26/08/2024

I was recently asked to write a short article for Dogs On The Run about what I wish every pet parent knew as an SA specialist.
🚨Spoiler alert: Your dog isn't trying to be naughty or spiteful!

https://www.dogsontherun.com/articles/what-separation-anxiety-specialists-wish-pet-parents-knew

What Separation Anxiety Specialists wish parents knew

19/08/2024

We've won the platinum spot in the pet training category for the best of Maple Grove! Thank you all so much for your trust and support! 🏅💜

15/07/2024

Welcome Sue!! 💜

13/07/2024

Did you know, something as simple as sniffing a pile of leaves can have a calming effect on your dog? 🍂

Engaging a primary scent or carrying out repetitive actions such as licking or chewing (providing there’s no threat in the environment) are considered meditative processes. Why? Because they support appropriate gating of sensory integration.

This damping down of activity between neurons means there’s less traffic between the different brain areas, making communication much more ordered and rhythmical.

12/07/2024

Check out our newest testimonial! It was an absolute privilage to work with Ally and sweet Josie!

07/07/2024

Regressions, setbacks, and roadblocks are all normal parts of training.

What matters most is that we are flexible and can adjust our training to conquer those regressions and continue our path to a happy, trusting dog.

02/07/2024

Dogs with separation related anxiety often times are noise phobic as well. The 4th of July can be quite stressful for them so we want to do our best to reduce their stress however we can!

1. Talk to your vet! Though your dog may already be on a daily medication, your vet may recommend using a situational medication during the fireworks if your dog is nervous about loud noises. You'll want to test out the new medication before you actually need it to make sure your dog does well on it! We know that some pet owners hesitate to layer medication like this but often times it is the kindest thing we can do for them in the short term.

2. Do not 🛑 leave your separation anxiety dog home alone during the fireworks. Even if you know your dog can handle a couple hours of alone time normally, leaving them during a scary event like this is likely to set you back in training significantly. We never want the dog experiencing fear when alone even if the scary thing is not the alone time itself. Dogs are masters at making associations. If your dog is hyper attached to you a pet sitter might not cut it.
Do not 🛑 take your dog to a firework display. This goes for any dog really! The lights, the unpredictable loud noises, kids running in the dark, people clapping/cheering, ect.. These are all things that many dogs are uncomfortable with and many dogs go missing during the 4th because they are afraid/stressed/overwhelmed. Even if you think your dog will be fine, don't bring them. No one expects their dog to run away but it happens far more than it should. Expect the unexpected.

3. Pause separation anxiety training for a few days around this time. Especially if you know your dog doesn't like loud noises. No one does their best when they are stressed! Stress can affect the dogs progress even if unrelated to being alone.

4. Don't be afraid to calmly comfort your dog! Positively reinforcing fear by comforting your dog is a myth. Fear/anxiety and the behaviors that come with them are not voluntary and therefore there is nothing to reinforce. We can only reinforce things that the dog can actually control! Refusing to comfort your dog only damages their relationship and attachment to you. It teaches them that they cannot rely on you to help them when they need help. This can actually make their anxiety worse in the moment and in the future. Insecure attachment can also contribute to many other problem behaviors. Be your dog's safety net! You want them to run to you when they need help, not away from you because they know you won't help them.

5. Drown out noise and visual stimuli. Use fans, white noise, music, TV, and black out curtains. Whatever works best for your dog!

16/06/2024

Happy fathers day to all the dog dads out there doing their best to help their dogs in compassionate ways ❤️

27/05/2024

14/05/2024

Yep 👀

13/05/2024

Come see us at our booth at Tails & Ales in Maple Grove this Saturday! We’ll be selling some super cute lick mats!