Treating Separation Anxiety In Dogs

25/06/2024

😫 Frantically googling for help? Feeling overwhelmed by all the information online? Need help now?

Our Mission POSSIBLE online course makes separation anxiety training within your reach.

In This Course You’ll Learn About:
🐾 The process of desensitization and why it’s the gold standard for separation anxiety treatment.
🐾 Understanding your dog’s threshold and how to work below it.
🐾 Managing and suspending absences creatively for alone-time success.
🐾 Assessing your dog and using our step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
🐾 Information on medications used in treating separation anxiety from a veterinary behavior specialist.

Know someone who needs support on their Separation Anxiety journey? Tag them in the comments below.

24/06/2024

We aren't perfect as humans, and while we try to avoid mistakes in our training, it does happen.

📈 Progress isn’t linear, but as we work towards our goals with honesty, fairness, and compassion for our dogs, we will reach them!

Keep pushing forward and remember to be kind to yourself and your pup.

23/06/2024

We can’t pour from an empty cup, so remember to be kind to yourself! Your well-being is just as important. Our CSATs understand that it’s both ends of the leash that matter. 🐾

21/06/2024

Help at your fingertips! We're here for you whenever you're ready to start. 🌟

Visit our site today to see how we can help you and your dog. 🐾

20/06/2024

Thank you for having me on your podcast, Tom!

I had the honor of speaking on the Simplifying Shelter Behaviour podcast about separation related behaviors in the shelter setting.

Click the link below to give it a listen!

Don't forget to check out our 'Support For Shelters' collection on our website: https://malenademartini.com/support-for-shelters/

*New Episode! Separation related behaviours in shelter dogs- with Malena DeMartini*

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ea6VTImAPcnlXilJYunij

Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/simplifying-shelter-behaviour/id1713209314

This week we discussed separation related problems with one of the leading experts, Malena De Martini.

Separation related problems are one of the most difficult problem behaviours we face, and this is even truer when we consider the shelter and rescue environment

In this episode we discuss what are separation related behaviour, how we can assess them in shelter and what plans we can come up with to support and work with dogs facing these issues.

Malena and her team are also collecting information about dogs in shelter with seperation issues and what support YOU think you need complete th survey here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfodyugvOJ3M6suADfBfYhFncowOXNkkHDQii0OQKhbBfUjvQ/viewform?usp=send_form

About Malena

Malena DeMartini is a Certified Trainer and Counselor (CTC) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) – Since 2001, she has specialized exclusively in canine separation anxiety, having worked hundreds of cases and constantly innovating to find better ways to treat the condition and support guardians, other trainers, rescues, and shelters. Malena is renowned worldwide for her success in helping countless dogs (and the people who love them) overcome this debilitating behavior issue.

Malena is the founder of the prestigious Separation Anxiety Certification Program (SACP), which has graduated hundreds of Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) across the globe. She oversees a team of top separation anxiety trainers, as well as organizing and leading ongoing professional development opportunities for her international network of CSATs. For dog guardians, Malena has created Mission: POSSIBLE, an online self-paced course that has proven to be an invaluable resource in the industry with an immeasurable success rate. She is also passionate about offering educational opportunities for other dog professionals.

Links

Support for shelter- https://malenademartini.com/support-for-shelters/

Survey for shelter staff- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfodyugvOJ3M6suADfBfYhFncowOXNkkHDQii0OQKhbBfUjvQ/viewform?usp=send_form

Free mini seperation shelter course- https://school.grishastewart.com/courses/separationanxietyrescue?ref=352ff9

20/06/2024

🛌 Take a day off! Seriously, latent learning, which is when dogs process and retain information from previous training sessions even while resting, can help our dogs process alone time and gives us a chance to decompress after training sessions. Let’s give both ourselves and our dogs a well-deserved break 💤

19/06/2024

🌟 We greatly value your experience with our services, including individual training, Mission POSSIBLE participation, and the use of our various free resources.

We would love it if you could take a moment to share your experience by leaving us a review. Your feedback helps us improve and continue providing the best care for your pets.

Thank you for your continued trust and support!

Use the link in bio to leave us 5-stars!

18/06/2024

We turn the impossible into the POSSIBLE here!

Don’t wait, read Malena's separation anxiety book available called "Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Next Generation Treatment Protocols and Practices" online with our friends at DogWise or on Amazon

17/06/2024

⭐ NEW BLOG ⭐
The Truth About Regressions: Normal but Not Easy
By: Hannah Thiemann

When I adopted my dog, Adora, I already knew she had a hard time being alone. In fact, her barking, crying, destructive behavior, and escape attempts when separated from her foster mom were a big factor in my decision to bring her home. After all, who better to adopt this anxious dog than a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer?

Before Adora came home, I was already preparing for life with a dog who couldn’t be alone. I booked a vet appointment to address the medical issues she’d picked up as a stray, identified the dog-friendly stores nearby that would allow me to run errands without arranging a pet sitter, and recruited helpers to keep Adora company when I had to go out without her. With a solid plan in place to avoid scary alone time until I could teach Adora that being alone actually wasn’t scary, we brought her home.

As I frequently tell my clients, however, separation anxiety training is a marathon, not a sprint. Even with all my ducks in a row, tackling Adora’s fear of being alone was a lengthy process. Multiple health issues that caused chronic pain and discomfort made it hard for Adora to feel comfortable in any situation, and this was exacerbated when I left. A profound fear of loud noises caused repeated setbacks in a city where thunderstorms are a regular occurrence and football victories are celebrated with fireworks. Adora’s early selection of me as “her person” meant that she would scream and claw at the door when I left, even with our other dog and multiple other humans keeping her company. We made slow, somewhat unsteady progress, took weeks off from training when she needed them, and finally reached the point where she could handle being home without any human company. A little over a year after she first joined our family, Adora was putting herself to bed when we left and greeting us calmly at the door when we returned after long absences. My wife and I celebrated tackling this issue and finally getting to live a “normal” life with our very sweet dog.

Then...

Read the full blog here ⬇
https://malenademartini.com/the-truth-about-regressions/

17/06/2024

"People need to go through the same desensitization process that their dogs have,” says CSAT, Casey McGee.

After witnessing our dogs panic to the point of injuring themselves or tearing apart our homes, we become hypervigilant to prevent another meltdown.

Read the full article "Turning Off Our Camera" on our website! 📖

Visit our website, click "Blogs", and search the title of the blog!

12/06/2024

Did you know dogs can experience panic attacks similar to people? It’s more than just wanting to be let out or needing to say hi.

Treating separation anxiety like the severe behavior it is can help us empathize with our dogs and set them up for greater success.

📖 Read our “How To Leave Your Dog With Separation Anxiety Alone” for helpful hints on how to handle these big feelings!

Visit our website, click "blog", and search "How To Leave Your Dog With Separation Anxiety Alone"!

10/06/2024

📱🐶 Technology! Gone are the days of pushing a dog past their threshold. With cameras, smartphones, laptops, and more, tracking your dog's progress is easier than ever.

✨ This means training can be adapted faster and helps you and your dog reclaim your lives.

Learn more through our Mission POSSIBLE 2.0 course! Check the comments for the link!

10/06/2024

Dog training is for everyone, and everyone deserves to hold space. 🌈 Happy Pride Month from all of us! ❤️

09/06/2024

For those of you searching for support with separation anxiety, participating in this study could be a great option! Check it out!

Animal Behavior Wellness Center is looking for dogs to enroll in a clinical trial investigating an oral behavioral support supplement in dogs with separation anxiety Please share!

Does your dog tremble, vocalize, pant excessively, or become destructive when you leave the house? Has your dog been diagnosed with separation anxiety? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, please contact us about enrollment in our double-blinded, placebo controlled, fully funded clinical study. This is a completely remote study, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your dog into the clinic. During the 30 day study, your dog will receive either a placebo or an oral behavioral support supplement. When you leave home (for example, to go to work) your dog will be evaluated via a 20 minute video, using a provided web cam.

Your participation is confidential, and you will be compensated for your time. At the conclusion of the study, regardless of the test group to which you’re assigned, you will also receive 3 FREE months of a nutritional behavioral support supplement.

Scan the QR code or visit https://www.abwellnesscenter.com/clinical-behavior-trial for more information. Thank you for helping to promote the behavioral wellness of our best friends.

Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Treatment. Training. Compassion.



11230 Waples Mill Road
Suite 125A
Fairfax, VA, USA 22030
888.438.0788 ext.1

05/06/2024

Do you operate a shelter? Did you know we can provide workshops for your staff and volunteers?

Tag a shelter or rescue who might like to learn more about Separation Anxiety in shelters/rescues!

05/06/2024

There are many factors that could impact your dog's progress that are beyond our control.

- Medical issues 🏥
- Adhering to training 📋
- Inability to monitor everything that happens 👀

If you're still struggling even with the support of our course, contact a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) today! A more hands-on approach can make a big difference and help you see results faster. 👍

02/06/2024

Can our Mission POSSIBLE course benefit trainers?

Yes, of course! It's packed with valuable information on separation anxiety, designed for pet parents around the world, but a good instructional tool for professionals as well.

If you're a trainer, check out our Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) program on our website to deepen your expertise in this field.

01/06/2024

Understanding a dog's full history during intake at the shelter can be crucial for their future. It helps provide better care and find them a forever home more quickly, reducing their time in the shelter. Learn more about our available resources for shelters, which span from intake through post-adoption. Click the link in our bio.

31/05/2024

Feeling hopeless about your dog's separation anxiety? There's hope with our online course! Our team of experts, including Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs), are here for you 365. We use the latest and most compassionate methods to help you and your dog overcome separation anxiety.

Sign up today and find your hope. 💙

31/05/2024

Unravel the mysteries of dog separation anxiety with our groundbreaking book! Dive into expert insights, effective strategies, and compassionate guidance to help your dog overcome anxiety and thrive. Say goodbye to anxious moments and hello to a happier, more confident pup!

26/05/2024

If our dogs could speak, what would they say?

💭 “I get scared when you leave.”

💭 “I didn't mean to break the door; I just didn't know what to do.”

💭 “I got so scared I peed.”

Remember, our dogs are trying to communicate their needs. It's up to us to listen and support them.

22/05/2024

Join our Mission POSSIBLE 2.0 program to tackle dog separation anxiety with proven methods! No more outdated techniques. Learn how to help your dog feel secure when you’re away.

Sign up today and make separation anxiety a thing of the past!

21/05/2024

Interactive feeding toys are a great tool for enriching dog's lives and enhancing their well-being. They can be a lovely adjunct to helping a dog burn off a little mental energy and can be a lifesaver when needing the dog to be happily engaged (and quiet) during a Zoom meeting!🐾

In "Separation Anxiety in Dogs," Malena DeMartini covers how to use toys, which are a great addition to a dog's life but might not be the solution to alone-time behavior problems.

Get your copy of the book now and start your deeper understanding to create a happier, more confident dog! 📘

20/05/2024

Medication can be a helpful tool when dealing with panic disorders in both people and dogs. However, it's crucial to understand that medication alone won't solve our dog's separation anxiety issues. It can, however, help increase retention and learning, making training more effective for both you and your pup.

If you're curious about whether medication could be a good addition to your dog's separation anxiety training, consult your veterinarian for expert advice. Remember, it's about finding the right balance to help your dog thrive.

17/05/2024

Have you ever had someone tell you that your dog will "grow out" of separation anxiety or that it's your fault because you give them too much attention? These are just a few of the common myths about separation anxiety in dogs. Let’s set the record straight.

1. The guardian causes separation anxiety: No, showing affection and caring for your dog isn't the reason they have separation anxiety.

2. Separation anxiety isn't treatable: Actually, with the right methods, separation anxiety can be managed and even resolved. It takes patience and consistency, but it's possible!

3. Dogs grow out of separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is a clinical disorder, and dogs don't simply outgrow it. Ignoring it can actually make it worse.

Join us as we continue to bust more myths about separation anxiety.

What's the most common myth you've heard? Share it with us!

16/05/2024

Every dog is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution for separation anxiety. 🐾 To help your dog, you need a custom training plan.

Looking for expert guidance? Contact one of our Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) to get started!

Learn more: https://malenademartini.com/for-owners/why-hire-csat-trainer/

15/05/2024

⭐ NEW BLOG ⭐
By Kathryn Gabriele

Over the last year and a half, I’ve spoken with countless guardians of dogs with separation anxiety looking for support. In our initial conversation, we talk about what separation anxiety is, what it’s like to work a training protocol, and, yes, why managing the dog’s alone time is a requirement for successful training. Like with any other behavior issue, training and management are both necessary for overcoming separation anxiety, and guardians deserve to know that upfront.

Asking a guardian to promise not to leave their dog alone longer than they can handle while executing a protocol is truly not arbitrary, nor an ask I make lightly. The goal of training is to change the dog’s emotional response to being home alone, which means not exposing them to scary absences is essential for learning and progress. I can empathize with how intimidating and challenging this sounds and feels, and I know it’s doable. How? It’s a promise I made as a guardian to a dog with separation anxiety and have since talked with hundreds of other guardians who have willingly done the same.

Believe me, I understand doable is not the same as easy. Managing absences requires time, mental energy, emotional labor, and, for many, an additional expense. There’ll be days you’ll want to break that promise because you’re exhausted, frustrated, and angry; you’re not alone in those feelings. I’ve been there, and many others have too. When you question why you’ve made this promise to your dog, please remember it’s temporary and why you are doing it – for you and your dog!

Read the full blog here ⬇ (or link in bio)
🔗 https://malenademartini.com/problem-solving-the-puzzle-of-alone-time-management/

12/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommas out there! 🌸💖 We hope today has been filled with love for you!

11/05/2024

Happy National Dog Mom's Day! Today, we're sending a huge shoutout to all the incredible dog moms who work so hard with their dogs who have separation anxiety. 🌸🐾

You're not just a dog mom—you’re a superhero to your pup! Thank you for your patience, love, and dedication. Remember, you're never alone on this journey. We're here for you every step of the way.

Tag a dog mom who deserves some extra love today! 💕🐾

10/05/2024

Does your dog have separation anxiety? 🐶 Knowing the signs can help you take action. Here are a few to look out for:

Excessive barking
Destructive behavior
Not eating when alone
Heavy panting
Reacting to exit cues
Excessive drooling
Over-the-top greetings when you return
House accidents

If you've seen any of these signs, tell us about it in the comments! 👇