Separation
Anxiety training
before you start separation Anxiety training
Many dog owners researching separation anxiety training in dogs are shocked to discover that their barking, whining, or destructive dog doesn’t actually have separation anxiety. True separation anxiety as an emotional problem is extremely rare. In most cases, dogs have learned over time that their behavior causes their favorite people to return. This is wonderful news, because correcting the unwanted behavior is often a breeze!
The first signs of true anxiety are having panting and excessive drooling. Anxious dogs will leave entire puddles of drool on the ground and be out of breath beyond reason of physical activity. If your dog isn’t panting or drooling when left alone, they are probably acting out of protest instead of anxiety.
Gain the freedom to
leave the house, worry-free
Whether you’re dealing with separation anxiety, anxiety in the crate, or protest behaviors, the first step in separation anxiety training is always to create a safe and comfortable space for your dog to be in when left alone.
Crate training is the best option for most dogs. Your dog’s crate is like a baby’s crib. With proper training, most dogs come to love their crates and use it as a comforting personal space. The crate also keeps your anxious dog safe if they are likely to chew, destroy, or consume dangerous things like electronic devices and blankets.
Once you have created an appropriate space for your dog to stay in, we’ll start working on calm separation. We use an individualized combination of the 3 approaches described below:
3 separation anxiety training methods combined
There are 3 approaches to separation anxiety training that we find worthwhile. While each approach has their own pros and cons, our team at Traction Dog Training Club is the first to use combinations of all 3 methods at once. Our approach has emerged as the fastest and most successful anxiety training program:
1. desensitization training
—> Dogs are exposed to alone time very slowly and carefully. The steps you take before leaving your dog alone are broken into micro actions and repeated until they become meaningless to your dog.
PRO: This method can be successful in nearly 100% of cases.
CON: It takes months or years to complete, and your use of the method must be perfect.
2. use of corrections
—> Anxious behaviors are purposely triggered by leaving the dog alone. Each time the dog barks or whines, they are told, “NO” through the door or audio video camera. The owner returns to the room and corrects the dog (makes a loud sound, sprays water, or something similar), then immediately leaves again. The dog learns not to bark or whine, which does actually work as separation anxiety training, truly teaching them to cap their emotions and remain calm instead of panicking when left alone.
PRO: When it works, this method is complete within a few days and the dog remains calm when left alone for long periods.
CON: It does not work on all dogs.
3. COUNTER CONDITIONING WITH A REMOTE COLLAR.
—> First, the owner spends ample time petting their dog while giving low level ecollar stimulation. The dog is then left alone, but given ecollar stimulation while alone. The stimulation makes the dog feel like their owner is petting them even though they are alone, teaching them to feel calm when alone.
PRO: It works on most dogs, and quickly!
CON: This is a new method that we simply have less experience with.
Our separation anxiety dog training team at Traction Dog Training Club has found across the board success that only takes 1-3 weeks using an individualized combination of all 3 separation anxiety training methods. Get an overview of our training methods here.
Schedule a free phone consultation to discuss which program best suits your dog.
