Know your source.

There is a lot of misinformation about canine separation anxiety that continues to circulate online. It is important to find a professional who has specific training and certification in separation anxiety. See below, where some of the myths of canine separation anxiety are addressed, and to find out more information about how gradual de-sensitization works.

Did giving my dog too much affection, or letting her sleep on my bed, cause separation anxiety?

No! This is the worst myth I see circulating. There is no need to withhold affection from your dog, or limit their time spent on the furniture. If giving our dogs affection and letting them sleep in our beds caused separation anxiety, it would be much more prominent.

What do you mean by “suspending absences”? Do I have to do this to get my dog over separation anxiety?

Suspending absences is how we manage your dog’s anxiety while they learn that alone time is safe. It means we stop leaving the dog for longer than they can handle. Management is the cornerstone of any behaviour modification plan to ensure your dog does not continue to rehearse behaviours. The more your dog rehearses a behaviour, the harder it is to decrease that behaviour in the future. Phobias frequently do get worse on exposure, and we want to start making life easier for the dog.

How long does training take?

I wish I could give you an answer, but when it comes to behaviour modification every dog and every owner are different. Every dog will respond differently to this training, and every owner will have different abilities to carry out the training exercises each week.

What is required from me in order to train intensively?

A dedication to suspending absences, an openness to medication if our data shows it may support our behaviour modification efforts, a willingness to work on separation anxiety 4 - 5x a week, and a positive attitude that is ready to celebrate small wins along the way!

External cameras, or additional devices, may help to ensure we can watch our dog while we are not home - especially as we build up alone time comfort. My favourite is the Wyze cam, which you can share with all members of your household as well as your trainer.

Does my dog need to be crate trained to do separation anxiety training?

A lot of dogs who have separation anxiety suffer from confinement anxiety as well. Some do find solace in their confinement areas, but many do better with a more open area they are allowed the roam in. There are creative solutions to confinement for dogs who do not like the crate during alone time, and we can discuss these together during a consultation.

Do I need to medicate my dog to get him over his separation anxiety?

Not necessarily, but many dogs recover quicker and more smoothly with the help of anxiety medications. Medication can greatly improve your dog’s response to treatment. Discuss your concerns about alone time, and any concerns you may have about medication, with your veterinarian to figure out what works best for you and your dog.