Dog separation anxiety is one of the more common behavior problem we are called in to fix. Unfortunately, most dog trainers dont know how to fix separation anxiety. But as Omaha’s Dog Behavior experts, we knew we needed to develop a Separation Anxiety treatment program for dogs.
We have developed a new treatment program for dogs with separation anxiety. An easy, step by step process that will transform your dog so its no longer insecure when you leave. We are looking for a small number of dogs to particiapate in a pilot program (form at the bottom of this page).
What is Dog Separation Anxiety in Dogs?
In its basic form, dog separation anxiety is a panic attack that develops due to lack of practice at being alone when they are a young puppy. That’s why teaching puppies to be ok being left alone is one of the first lessons we go over in our puppy classes.
We do this by suggesting people positively kennel train their dogs or preferably by setting up a safe sanctuary for your puppy in a room away from where you hang out or sleep. This allows the puppy to “practice” being alone at a time where theuy are open to new experiences. Sadly, many people dont do this when their puppy is younger.
People often take it personally when they come home to find their dog has destroyed furniture, chewed through the front door or a wall, had accidents or barks non stop until someone comes home. But your dog is not acting this way on purpose. And punishing or getting upset when they do so it one of the last things you should do when you want to stop separation anxiety in dogs
Accidents, chewing and other destructive behaviors are common symptoms of Separation Anxiety in dogs
Some dog owners deal with their dog separation anxiety by taking them to a doggy daycare like ours or arrange to have family members or friends watch their dog when they need to leave. While this can help in a pinch, it doesnt fix the dog separation anxiety. Its just a temporary relief.
Other people think a kennel can solve their dog’s separation anxety problem, but that just causes the dog to become more frustrated as its not addressing the root cause to the problem; an insecurity of being left home alone. Or try to escape, or chew their way out of the kennel!
Your dog may not chew things up or soil the house when its in a kennel, but the anxiety is often multiplied, resulting in evern worse behaviors (territorality, barking, aggression, sound sensitivity, fearful behaviors, etc).
After fixing tens of thousands of Omaha-area dog behavior problems, we knew we needed to come up with an easy and effective program to stop separation anxiety in dogs for good.
How We Stop Dog Separation Anxiety in Omaha
Two years ago we decided to develop our own separation anxiety treatment program. Our method is a combination of many of the dog behavior tricks we have used to stop unwanted dog behavior problems since 2011.
In the video below, DGP founder and Dog Behaviorist David Codr talk a little about our program to stop separation anxiety in dogs.
We’d love to tell you that its easy to stop dog separation anxiety, and the good news it – it is! With the right apporach of course.
Requirements for our Treatment Program
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• Sanctuary Room – A room we can use as a safe sanctuary for the dog to practice being alone in. This is where you will practice the exercises and leave your dog when you leave after you have completed the program. A spare bedroom, finished basement, den or room away from the entry / exit door is what is needed.
• Security Camera – Being able to monitor your dog when it cant see you is a crucial component of this program. You will need to have a camera in place so you can watch your dog as it practices being alone.
• Alternative Leave Options – While we work on your dog’s Separation Anxiety, its important you do not leave your dog home alone for a 1-2 month period of time (Doing so is essentially arranging for your dog to practice panicking when left alone which will set back your progress). This means using daycare or having someone stay with your dog when you leave it alone so it doesnt practice panicking when left alone.
• No Fear or Aggression – If your dog is overly fearful or aggressive to humans, those issues will need to be addressed before you can work on your dog’s Separtion Anxiety. You can get information about our behavior help options by clicking this link.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you have a sanctuary room as described in the video and you want to participate in our pilot program, fill out the form below.
