Separation anxiety
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, He’s not alone. Millions of dogs across the globe struggle with alone time. Many of these dogs are so panicked that they might even attempt to chew their way out of crates and doors. Some dogs are so terrified that they will even jump through plate-glass windows to get outside. Needless to say, separation anxiety can be an incredibly debilitating problem for those dogs and for the people who live with them and love them.
Many of your dog’s behaviours may feel like separation anxiety, but are they truly indicative of this legitimate panic disorder? First, it is necessary to check whether they are actually expressing symptoms of this panic disorder. Dogs with separation anxiety aren’t bored, spiteful, or totally adoring of you; they’re paralyzed. Below you will find some of the most common indicators that your dog would benefit from our separation anxiety program.
Departure anxiety
Does your dog start to get anxious well before you actually leave? Guardians of dogs with separation anxiety often notice some combination of the following behaviours as they get ready to leave the house:
- Panting
- Pacing
- Drooling
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Refusal to eat
You might notice these behaviours as you grab your keys, put on your shoes, or maybe even earlier in your routine. Your dog has learned these tip-offs predict being left alone.
Destruction around exit points
Many dogs are genuinely bored when their guardians leave and this often manifests as chewing up the couch or your favorite pair of chews. This behaviour comes heavily reinforced because there is no one to interrupt and redirect the chewing.
But the chewing that separation anxiety dogs engage in has a much different flavor than that of dogs who are just bored. Separation anxiety dogs are panicking. Separation anxiety dogs are panicking. And because they are trying to escape, their chewing and digging often happens at doors and windows.
Self-harm when alone
Imagine if you were trapped in a room alone with no apparent way out. Your fear and panic would become so intense that you would become desperate to escape–so desperate that you may even hurt yourself trying to do so.
Broken teeth, bleeding paws and muzzles are often seen as dogs attempt to dig and chew their way out. They will often escape wire-style crates. Dogs left in more secure “escape proof” crates may drool so excessively that they are completely soaked by the time that their guardians return.
Refusal to eat
Imagine once again that you were locked in a room with no apparent way out. As you desperately try to escape, you notice that your favourite pizza is sitting on the counter fresh out the oven, waiting for you. You may love that pizza, but you’re way too panicked to eat.
Dogs with separation anxiety feel the same way. They just are too anxious to eat or engage chew toys while alone. If your dog refuses high-value food that you give him when left alone, then devours it when you return, it may be diagnostic of separation anxiety.
But, good news: separation anxiety can be treated.
How does training work?
By using the same methods psychologists employ to help people overcome their fears, we can little-by-little teach your pup that being left alone is not scary. We start by figuring out how much time your dog can handle being alone, and then we gradually increase that duration while he stays relaxed.
Going at your dog’s pace is EVERYTHING. If we push too fast, we run the risk of making your dog’s fear worse, which will slow our progress.
With the aid of easy-to-use video conferencing and recording software on your phone, computer, and/or tablet, you will be able to watch your pup in real time when he or she is home alone, so that we can customize individualized training plans for you each day.
We are there for you every step of the way, to help you and your pup get to the other side of this condition. Our scientifically-proven training method has helped dogs all over the world recover from this phobia, so that they and their families can finally feel peace.
Ready to get started?
The first step is to book your initial assessment.
- 1 houre
- $145 + tx
and if I still need help?
After the initial assessment, there are several ways to get follow-up support.
First month of follow-up
20 personalized training plans
4 live video consultations
Interactive progress tracking
$740
2nd & 3rd month of follow-up
20 personalized training plans
4 live video consultations
Interactive progress tracking
$665
4th & + month of follow-up
20 personalized training plans
4 live video consultations
Interactive progress tracking
$590