Effective Aids to Boost Success in Separation Anxiety Training

No matter how you slice it, dog separation anxiety training is a lengthy process. Frequently, prospective clients ask me if there are any shortcuts or things they can do to speed training up. While there are no shortcuts or “quick tips,” there are methods to aid in the process, helping you make the most of your training sessions.

Sound Masking

Sound masking can help cover up outdoor noises that might trigger a dog's anxiety. There are different ways to mask sounds, either by playing sounds at varying frequencies or using music.

White, Pink, and Brown Noise

• White noise: Contains equal power across all frequencies in the audible range, creating a constant "hiss."

• Pink noise: Has more energy in lower frequencies, creating a balanced, soothing sound, often compared to rainfall or wind.

• Brown noise: Has even more power at lower frequencies, producing a deep rumble, like distant thunder.

Music
While music can help mask noise, choosing the right type is important. Music isn’t as effective as sound masking because it doesn’t cover all the frequencies necessary. Sound masking methods like white or pink noise are better at consistently covering a range of frequencies that mask speech and environmental noise without being distracting. So if our goal is to mask sounds similar to the ones triggering your dog, music isn’t the most effective option.

Managing Sightlines

Managing what your dog sees indoors can help reduce stress and improve their well-being. Dogs are highly visual animals, and what they observe can impact how they feel. Here are some reasons managing a dog's sightline indoors can benefit separation anxiety training:

Reducing Anxiety and Overstimulation

• Visual triggers: Dogs can become anxious or upset by seeing things like people walking outside, other animals, or sudden movements. Controlling their sightline can minimize these triggers and help your dog stay calm during separation anxiety training exercises.

Supporting Training

• Minimizing reactive behavior: Dogs that react to certain visual stimuli, like other dogs or strangers, can benefit from being shielded from these triggers indoors. Without constant exposure, they can maintain a calmer baseline both during training sessions and during other times of day as well.

To help manage sightlines, consider closing curtains or blinds during absences. If your dog tends to push blinds or curtains out of the way to see outside, using window film might be a more effective solution.

Confine to Quieter Parts of the House

If external factors are triggering your dog in specific areas of your home, try confining them to quieter sections. For example, you could keep your dog in the back of the house, away from the street noise.

However, many dogs with separation anxiety also have confinement anxiety. In such cases, gating off certain areas may be a more effective approach than full confinement (crating). It’s best to brainstorm options with a certified separation anxiety professional if you’re working with a trainer.

Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells can be particularly helpful since many dogs get riled up by traditional doorbell sounds. Smart doorbells have a couple of distinct advantages:

• Customizable Chimes: Many smart doorbells offer a variety of chime options. If certain tones or pitches upset your dog, you can change the chime to something less disturbing.

• Adjustable Volume: Most smart doorbells allow you to adjust the volume, so you can reduce it to a level that’s less startling for your dog.

Separation anxiety training takes time, patience, and consistency, but with the right strategies, it can be a smoother process for both you and your dog. Techniques like sound masking, managing sightlines, confining your dog to quieter areas of the home, and using smart doorbells can help reduce stress triggers. While there are no shortcuts, incorporating these methods into your training routine can create a more calming environment, making your dog's progress more manageable. Remember, every dog is different, so finding what works best for your pet may take some experimentation and, if needed, the support of a certified separation anxiety professional.

For those who haven’t started their training journey yet, but are eager to dive deeper into our training approach or seek further insights into separation anxiety in dogs, I encourage you to explore our website, blog, or schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team. Together, we can work on helping you and your dog get your freedom back.

Everdog Training is located in Boston, MA, but accepts separation anxiety clients both nationwide and worldwide.