Piecing It Together: Navigating the Complexities of Separation Anxiety Training
Practicing absences with a dog that has separation anxiety might seem straightforward—just leave and come back, right? However, effective separation anxiety training involves much more. If you’ve ever noticed that certain parts of your leaving routine upset your dog more than others, you’re probably right.
That's why, as professionals, we adopt a holistic approach to this training, carefully considering the unique challenges each dog faces. We identify the specific aspects of separation anxiety that might be easier or more difficult for your dog, focusing on several key factors:
Time of Day: Some dogs struggle more with absences depending on the time of day.
Day of the Week: Dogs may react differently depending on the day, especially with hybrid work schedules where time is split between home and the office.
Who Is Leaving: Some dogs become more distressed when a particular person leaves, or when more than one person leaves at once.
Pre-Departure Cues (PDQs): Signals that tip your dog off, like grabbing keys, putting on shoes, or picking up a bag, can trigger anxiety.
External Factors: These can include anything unsettling, like thunderstorms, the arrival of delivery people, or loud sounds like trash collection.
Once we identify these triggers, we systematically break down the areas where your dog struggles and gradually reintroduce them in a controlled manner. This methodical process allows your dog to adjust at their own pace, reducing anxiety without overwhelming them.
I like to think of it as baking: following steps in order is crucial because baking is a science that relies on precise interactions between ingredients. Everything can’t just be thrown in at once. By taking things step-by-step, each part of the process plays its role, leading to a more successful final product.
Ultimately, separation anxiety training demands a personalized and patient approach. By understanding your dog’s specific needs and gradually working through their triggers, we create a plan that fosters confidence and comfort. Over time, with consistent practice, your dog will feel more secure in your absence, leading to a calmer, happier life for both of you.
If you’re new to separation anxiety training, or if you've hit a plateau, we invite you to explore our approach and insights on our website and blog. You can also schedule a complimentary discovery call with our team. Let’s work together to help you and your dog reclaim your freedom.
Everdog Training, based in Boston, MA, is proud to work with separation anxiety clients both nationwide and worldwide.
