Why to Avoid 'Crying It Out' Methods for Dogs with Separation Anxiety
What I deeply admire about our prospective dog training clients is their unwavering dedication to the well-being of their beloved dogs. In today's digital age, where an overflow of training advice inundates the internet, it's understandable how overwhelming it can be to navigate through it all. That's why I truly respect their commitment to finding what genuinely benefits their dogs amidst the cacophony of information, especially when it comes to people doing research for separation anxiety in dogs.
One piece of advice I often come across when dealing with dogs suffering from separation anxiety is the notion of letting them "cry it out" in the hopes that they will eventually overcome it.
Allow me to dispel this myth. Dogs grappling with separation anxiety don’t simply "get over it". They aren't misbehaving or acting out of spite; rather, they're overwhelmed by panic and fear. They're genuinely terrified of being left alone and will do anything in their power to alleviate their distress. Leaving them alone to "cry it out" doesn't address the root of their anxiety; it merely teaches them that their distress won't change the situation, leaving them in a perpetual state of fear and discomfort.
So, what's the alternative?
Our approach is twofold:
Firstly, we advocate for seeking guidance from a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) or a Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer. At Everdog Training and Behavior, we hold certifications in both and are eager to support you and your dog. Our training methodology focuses on systematic desensitization, gradually introducing your dog to periods of alone time in a way that produces no fear or discomfort. Each plan is tailored to your dog's unique needs, with the goal of gradually increasing the duration of absences until your objectives are achieved and you both find freedom once more.
Secondly, we recommend suspending all anxiety-inducing absences. This may require some creative solutions, such as working from home whenever possible, bringing your dog to the office if permitted, or coordinating with your spouse or partner to alternate work-from-home days to minimize reliance on external help. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or neighbors for assistance – many people enjoy spending time with dogs, especially those who can't have pets of their own.
In essence, it's worth investing the time and effort to find ways to minimize absences for dogs struggling with separation anxiety. Instead of allowing dogs to suffer in silence, let's focus on strategies that nurture their well-being and help them feel secure when apart from us. When dogs are no longer trapped in a cycle of fear, that's when real progress can be made, and wonderful things can happen.
For further insights into managing separation anxiety in dogs, please explore our main page. Additionally, we offer complimentary discovery calls for those interested in delving deeper into our training programs.
Everdog Training is located in Boston, MA, but accepts separation anxiety clients both nationwide and worldwide.
