Professional Help for Dog Separation Anxiety

If you've noticed your dog exhibiting signs of distress when you're away, you're not alone. Separation anxiety in dogs is a common issue that can be challenging to manage on your own.

While you might be tempted to try DIY solutions, getting professional help for dog separation anxiety can make a significant difference in your dog's well-being. Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) offer specialized programs tailored to your pet's unique needs, employing proven techniques to address the root causes of anxiety. But what exactly can you expect from professional intervention, and how does it differ from standard ‘obedience‘ training or leave them a food toy and they'll be ok style of separation training?

In this article I'll give you a brief overview to understanding dog separation anxiety and what that looks like, as well as the causes and triggers. Then we'll take a look at the professional programs available, how you can work with a trainer anywhere in the world, and how we work using the most up to date science backed desensitization methods.

If you're looking for professional help for dog separation anxiety from a Certified Companion Animal Behaviorist and Separation Anxiety Trainer then check out the about me page, or book a call or package.

Understanding Canine Separation Anxiety

Canine separation anxiety kicks in when dogs experience extreme distress upon being left alone, often leading to disruptive behaviors that can strain both the pet and owner. Understanding the signs of separation anxiety in your dog is essential for addressing the issue effectively.

You might notice excessive barking, indoor accidents, or destructive actions near exits when you're away. Your beloved companion may also exhibit signs of distress such as whining, howling, or even attempting to harm themselves.

Various factors can contribute to separation anxiety in dogs, including their life stage, fear of confinement, or lack of acclimation to being alone. Recognizing these underlying causes is vital for developing an appropriate training plan.

Professional help from a Separation Anxiety Behavior Specialist can provide specialized guidance tailored to your dog's unique needs. These experts can offer invaluable insights into your pet's behavior and equip you with effective training techniques.

Learn more in my full article on Understanding Separation Anxiety.

Signs of Distress in Dogs

Recognizing signs of distress in your dog is important for addressing separation anxiety effectively. When you leave your dog alone, they may exhibit various behaviors that indicate they are in distress. You might notice excessive barking, which can be a cry for attention “Mom, where are you, I need you” or an expression of anxiety, “I'm scared because I'm alone” and often barking itself helps them to feel better in the short term. 

Indoor toilet accidents, even in well-trained dogs, can be a sign of separation-related behavior. Yes, that feeling dogs get when they do this is nothing to do with a dirty protest, or doing it to spite you, but it actually a huge feeling of relief, and temporarily makes them feel better.

Your dog may be making escape attempts If you find destructive behavior near exits, such as scratched doors or chewed windowsills, but this can also be something called displacement behavior. Complex, right?

More concerning signs include self-injury attempts, which require immediate attention. You should also watch out for other anxiety indicators like drooling, shaking, or pacing. These behaviors often occur before you leave or upon your return. It's important to understand that these aren't just ‘bad dog' behaviors but symptoms of a deeper issue.

If you observe these signs, consider seeking help from a Separation Anxiety Behavior Specialist. They can provide specialized training methods to address your dog's specific needs. By working with a professional, you'll learn techniques to manage your dog's anxiety and create a happier, healthier environment for both of you.

Causes and Triggers

Understanding the root causes of your dog's separation anxiety is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Several factors can trigger separation anxiety in dogs, including sudden changes in routine, unstable living conditions, and excessive handling during puppyhood. If your dog was separated from its mother too early or raised without a canine maternal figure, it may be more susceptible to developing anxiety when left alone.

Recognizing the signs of distress is important. Watch for destructive behavior, excessive barking, whining, howling, and indoor accidents when your dog is left by itself. These behaviors indicate that your beloved pet is struggling with being alone and needs help.

Learn more in my article on Did I cause my dog's separation anxiety? (Spoler: you didn't, but there's lots of good info in there!)

Professional Training Programs Available

Now that you're aware of the importance of professional help, let's explore some specific training programs designed to address dog separation anxiety.

In my professional opinion, the best way to resolve separation anxiety is to work with a personal trainer, no not for the gym, to help your dog cope with being alone! A One on One Remote Training Protocol with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), is going to be the most thorough way of your dog being assessed properly and you getting the help and support you need, to help them cope with being home alone. This intensive coaching program will provide tailored support for your dog's specific needs. You'll work closely with a professional dog trainer who specializes in separation anxiety, ensuring a customized approach to your pet's challenges.

Another option is self-study and a great option here is the Mission: POSSIBLE Online Separation Anxiety Course. This low cost course offers a step-by-step guide to help your dog successfully overcome separation anxiety. You’ll gain lifetime access to interactive content and downloadable resources created by this team of separation anxiety specialists.

A self-study course can be a great way to start your separation anxiety training if you'd prefer to go it alone.

If you prefer flexibility, or you want someone to run some ideas past about your dog's sepataion anxiety then perhaos Ad Hoc Remote Training Support is also available. This option allows you to consult with a CSAT as needed, giving you expert guidance when you need it most.

All these programs offer the advantage of remote training, making it convenient for you to access professional help from the comfort of your home while addressing your dog's separation anxiety effectively.

Why Remote Support?

Remote support options offer dog owners a convenient and effective way to address their pet's separation anxiety without leaving home. From a behaviorist's perspective, this behavior issue only happens when owners or other humans are not with the dog, therefore it makes little sense for everyone to be there.

Gone are the days of having to set up a camcorder to record the dog when you're gone, we can now use modern technology like home CCTV, or even old smartphones and laptops to build a system that let's us watch live.

Desensitization Techniques for Dogs

Using systematic desensitization, you'll gradually expose your dog to longer periods of absence, helping them overcome separation anxiety step by step. It's important to figure out your dog's threshold, and then you can start to step outside for brief moments, then slowly increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.

It's essential to take natural breaks between these desensitization sessions, allowing your dog time to adjust and learn about the training session they just had, in order to feel at ease when home alone.

Remember to move at your dog's pace throughout the process. Pushing too quickly can hinder progress, so be patient and attentive to your pet's reactions.

If you're seeking professional help for dog separation anxiety, these desensitization techniques should be a vital component of treatment plans, it really is the gold standard or resolving separation related problems. By consistently applying these methods and gradually increasing the challenge, you'll work towards successful results and make your dog less sensitive and bothered about you leaving them.

Learn more in my article desensitization in separation anxiety training.

Building Confidence Through Training

With a focus on building self-esteem, confidence-boosting training programs can greatly help dogs overcome separation anxiety. These specialized programs are designed to address your dog's underlying nervousness and build their self-confidence through targeted exercises and positive reinforcement. However, going to training classes alone will not fix your dog's separation anxiety, if only!

Rewarding good behavior is a critical aspect of these programs, as it reinforces positive actions and encourages your dog to repeat them. Positive training gives dogs a sense of achievement and makes them more optimistic about life, something which many dogs with anxiety and separation anxiety really struggle with.

You have options when it comes to training formats. Group training sessions offer opportunities for socialization and peer learning, while private lessons provide more individualized attention. Both can be effective in building your dog's confidence and helping them overcome separation anxiety. If your dog is one who enjoys being around other dogs, then this type of social enrichment can be really beneficial.

Most dogs really benefit from additional positive reinforcement based training and problem solving enrichment activities when in one of my separation anxiety programs. Switching on the dog's SEEKING system, helps to lower or switch off the PANIC, FEAR and RAGE systems – these three systems are responsible for a dog feeling distressed and showing separation related behavior.

For more details see my article on core affect and Jaak Panksepp.

It's important to balance behavior modification techniques throughout the training process, so that we treat the whole dog, and not just pieces of the puzzle. By combining various approaches, you'll create a thorough strategy that addresses your dog's anxiety from multiple angles. Those confidence building games and extra challenges can also give you, the owner something fun to do with your dog and take the heat off the separation training itself.

Learn more about my approach as a CABTI and MHERA Qualified Behaviorist alongside being a CSAT by getting in touch and setting up a call.

Long-Term Management Strategies

Long-term management strategies are necessary to address your dog's separation anxiety and guarantee lasting improvements. Until your dog is comfortable on their own, then wrap around care using petsitters, dog walkers or doggy daycares are advised.

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers (CSATs) play an essential role in developing personalized training programs tailored to your dog's specific needs, so that this wrap around care is no longer required, and in the long run cheaper for you!

Having wrap around care 5 days a week while you're in the office can cost as much as a mortgage payment, times that by a dog's age of 10-15 years and it's much better to get your dog the help they need sooner rather than later.

Remote training options with CSATs offer ongoing support and guidance, making sure you're consistently making progress in managing your dog's separation anxiety. These specialized training methods emphasize the importance of desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement.

Want to read more? Check out my article on The importance of data tracking in dog separation anxiety training or how about The Do's and Don'ts of Managing Dog Separation Anxiety.