Dog Separation Anxiety Specialist - desensitization training (2024)

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Separation anxiety (SA) is a panic attack that affects dogs who are scared to be alone. It’s a phobia – much like a fear of heights, snakes, or spiders in humans. Like any version of fear or anxiety, a dog has no control over it. Dogs who experience separation related behaviors become extremely distressed when they’re alone and even when they anticipate being left alone.

Common Symptoms include:

  • Destruction, especially at exit points, sometimes to the point of self-injury
  • Excessive vocalization: whining, barking, howling
  • Elimination (accidents in the house), drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Anxiety when you’re getting ready to leave
  • Pacing, trembling or panting
  • Lack of interest in food or toys while alone


Unfortunately, we can’t explain to our dogs that we’ll be home soon and that it’s safe to be alone. SA isn’t something they can just “get over.” The constant fear and behavior problems don’t go away on their own. This
videooffers more information.

It doesn’t have to be like this – there is hope.

We can help your dog learn to feel safe when they’re alone!

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Let Us Help

Dog training for separation anxiety involves the same approach as for any phobia – gentle, methodical desensitization. We give your dog carefully organized experiences of alone time in such a way that the panic never happens. Bit by bit, over time, your dog experiences being alone as no big deal.

Helping a frightened dog learn new emotions takes time, patience, and skill. It is best done with the help of an experienced Dog Anxiety Specialist. Done correctly, what starts as “baby steps” gradually increases into real progress – and an ability to be alone that transforms the lives of dogs and their families.

Thanks to video technology, we can work with dogs from anywhere. In fact, remote training is ideally suited for SA training. All you need is a device with a webcam, and we’ll talk you through the rest.

How Separation Anxiety Training Works

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Find out if our training is the right fit
for you and your dog.

We have you complete a short intake questionnaire using this link.Then we email you back to set up a time for a free 30-minute informational call.

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Continue with a 90 minute virtual consult and assessment of your dog.

We discuss your dog’s behavior, review your goals, explain separation-related behaviors and our training plan, and do an “alone time” assessment of your dog.

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We move forward with customized support and a treatment plan.

We create a customized training plan specific to your dog, and work closely with you 5 days a week. You will be supported every step of the way.

Program Details

We begin with a 90+ minute initial assessment on Zoom. During this appointment we will go over some basic information about separation anxiety, explain the training plan, and conduct a live assessment of your dog’s behavior live when left alone for a short time. The cost of the initial assessment is $225.

After the initial assessment, we offer a 4-week package to get started with the training protocol. Four weeks is the minimum amount of time needed to make inroads with the training and help you become confident and comfortable with the process.

Each 4-week package includes:

  • 4 step-by-step individualized training exercises per week, with adjustments made each day based on your notes.
  • 1 weekly online check-in and live reassessment(60 minutes) which includes answering your questions, and a 5th exercise which I observe in real time.
  • Video review of training exercises as needed.
  • Regular check-ins which offer motivation to keep your commitment to your dog’s improvement strong.
  • A compassionate and customized approach for you and your dog.

The cost of the first 4-week package is $625. Additional training after the first 4 weeks is offered in “add-on” packages.

Ready to take the first step toward relief?

Click the button to fill out our questionnaire– once we receive your completed form,
we’ll email you to schedule your free 30-minute initial phone call.

I'm ready! Take me to the questionnaire.

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Bob Ryder is a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and experienced professional dog trainer who has studied extensively with and been certified byMalena DeMartini, the world’s leading separation anxiety training expert.

Bob works with dogs who experience separation anxiety or isolation distress issues, using humane, science-based protocols that are formulated specifically for your dog’s needs.

5/5

Bob’s slow but steady method works – he understands dog behavior and is able to adjust the training as needed. Thanks to his support and guidance I can now leave Reggie for 90 minutes and am finally getting my life back.

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Anya Lichtenstein

Brooklyn, NY

5/5

I highly recommend Bob. Buddy’s separation anxiety was so bad I couldn’t even take out the garbage without bringing him along. His keen observations and care have vastly improved my family’s quality of life.

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Cynthia Cobb

Rantoul, IL

5/5

Bob was an amazing partner helping with Bobby’s separation anxiety. I learned so much about my dog which has enriched both of our lives. I can leave him up to four hours now and he’s totally fine. So grateful to Bob!

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Heather McDonough

New York, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common indicators of SA include persistent vocalizing (barking / whining / howling), destruction and escape attempts (chewing or digging at windows and doors, “crowding” the exit, tearing up household items), and sometimes elimination accidents (peeing / pooping indoors). Of course the syndrome affects dogs differently from one to the next, such that some will pace through the home continuously, others will tremble or drool, others will look around frantically hoping to find family and/or avoid the nebulous danger of being alone. The best way to determine if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety is to schedule an online consultation. During the appointment we’ll gather information about your dog or puppy, and do a live assessment, watching as you leave your dog alone. Much like putting together a puzzle, we’ll look at all the pieces to determine what is going on. If it is separation anxiety, we can customize a training plan to help your dog learn to feel safe and relaxed when home alone. You can read more about the symptoms of separation anxiety here.

Separation anxiety training requires treatment of an emotional response, rather than simply teaching a new behavior or trick. Much like a human seeing a counselor for help with a fear or phobia, there’s no way to predict a timeline for a “cure.” Each dog is different (as are owners and their abilities to carry out the training exercises), so progress can start to happen within a few weeks or several months. While separation anxiety is a highly treatable disorder, the rate of progress is slow, particularly in the early stages. Thankfully, learning begins to accelerate once we’ve made careful initial gains. You can affect the rate of your progress by being consistent and devoting time to the process. Here is a great overview of the training process for treating separation anxiety.

Unlike some behavior issues, dealing with separation anxiety does not require the trainer to be physically present. In fact, virtual training works better than in-person, particularly during “alone time” exercises. Being physically present can actually inhibit progress with anxious dogs and puppies. The “trainer effect” is also a very real phenomenon where a dog will show progress in the presence of the trainer but revert back into their previous habits when the trainer is not around. Remote sessions help avoid these challenges. This article has more information about why virtual training is ideal for treating separation anxiety

During the training, suspension of absences is absolutely essential. Of utmost importance is your commitment to make sureyour dog isNEVER left alone longer than we’ve determined they can comfortably handle for the duration of our work together. Think of yourself as your dog’s “chief of security” taking responsibility that your dog will never have to experience the terror of being left alone beyond their ability. Some options for coverage during this time include pet sitting with family, neighbors, friends, colleagues, or professional dog walkers/sitters/trainers; daycare for part of a day; coordinating work schedules with your partner, etc. We will help you think creatively about how to arrange coverage for when you can’t be with your dog.

Probably not. While a small percentage of dogs can feel safe enough when another dog is present, it’s not all that common. A large percentage of dogs will still feel afraid and experience problem behaviors even when another dog is with them. Moreover, multi-dog households are a LOT of work – even without separation anxiety. We recommendyou work on your dog’s separation anxiety separately from considering whether to adopt another dog into the family. Psychology Today has a helpful article about adding another dog to treat separation anxiety.

Absolutely NOT! While it’s tempting to interpret our dog’s behavior as vindictive (after all – we humans certainly can be that way), dogs don’t have the same cognitive and emotional machinery as humans. Vengeance requires strategic, cause-and- effect thinking across time and space. Dog’s are NOT good at that. Neither do they have the equipment to experience resentment, guilt, or moral indignation. Your dog isn’t angry and getting back at you for leaving (nor for anything else) – he’s terrified of being alone and the behaviors that result are practically all involuntary.

No! Take some peace of mind knowing that dogs of any breed and background can be vulnerable toseparation anxiety. It doesn’t matter whether you do or don’t “coddle” your dog (it’s fine to talk sweetly and give lots of treats and toys, celebrate your dog’s birthday, let them sleep in the bed if there aren’t other issues with that). It doesn’t matter whether or not your dog was in a rescue shelter, experienced harsh treatment in another home, is pure bred or mixed breed, was kennel trained, has gone through formal training, or experienced any of a host of other factors. None of those factors cause or prevent separation anxiety. Your dog’s fear of being alone is NOT your fault!

Maybe. Whether and which medication might be appropriate for your dog requires consulting with your veterinarian. In some cases, a dog’s experience of separation anxiety is so persistent that a prescription for anxiety medication is needed. We begin by assessing your dog’s behavior when exposed to alone time long enough to tell us your dog’s starting point for training. Over the early weeks, we monitor their progress. When puppies and dogs have difficulty progressing beyond their baseline, we work in partnership with veterinarians to consider whether medication might be useful on a case by case basis.

The Before-and-After video below shows what is possiblewhen we work on your dog’s separation anxiety together.

Questions? Email us at bob@pawstrans.com

Take me directly to the Separation Anxiety Questionnaire

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FAQs

How to desensitize a dog with separation anxiety? ›

If the Problem Is Mild …
  1. Give your dog a special treat each time you leave (like a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter). ...
  2. Make your comings and goings low-key without a lot of greeting. ...
  3. Leave some recently worn clothes out that smell like you.
  4. Consider giving your pet over-the-counter natural calming supplements.
May 28, 2023

What is the best way to train dog separation anxiety? ›

Taking your time can produce better and more enduring results for your dog's learning.
  1. Begin by encouraging your dog to go to their bed and stay there for a short while with you present. ...
  2. Ask your dog to stay, while you move away. ...
  3. Continue this routine, moving progressively further away and for longer periods of time.

How long does desensitization training take? ›

Desensitization and counterconditioning can take a few hours, a few weeks, or even a few months, depending on the level of the emotional response. It is important to take your time. Do not continue with a session if your pet shows signs of fear or arousal.

Can separation anxiety in dogs be cured? ›

The most successful treatment for canine separation-related problems may be behavior modification that focuses on systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial stages.

What not to do with dog separation anxiety? ›

A big mistake people make is making a scene they have to leave and when they return. Your dog feeds off your energy, so if you make a big deal of leaving, this will actually increase their separation anxiety. Instead, make leaving and returning a normal event, that way, your dog won't be on high alert when you do so.

Which dog suffer most from separation anxiety? ›

Which Dog Breeds Suffer from Separation Anxiety?
  • Labrador Retrievers.
  • Border Collies.
  • Vizslas.
  • Pointers.
  • German Shepherds.
  • Australian Shepherds.
  • Jack Russell Terriers.
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

What calms dogs with separation anxiety? ›

Exercise and entertainment

Or leave the radio or television on while you're away from home if your pet finds that comforting. Just make sure the station isn't going to air scary or violent movies with sounds that could make your dog feel even more anxious. After-work exercise is just as important.

What makes separation anxiety worse in dogs? ›

Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter or given to a new guardian or family can trigger the development of separation anxiety. An abrupt change in schedule in terms of when or how long a dog is left alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety.

Do dogs grow out of separation anxiety? ›

Unfortunately, dogs don't just grow out of separation anxiety. If it is left untreated, it will likely just get worse, and it certainly won't get any better. Working with an experienced dog trainer who specializes in separation anxiety cases is the best and most reliable way to get results.

What is the first step in desensitization? ›

‌Systematic desensitization therapy has three main steps. First, you'll learn ways to relax your muscles. Next, you'll make a list of your fears and rank them based on how intense your fears are. Last, you'll start exposing yourself to your fear in stages so you get more and more comfortable dealing with it.

What is desensitization exercises for dogs? ›

Desensitization is a behavior modification technique in which you purposely and gradually expose your pet to a stimulus that has triggered a fear response. The stimulus is always controlled, starting at a very low level, so that your pet does not experience fear or display signs of stress.

How do you practice desensitization? ›

Systemic desensitization involves three main steps. First, you'll learn muscle relaxation techniques. Then, you'll create a list of your fears, ranking them in terms of intensity. Finally, you'll begin exposing yourself to what you fear.

What can vets do for separation anxiety? ›

Pheromone products can be effective in treatment of separation anxiety. A dog-appeasing pheromone (ie, Adaptil [formerly D.A.P.], ceva.us/us) is often used in conjunction with drug therapy.

Does ignoring your dog help with separation anxiety? ›

Recent research has shown that dogs with mild separation anxiety fare better when alone with one minute of slow, gentle petting and soothing talk from their owner just before leaving than being ignored. Dogs with moderate to severe cases should be ignored or just get a “See you tonight” as you walk out.

Can you train a dog out of separation anxiety? ›

Create routines and boundaries so your dog experiences low-intensity separation. Crate training is recommended as a preventative measure. In treating, start small in managing separation, like training your dog to stay in another room while you leave, and then work up to leaving the house.

Should you let a dog with separation anxiety cry it out? ›

Some dog training guides may suggest letting a dog 'cry it out'. This technique, whilst practised widely, is neurologically damaging.

How long does it take to break separation anxiety in dogs? ›

Expect to spend around two months working with your dog to alleviate his separation anxiety. Taking it slowly during the early stages–getting your dog comfortable at the moment of your departure–will allow the later stages of lengthening your time away to much more quickly.

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