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If your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, you’re not alone!
This clinical panic disorder is a common behavioral concern. The good news is that separation anxiety IS TREATABLE! With careful planning, professional help, and support from friends/family, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, make sure you:
💪Suspend absences!
Get help from friends, family, neighbors, or a dog sitter if you’re unable to be home. Your dog will need carefully planned desensitization to brief alone-time in order to heal! Longer absences that thrust them into panic will only exacerbate the anxiety.
💪Make sure your dog’s needs are met beforehand!
Before you begin separation training, always make sure your dog has had exercise, food, potty, and playtime needs addressed. However, don’t expect tons of exercise or stuffed food toys to solve your dog’s separation anxiety.
💪Ask for help from a certified trainer and your vet!
Separation anxiety training is a very specialized process, often requiring the use of webcams, spreadsheet analysis, and sharp behavior observation skills. There are even trainers with extra certifications (like CSAT and CSAPBC) JUST for this purpose! Your vet can also help with ruling out illness and with medical interventions, which can go a long way in addressing the physiological symptoms of anxiety.