Tails from the Dog House: Separation Anxiety Explained

Not all training is created equal and in today's episode the girls dive into what makes a good separation anxiety trainer and why it's important to find a 'true' specialist when looking for one. All three of us are SAPro Trainers and have specialist knowledge in this field. You can reach out to them here: = Stacey Bell - Focused Fun in the US (www.focusedfun.net)  = Ness Jones - Separation Anxiety...

In this episode we meet Kathryn & Kane and learn all about their journey with separation anxiety, what life was like before and what life is like after training with our UK specialist Sarah McLaren. 

In this episode the girls talk to Lisa Spector who has established herself at the forefront of creating calming music for dogs. Lisa combines her musical talents with her passion for improving the lives of dogs. Lisa's piano recordings for dogs can be heard soothing pets in more than 1500 shelters worldwide. After 10 years of creating music for canine anxiety, NPR called her The Pet Calming Maestr...

In this episode the girls talk about the importance of enrichment for dogs with separation anxiety. . SHOW NOTES: Dogs At Home - www.facebook.com/dogsathomelive Enrichment Ebook - forms.gle/knyaFGVGbyQ5BeU89 UK Hoopers - ukhoopers.com & https://www.caninehoopersworld.com/ Snuffle Mat - www.facebook.com/185554258153402/videos/501532610482059 & www.facebook.com/185554258153402/videos/119685846401468...

In this episode the girls are joined by holistic psychologist Birdy O'Sheedy who talks us through the emotional impacts of having a dog with separation anxiety and how to deal with it. Having a dog with separation anxiety is stressful, frustrating and oftentimes just heartbreaking and Birdy provides some tips on how to deal with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.  Birdy is an acc...

In this episode we discuss what to look for in a vet or groomer if you have a dog with separation anxiety, how to make your dog more comfortable with what is likely to be a stressful situation and fear free facilities. Plus we learn about a couple of escape artists, mohawks for dogs and ear plucking! If you would like to find a Fear Free Vet or Groomer, here is where you can find more information:...

In this episode the girls examine separation anxiety in senior dogs alongside cognitive dysfunction, pain, and sensory decline.  As always, we discuss the best way forward to make our older dogs comfortable with being home alone.

To celebrate the 21st episode of Tails From The Dog House, the girls answer listener questions!

In this episode, Stacey, Sarah and Ness discuss hyper-attachment and what it means to have a dog with not just separation anxiety but this added layer of complexity, the barriers it creates for training and how to deal with them. And we meet Becky ... Becky's the Best! ... and go searching for some big girl and big boy pants!!!!

Why we advocate using daycare for dogs with separation anxiety, what to look for when searching for one, and how a day at one can affect your separation anxiety training. . SHOW NOTES: Fenton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU . BRB Separation Anxiety Network (for owners with dogs with SA) - www.brbseparationanxietynetwork.com . Where to find dog sitters / doggy daycare: Rover.com  - cov...

In this episode, the girls discuss external noises, how they can affect our separation anxiety training and what we can do about it. We also take a look at apartment living and the challenges owners with SA dogs face when undertaking the training. Ness also has an exciting offer and Stacey tries to get her kit off!! . SHOW NOTES: . Online Door Desensitisation Workshop for Dogs With Separation Anxi...

In this episode, the girls explore some of our big life changes that can not only turn our world upside down but also our dogs. They discuss the best ways to overcome them to help our dogs cope.

In this episode, Stacey, Ness and Sarah discuss rescue dogs who are struggling with settling in to their new home.  In addition to their typical off-topic banter, they give really usable tips on how to help your rescue with the transition- whether they just need time to adjust or if they have separation anxiety. . A heartfelt thanks to those who have rescued! SHOW NOTES: Shelter-housed versus...

The girls do a deep dive on how to clarify if your dog's home alone behaviors are due to separation anxiety, frustration, or both. Don't worry, we also talk about how we would treat each :)   . SHOWNOTES: Developing Diagnostic Frameworks in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine: Disambiguating Separation Related Problems in Dogs, 2020, de Assis et al, https://bit.ly/3ttaslH

In this episode the girls examine pre-departure cues, what they are and why they have such a big effect on our dogs' ability to cope with being home alone. They also talk about why wees and treats can actually become quite scary for dogs with separation anxiety if they signal your absence. And the Terminator pays another visit.

We all have stress in our lives and sometimes it's hard to keep a lid on it. But it's important to note that the more stressed we are, the more it will affect our dogs when we are doing separation anxiety training. . SHOW NOTES: Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners: Effects on Oxytocin, Cortisol, Insulin and Heart Rate — An Exploratory Study https://sci-hub.se/10.2752/175303711x130...

In this episode the girls explore Regression & Variability in training, why it happens and what we should do about it. They also delve into the deep south of the US in search of Scarlett O'Hara (sadly, no luck), swat moths in the dark in the UK and swelter in the heat in Australia!

In this episode Stacey, Ness & Sarah discuss crating dogs with separation anxiety and why it's not always the best choice, as well as what to do with destructive dogs when leaving them home alone. Stacey also gets sent to detention for recalcitrant behaviour and you might just learn a fascinating chicken fact!

In this episode, Ness, Stacey & Sarah examine some of the objections to undertaking separation anxiety training and why it is still worthwhile doing. The girls also discuss their "significant others" and who's always right (we know who that is right?) and Stacey makes up another new word ... you'll have to listen to find out what that is!

What is a threshold? How do you determine if your dog is going over threshold? What do you do if it does go over threshold? How do we stop Ness yawning (hey, she did just wake up)? and the three essentials - coffee, tea & hot chocolate! SHOW NOTES:  Aloff, Brenda, Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog , 2005, Dogwise Publishing . h...

Many dog owners balk at the thought of giving their dogs vet prescribed medication (listen to our last episode, Season 2, Episode 2, for more on that) and prefer to take a more natural route when trying to assist their dogs towards getting over their separation anxiety. In this episode we explore some of the options and how appropriate they might be. . SHOW NOTES: . Using Cannabis and Cannabidiol...

Should you give your dog medication if it has Separation Anxiety? All your questions answered. Incidentally, for those wondering, baby rats, or "ratlings" as Stacey would have you believe (!!), are actually called pups or kittens. Show Notes: The Use of Medications in Canine Behavior Therapy - Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVB Reisner Veterinary Behavior & Consulting Services, Media, Pen...

Having a dog with separation anxiety can be very difficult; we get it. So it's important to keep a positive mindset and reach out for extra support when you need it.

In this, our final episode of the first season of Tails From The Dog House - and last one for the year- Lisa, Stacey & Ness get into the holiday spirit, answering listener questions around separation anxiety training.

In this episode, Stacey, Lisa & Ness talk about puppies, their upbringing, settling them into their new home and how to add a "protective layer" against separation anxiety. Lisa once again brings her monkey to the show and the Terminator also pays a visit. Link to the Bradshaw study, Aetiology of separation-related behaviour in domestic dogs - https://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/151/2/43....