SWP Training

I’ve seen a number of Sep Distress/anxiety cases recently.

Treating separation distress is so much more than just using food or food toys etc as a distraction as you leave.

The first part of the program should be teaching your dog that it can be comfortable by itself when you are home. Most separation distress dogs will be on your heels and follow you room to room. We want to stop that at home by teaching them calm behaviours - such as mat/bed/crate - are reinforcing in themselves and that you can move away come back etc.

Once this is mastered you can start adding controlled further training - walking to the front door, rewarding for calm, picking up keys, rewarding for calm.

What is important is that it is done at a pace the dog can manage.

Food toys are great too, however it’s important that they are used when you are both at home and leaving (otherwise they will become a predictor of separation and increase distress).

I like calm toys/chews - licking and chewing release endorphins and help relax, rather than active toys that increase arousal, potential frustration etc.

There are also a number of over the counter products that may help such as Adaptil, Zylkene or rescue remedy and it is worthwhile consulting with behaviour vets regarding medications etc that will make the trainings process less stressful for both you and your dog.

Separation distress is not a quick fix, but is certainly something that can be managed.

If you have been given a diagnosis of separation anxiety and the use of enrichment toys alone solved your problem - it is likely your dog was just bored.