Tips for Surviving the Separation Anxiety Training Long Haul From a Certified Separation Anxiety Behavior Consultant
Not only am I a certified separation anxiety behavior consultant, I’m also the guardian of a dog who has separation anxiety.
My rescue dog, JJ, first started showing signs of separation anxiety about 3 months after we adopted her. In the almost 8 years since, her level of comfort with home alone time has varied greatly. At times she’s been able to handle 4 hours, 1.5 hours, or 30 seconds.
So, as someone who knows first hand what it’s like AND works with separation anxiety cases professionally…
Here are my tips for surviving the long haul that is separation anxiety training.
When done ethically and with your dog’s well-being in mind, separation anxiety training is done gradually and takes time and patience.
Find Your Village
One of the most common refrains in separation anxiety training is “it takes a village.” This is because managing your dog’s over-threshold alone time is no easy feat. It takes friends, family, trusted sitters, trainers, and more to help you.
Finding this village can make a world of difference - and give you some freedom while you work on training.
Create a Sustainable Routine
For sep-anx, the usual suggested amount of training is 5 days a week. For some folks, that works well! And for many of us, that is a big ask. Finding your “sweet spot” number of sep-anx sessions per week can help make this work sustainable over the months/years to come.
My personal sweet spot is 2-3 separation anxiety missions per week.
Meet Your Needs, Too
Having a plan to take care of your own mental health is vital. This can include things like therapy (if you have access to it), the use of sitters/friends to watch your dog so you can escape your home, activities that fill up your cup, and a community to vent to when things feel tough.
Finding other people with dogs who have separation anxiety can help you feel less alone.
Roll with the Regressions
Training is never linear, and regressions and setbacks are normal in separation anxiety training. This doesn’t mean they aren’t frustrating, though! When you hit a regression, try to roll with the punches. Adjust your expectations for your dog while asking yourself what your dog needs during this time.
And make sure to turn to your village for support during these times.
Set a Budget
Whether you opt to train on your own or hire a trainer, you should anticipate spending a minimum of several months on training. With this in mind, you can create a long-term plan for your sep-anx budget. Will you read a book or take a one-time class, then DIY it from there? Can you set aside a monthly amount for ongoing training with a professional?
The “right” answer is the one that is sustainable for you.
And a quick reminder for you, separation anxiety training is a marathon, not a sprint.
No matter what route you take, separation anxiety training is a JOURNEY. Knowing that you’re in it for the long haul can help you plan and set yourself up for success.
P.S. Need help with your dog’s separation anxiety training?
Fill out our Separation Anxiety Training Application and we’ll be in touch!
