Recommended Reading
These books and many other stellar titles can be found at Dogwise.com. Dogwise is the best resource for literature having to do with all things positive regarding you and your beloved dog.
Treating Separation Anxiety In Dogs – Malena DeMartini-Price
Don’t Shoot The Dog – Karen Pryor
The Culture Clash – Jean Donaldson
Don’t Leave Me – Nicole Wilde
Recommended Products
Pet Tutor®
Pet Tutor® is a smart wireless system using a remote and a feeder for training, feeding and enrichment. The smart remote has built in sensors to detect sound and tilt for creative fun training. Works for: barking, separation anxiety, boredom, fear and so much more by quietly dispensing treats with the push of a button. With Pet Tutor’s mounting versatility place it on the floor, attach to a dog crate or even hang it from a tree for almost any scenario. Even customize settings using the control center software.
Kong Toy
One of the original puzzle toys, this beehive shaped toy can be used to feed your dog his meal and be used as a toy. An ingenious toy that so many dogs love!
Treat & Train (formerly Manners Minder)
A wonderful device that can be so useful in many of the training exercises that are needed when working with a separation anxiety dog , but also perfect for all sorts of other training as well! Not all separation anxiety dogs will need this tool, but those that do will benefit from it greatly.
Treat Dispensing Toys
Theese are just two examples of products that are great for giving your dog the mental stimulation and engagement needed to help with conditioning to confinement areas. We love the Tricky Treat Ball and the Squirrel Dudes Treat Toy.
Baby Gate
Defining an area where your dog can be as you do absences exercises can be important for some dogs; this gate is a perfect example of the type of gate needed for this type of exercise as it opens and closes like a door, and can be pressure mounted.
Calming aids
There are a few calming aids that can be useful for some dogs. While not every dog will receive benefit from each, some of these products are worth exploring. Your best resource for holistic and natural remedies is to consult with your veterinarian or a holistic veterinarian.
Here are a few examples of natural products that might be of use to help reduce some of your dog’s separation anxiety symptoms. Regardless of their effectiveness, a proper behavior modification protocol is still important:
Composure
Composure is made up of a few of my preferred supplements including L-Theanine and a Colostrum Calming Complex that comes from a milk protein casein and is known for its calming effects. I prefer to use these supplements in their “raw form” due to the fact that they are in such a small dosage in this treat form, but these treats are certainly a nice mild start. Consult with your veterinarian or holistic veterinarian to get the actual supplement dosages for your dog if you choose to go that route. Any oral supplements that you use should be reviewed with your veterinarian.
Adaptil
Adaptil is a dog appeasing pheromone that comes in a diffuser, collar or spray. This pheromone can help some dogs feel calmer when used. If using the spray, it should never be directly sprayed on the dog.
We serve dogs and their families suffering from separation anxiety in the San Francisco Bay Area and across the country and internationally. Our innovative remote training protocols allow us to help wherever you are, providing active support every step of the way.