Be Right Back! The Separation Anxiety Podcast (Julie Naismith)

Fetch gets such bad press. It’s all too often billed as an activity that does nothing but gets dogs amped-up and stressed-out.

As a result, dogs everywhere are being denied access to something that’s natural, normal, and hugely enriching.

I really don’t know where this all started or why so many trainers and owners state “fetch is bad for anxious dogs as it makes it hard for them to calm down”. There is zero evidence to support this. 

In fact, we do have volumes of evidence that not providing animals with access to activities they are genetically wired to do (like fetch) is bad for their anxiety.

That’s why it’s time to set the record straight. Tune in as I explain why fetch is so good for anxious dogs, and how you can mitigate any concerns you might have about playing ball with your dog.

Topics:

• [00:36] How you can tackle home alone barking and different types of problem barking  
• [01:08] Watch-dog barking: a common form of barking
• [02:05] Responds to management: blocking out sounds and sights
• [04:38] How to train your dog to a behaviour that’s incompatible with barking
• [07:56] How spooky barking is different from watch-dog barking
• [09:22] Changing how the dog feels about outside noises
• [09:42] Using a technique called "counter conditioning"
• [12:33] Determining if it is frustrated barking or fearful barking
• [14:05] How video can help you determine what’s causing the barking
• [14:36] Why anxious dogs tend to persevere more with their barking
• [16:47] Separation anxiety barking is an emotional behaviour and not a thinking behaviour

Don't think for a minute that your dog getting separation anxiety is a result of you being an inadequate dog parent, or down to you being clueless about what you're doing. Not at all!

Plenty of dog professionals and dog trainers have dogs who develop separation anxiety too.

In this episode I'm chatting to Certified SA Pro Trainers, Beth Berkobien and Jo Sellers, about their own dogs' journeys with separation anxiety.

They share their stories and give you some trainers tips for how best you can navigate the separation anxiety journey. 

If you're a dog professional–a trainer, a behaviourist, behaviour consultant–do you feel that separation anxiety cases are hard to resolve? If you do, know that you're not alone.

It seems that across our profession separation anxiety cases are seen this way.

In this special bonus episode recorded for professionals like you, I want to dive into whether they are really any harder to resolve than other cases. And I'll set out what I think we can do to change this view.

Are you uncertain about how the holiday season will impact your dog's separation anxiety? In this latest podcast episode, we address the common concerns and questions surrounding separation anxiety during this time of year.

We're diving into the potential effects of holiday routines and we'll look at practical advice on whether to continue training during this period.

Learn how to manage your dog's separation anxiety during holiday travels and get tips on what to expect if you take a break from training.

Embrace the upcoming holiday season with confidence and look forward to a motivated start in January. Tune in for all my insights and tips.

Meanwhile, if you're ready to make 2024 the year you smash separation anxiety, join the waitlist for my private membership, Separation Anxiety Heroes. 

Are you worried that being with your dog 24/7 will make his separation anxiety worse? Or is your previously non-clingy dog suddenly following you everywhere?

If so then tune into this episode where I'll share with you the science of what exactly is going on with your dog's brain when he's got constant company. And I'll give you some tips and tricks to help you return to normality without your dog going into complete meltdown.

If this sounds like your dog and heck, most dogs do something
like this to a degree then you need to tune in to this week’s podcast. I’m going to share the 4 Step process I use with my clients when situations like this crop up.

On this week's episode, I’m talking about something many of you are curious about. Why is my dog's separation anxiety better or worse with different people and at different times?

If you have the same question, stay tuned as I'm going to explain why this happens and what you can do about it.

Topics:

• [01:01] Dogs being fine in one context but cannot handle being alone in another context
• [02:10] Different variables and scenarios that affect how well your dog handles being home alone:
• [02:16] Days of the week
• [02:55] Time of the day
• [03:41] Who does the leaving
• [05:00] Changes in daylight (light vs dark)
• [05:45} Weather and seasons
• [06:50] It could be that the dog has had a worse experience at that time and on that day when that person left
• [07:28] Dogs are brilliant connection making machines
• [08:37] Dogs don’t always do things that make sense to us
• [08:58] Dogs have different ways of working out what's scary and what's safe
• [10:10] Dogs are bad at generalizing confidence
• [11:00] Why data is going to be invaluable to you here
• [12:12] How my 4 step process works for dogs whose separation anxiety seems to be different in different scenarios:
• [12:25] 1. Do different baseline assessments to determine when he is worse or better
• [12:42] 2. Decide which time of the week/days of the week matter to you most
• [13:16] 3. Plot all the information you got from those 2 steps onto a chart
• [15:00] 4. Choose those scenarios that occupy either the box which is easy and important or easy but not so
  important

Today we’re talking about a different type of anxiety, but one that many separation anxiety dogs have: anxiety over car journeys. For the most part cars predict good things for dogs. So why do so many dogs seem to have issues with car rides? Why do some dogs find cars journeys so scary. And if your dog whines, cries or barks in the car what can you can do about it?

Dogs can seem to have a love hate relationship with cars. Some dogs love the car for getting to the park or the beach, but find the car scary and intimidating on other occasions.

Then there are the dogs who absolutely love cars, no matter what. So much so they whine, and howl the whole time they are in the car. 

You’ll need different strategies for different behaviours.

Dogs who are anxious in the car

We’ll start with dogs who don’t love car journeys. These dogs show the same signs you may have seen in your home alone anxious dogs.

Panting, salivating, crying, shaking, trembling, cowering, ears back, stiff bodies, whale eyes and so on. They might fear the car so much that they are even be like this when you take them somewhere fun. Love the destination, hate the journey. 

Often we assume that it’s just because they have an aversion to the car. 

But if your dog does get upset I want you to check check that they aren’t actually suffering from car sickness. 

Why? Well it’s common for dogs who have motion sickness to start to dread the car. 

So much so that you don’t see the signs of grogginess. Instead you see the anxiety and stress.

Even if your dog doesn’t get motion sickness now. Even if they only ever had one bad experience, that can be enough to make them hate car journeys.

How can you tell?

1. Sometimes the signs of motion sickness are obvious - limp, wobbly, drooling (but that can look like anxiety too) and of course vomting.
2. Sometimes the signs that it’s motion sickness aren’t at all obvious. Your dog might just look upset

But if you have any suspicions at all that it might be motion sickness then speak to your vet. Your vet will be able to prescribe a medication for the sickness.

What if it’s not motion sickness? What if your dog just fears car journeys?

Well, you can teach your dog to be happier and more comfortable in the car. To do that you use the technique that we all know so well from separation anxiety training, desensitization.

But with car anxiety we can add a process that trainers call counter-conditioning. Essentially this is changing how a dog feels about something he doesn’t like, by making him associate the thing he doesn’t like with food. It’s powerful stuff.

If you want an example of how to do this training, I’ve got a free training plan you can download here.

Dogs who can’t be left in the car 

Now some dogs might be fine when they ride in the car with you, but what about those who can’t be left in the car when you pop to the shops, or drop the kids off at school?

Well, we can help those dogs too. If you want your dog to be more comfortable with this scenario you can use good old desensitization again, just as you would be being left home alone. And it would make sense to add food to the equation, if you can.

Dogs who aren’t anxious but excited

What can you do if your dog howls and whines in the car but isn’t anxious?

The excited dog. The dog who can’t wait to get to the car.

I’m not going to lie, this one is hard to tackle. That howl/bark is like the scream we let out when our team wins the cup, or we win the lottery. We would find it hard to stifle that excitement scream wouldn’t we?

And it can be really tough to get a dog to hold it in too.

You can train them to be quieter in the car, but it’s going to take a lot of patience, lots of training and possibly some fancy equipment like a remote feeder.

My best advice to you? Try just to accept the racket. Celebrate it even - it’s your dog way of telling you that his daily trip to the park is like winning the lottery. Oh, to be as excited as that even just once! Amazing how dogs can be that excited every single day of their life.

Car safety

One final word: about car safety. First, if your dog rides in the car make sure they are going to be okay in the event of a crash. Safety harnesses and crash tested crates are best for this.

Second, if your dog is going to be seated near an airbag, make sure that the airbag can be disabled.

Third, I’m sure I don’t need to say this but don’t leave your dog when it’s even vaguely warm. 15c.

I hope this has been helpful. Remember that, for the most part, we can always make dogs feel better about stuff they don’t like. And car journeys don’t have to be scary for dogs.

• [01:00] Dogs' love-hate relationship with cars
• [01:39] How some dogs love the car because of what the car predicts
• [02:05] Signs that a dog is anxious in the car
• [03:45] Could it be motion sickness?
• [05:08] How can you tell if they are suffering from car sickness?
• [07:22] How to use desensitization and counter-conditioning to get them to love the car
• [08:31] Why the #1 rule is to go slowly in changing a fearful emotion in a dog
• [09:40] What about dogs who can't be left in the car?
• [11:45] How to deal with dogs who get over-excited in the car
• [15:55] On car safety

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of new episodes to the mix and if you’re not subscribed there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!

Now if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in an read. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

You've heard the horror stories about people getting pandemic puppies only to find that their pup grows into a dog they can't leave. You're so scared that this will happen to your puppy that you just don't dare leave him.

You've taken on board all the advice about how this is a bad strategy. But you missed the bit about how you do need to leave them – as long as you so within context of gradual home-alone training.

In this episode I'm going to show you why, if you're worried about leaving your puppy, you don't need to be concerned, as long as you do it safely and gently and follow a structured training plan.

In this episode, we're not talking about separation anxiety. Instead we're looking at how to help a dog with different fears.

Tune in to hear my interview with Simon Wooler. Simon has been working with Sophie the Romanian Rescue and her family, Rory Cellan-Jones and Diane Coyle.

It's a wonderful, heartwarming story. Not only will you love Sophie and her humans, you'll love Simon's adivce for anyone working with a fearful dog. 

***

About Simon Wooler

Simon is a qualified trainer, certified by the Academy for Dog Trainers, one of the most rigorous dog behaviour and training programmes in the world.

He has been training dogs for the past twelve years, specialising in fear and aggression. He has worked as a volunteer trainer for Black Retriever Cross Rescue in Wiltshire.

His goal is always to help owners feel confident, in control and enjoy training their dogs because when it comes to success, having fun through the process is part of delivering a great result.

Simon came to dog training after 20 years as a sound engineer so loud barking hardly registers on his personal decibel scale. His own troubled dog, Thomson, was the motivator for seeking out effective, evidence-based training methods.

If you would like Si's help with your fearful dog, his website is sociabledog.com. You can also find Simon on Twitter, where he's shared updates on Sophie. And of course you can follow Sophie's adventures on Rory Cellan-Jones' Twitter account. 

Meanwhile, back to separation anxiety. :) If you have a dog with separation anxiety you can download my free guide here. 

Having a dog who can't be left is hard enough. But for some dogs, being around strange people or dogs is also a challenge.

When this happens, it can feel like your options for managing alone-time are almost non-existent.

In this podcast episode, I'm thrilled to be speaking with Jennifer Pratt. Jennifer is expert in both separation anxiety AND dogs who are fearful and agressive when out in the world.

Jennifer shares her tips for working through this dilemma, using her insight not only from the many clients she's helped, but also from the learning she gained with her own dog, Mary-Lou.

If you're feeling like there's no hope for you and your dog, make sure you give this episode a listen!

So, if you think separation anxiety training is actually making your dog clingier and more on edge tune in to find out what to do. 

What do you do when you can’t leave your dog at home but his reactivity prevents you from leaving him somewhere else? Ugh! It’s the trickiest of tricky problems when your anxious home alone dog doesn’t like strangers or other dogs. But in this week’s episode, I’m going to share how — with a bit more work, admittedly — you can manage absences even if your dog is reactive.

Has your dog's separation anxiety been the cause of a few tense moments between you and your other half?

Perhaps they think you're being too soft on your dog. Maybe they think the training is taking too long and that you should just let your dog cry it out.

If this sounds familiar, then tune into this episode where I share my tips for doing separation anxiety training the right way even if your partner isn't bought into the training method.

I've heard some chatter recently that separation anxiety training is unethical and inhumane. The argument goes that dogs are such social creatures that training them to be alone is cruel.

Well, it's not. People have to go out. Dogs need to be able to cope with that. 

What is actually unethical is NOT giving them the skills they need to be okay with inevitable alone time.

Tune in to find out more.

No one gets up in the morning and puts on a t-shirt saying “I can’t wait to do separation anxiety training today”. And so it can be easy to find that life gets in the way, and we end up not training. 

Or, when we do train, we're ALL about the training. So much so, that it feels like that's all we do. 

If this sounds familiar, just know that this is perfectly normal. It happens to everyone!

That’s why in this episode of the Be Right Back! Podcast I dive into super-practical tips for making training fit into your life, rather than letting it take over your life. 

If you feel overwhelmed and too busy, then you must make sure you listen. Listen while you’re doing something else so that you can easily fit it into your day!

Having seen 1000s of owners go through separation anxiety training, I've got a pretty good sense of the most common questions people have, to say the least!

That's why in this episode and next, I'm giving you the answers to the most frequently questions that come up, including how often should you train, how long should a training session be and is following bad?

Tune in to find out the answers!

Join me for an inspiring and informative episode where I interview Jenni Pfafman and Amanda Dwyer. Jenni and Amanda are on the board of the Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers (HART) a non-profit organization that connects shelter and rescue organizations with credentialed, professional trainers.

HART's trainers donate their time to support variety of behaviour cases remotely. Their training advice provides crucial support for new adopters, increasing the chances of successful placements. 

And in this interview we talk about how those trainers help adopters who've taken on a dog who can't be left alone.

Don't miss out on this discussion about how HART is changing the lives of shelter and rescye dogs and the people who love them!

Links in this episode:
Humane Alliance of Rescue Trainers

About Jenni Pfafman and Amanda Dwyer

To find out how I can help you with separation anxiety, whether you have a rescue dog or not, start with this free cheatsheet.

In this episode, I chat with the amazing Julie McKinney Miller a canine physical therapist (physio to those of us outside the US) who educates and empowers dog parents about physical therapy, massage, exercise. 

Julie offers online courses and consulting to help owners help their dogs live their best lives!

Julie spills the beans and busts some longstanding myths about physical conditioning, injury, exercise, and pain. 

Pain and anxiety are so often linked. Tune into this episode to find out how we could actually detect and manage pain much earlier by being more aware of what to look for.

In this special Facebook Live episode, we’ll discuss if CBD oil is the new miracle cure for dogs with separation anxiety or just another false hope for dog owners. We’ll also also discuss what we know so far about CDB oil as treatment for separation anxiety in dogs, how it is different from cannabis, and its side effect profile, among many others.

If you’re considering using CBD oil for your dog’s separation anxiety, today’s episode is exactly what you need to hear!

Topics

• Bias around things that are marketed as “natural”

• What naturalistic fallacy is

• Biggest challenge when it comes to CBD oil

• What we know about CBD oil and dogs so far

• How CBD oil is different from cannabis

• What the endocannabinoid system is

• The low side effect profile of CBD oil

• Difference of testing and standardisation between medications and supplements

• Tips for those who would like to try CBD oil for their dog's separation anxiety

We here a lot about "evidence" in dog training. But do we always know what we mean when we describe an approach as being "evidence-based"?

And what about research and studies? We know these matter but we also know that there isn't a study for every single thing we do in dog training. 

Sometimes that’s a problem. Sometimes it’s not.

And in this episode I dive into what we mean by evidence-based, how prior probability plays a part, and where the burden of proof lies when making a claim about a dog training method.

Learn more at julienaismith.com

Links mentioned

Sketpvet blog

Summary of research on separation anxiety (1)

Summary of research on separation anxiety (2)

Ever wondered if all the separation anxiety training you do is actually worth it? Well, that very topic came up during a recent group coaching Zoom with my Separation Anxiety Heroes members.

And it made me think: is separation anxiety training actually ever a waste of time?

Well, I’m passionate that it is a worthwhile endeavor. Admittedly, while the gradual exposure method works for most dogs, there are some dogs that do not respond to this type of training and never recover from separation anxiety. 

However, even for these dogs, training is not futile. That’s why in this episode I set out the three big reasons why you aren’t wasting your time. And why it does pay to give separation anxiety training your best shot.

For more information on how separation anxiety training works, check out my free cheat sheet. Click here to get your download.

In this episode I'm going to explain why I think we can make things simpler, thus setting us and our dogs up for more success.

I’ll also look at why it’s not just owners that find it hard, that trainers do too. And how standards in dog training would help everyone achieve successful separation anxiety training.

Imagine being able to send a letter to your past self, filled with wisdom and advice about the challenging road ahead with a dog who has separation anxiety.

Today, I’m doing just that. I’ll share the 10 key lessons that I wish I knew 13 years ago, from the emotional ups and downs to the importance of ignoring opinions and seeking expert advice.

For information on how I can help you, visit my website: julienaismith.com

It's almost impossible to avoid not having a read an article or seen something on the news telling you your dog will absolutely lose it when you go back to work.

The thing is, this might not be the case. As ever with dogs, there's lots of misinformation and plenty of myths. That's why, this week, I bust the Big 5 Separation Anxiety Lockdown Myths.

Force-free training is kind, ethical, and highly effective. I'm passionate that it's the only way to train dogs. But I'm especially passionate that there is absolutely no other way to train dogs with separation anxiety.

In the episode I explain

• Why you can't treat fear with fear
• How attempting to punish out anxiety is cruel, ineffective and risky, and
• Why coercive, harsh training methods can actually make a dog more anxious about being left.

Tune in to find out more.

For more information on how I can help you:

• Visit my website: julienaismith.com
• Grab a copy of my book, Be Right Back!, the global bestselling book on separation anxiety.
• Download my free guide to separation anxiety training.

Is your rescue dog struggling every time you leave the house?

Or maybe he’s freaking when you leave the room!

If so, this episode is for you as I’m going to share my 5 recommended steps for getting a rescue dog over their fear of being alone in their new home.

One of the hardest things I ever have to tell anyone is that to get their dog over separation anxiety, they need to find ways not to leave their dog in the meantime.

It never goes down well.

And I get that. I mean, when you get a dog the last thing you sign up for is not even being able to go out to get a pint of milk without your dog howling down the house.

But the thing is, in order for the gold standard separation anxiety treatment (gradual exposure) to work, we have to stop dogs having exposure to scary alone time.

I do get how impossibly hard this can be, though. I wouldn't suggest it if there were any other way. 

That's why, in this latest episode, I explain why we need to do this. And I dive into what you might do if you're struggling to get your head round this crazy concept. 

Tune in to find out more.

Meanwhile, if you need my help in getting your dog over separation anxiety, you can download this free cheat sheet or visit my website. 

Should we worry about our dog’s happiness? Yes! Can we improve their lives and make them happier? Absolutely we can.

And in this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Zazie Todd, Author of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy.

Zazie explains why our dog’s happiness should matter to us. She explores what makes dogs happy, the role we play in that, how training methods can affect happiness. And she shows how science underpins all of this.

Join me for this fascinating interview. 

If you think you’ve tried separation anxiety training and it didn’t work, you need to listen to this episode. I’m going to explain what separation anxiety training is (and what it’s not) and I’m going to share my top tips for acing your training.

Topics:

• [02:10] Separation anxiety training is all about showing your dog that being on it's own is okay.
• [02:21] Desensitization means we take a really small amount of what the dog is frightened of and we expose the dog to it at an intensity that the dog can handle.
• [03:39] The key is using a precise, customized training to suit your dog and not a generic plan from the internet and try to make it work.
• [03:50] Tip 1: Your training has to be customised to what your dog can handle
• [04:05] Make an assessment of how long your dog can be on his own and then craft your training around what your dog can handle
• [06:10] Information on an app that creates the custom plans
• [06:39] Tip 2: You need to be prepared to make exercises easier sometimes.
• [07:25] Progress is about pushing their personal best up over time but accepting that not every single jump is going to be a personal best.
• [08:08] Keep a record of your training
• [08:37] Tip 3: You have to become an expert in your dog's anxiety threshold and their anxiety behaviour

• THE NEXT FREE CHALLENGE STARTS ON JUNE 17th

There are few, if any, aspects of separation anxiety that create more mythology than crating.

I see way too much muddled and confusing advice, and I can see that many of you struggle to get your head around whether or not to crate your dog.

To clear things, up this episode covers the seven facts about crating that you absolutely need to know.

In this podcast, I interview Jen Sadler, the owner of Gus, the amazing Shih Tzu Tibetan Spaniel cross. Jen's hard work helped Gus triumph over his separation anxiety. Their journey was not a short one. But after the span of a year, and despite the adoption of another dog with separation anxiety (!), the whole family is now in a very happy place.

Sadly, we are fed a huge volume of incorrect advice about separation anxiety.

And whenever we get bombarded with information, we start to believe what we are told, whether that information is fact-based or not. 

That's why, in this episode, I go through four of the most commonly-held beliefs about separation anxiety that we must reject. 

If, recently, you've caught yourself thinking that your problems are insignificant ”in the scheme of things“, then you are not alone. 

When we see war and devastation in the news everyday it can be easy to think that our problems don't matter.

But someone else's suffering doesn't make your situation magically okay.

That's why in this episode, I chatted with Certified Life Coach, Christal Allen-Harrahill and asked her to share her tips for dealing with our own emotions while processing the disasters we see unfold around the world.

The big takeaway that I hope you get from the interview is the advice Christal gives about self-compassion, and how that's not indulgent but vital.

As Christal states, you can't drink from an empty cup.

Desensitization is the tried and trusted method for separation anxiety. But it’s true that it can take time. It's not the most fun training process. And it doesn't work for every dog. 

So is it ever right to say you’ve given it your best shot and are giving up?

Well, in this episode, I want to take you through 5 questions to help you make that decision.

I don't want you to give up because I see over and over how powerful this method can be. 

But if you're feeling like you're done, I do at least want you to be certain that you're doing the right thing.

Meanwhile, if you feel like you don't want to give up, and would like more help, here are some resources for you.

1. Join my free Facebook support group.
2. Check out my membership, Separation Anxiety Heroes, where people like you are getting their dogs over separation anxiety every day. 
3. Download my free separation anxiety training guide. 

Struggling with a dog who soils the house? Not sure whether it’s anxiety or a house training issue? . Well, if this is your dog, you don’t need me to tell you how frustrating it is.

That’s why, in this episode I’m  joined by Kathleen McClure, a Certified SA Pro who also has a partcular focus on house training.

Kathleen and I had a fascinating conversation about dogs who go in the house. 

Here are 5 key takeaways: 

1. What the difference is between house training issues related to anxiety and those that aren’t.  

2. The importance of reinforcement and creating positive associations for desired behaviors, and why house training is no exception.

3. How to prevent future accidents and manage your dog's behavior to set them up for success. 

4. How to change your dog's emotions and reduce fear if they only have accidents when you're away. 

5. Why some dogs may avoid eliminating in front of their owners if they feel scared or unsafe.

So, whether you're battling separation anxiety or struggling with house training, join me and Kathleen as we dive into expert strategies that will transform your dog's behavior. 

To find out more about Kathleen and how she can help you, check out Kathleen's self-paced online course and one-on-one coaching to get the personalized support you need on your dog's journey to house training success. You can get more info at: https://thehappierdog.com.

For information on how to work with me, click here.

To get a copy of my bestselling book, click here. 

There really is no evidence to this. And in fact, suddenly forcing your dog to sleep elsewhere could make things worse.

Check out this episode where I explain exactly why.

In this episode, I explain what exactly is going on with training versus real life and why it's not really a problem. I will also share some tips on how you can get out of the door for real.

Topics:

• [01:22] On not knowing what dogs are thinking
• [01:34] Modern dog training does not revolve around assuming what dogs know and think
• [02:00] How modern dog training is all about going with what we observe
• [02:31] On body language giving us an idea of the dog's emotional state
• [02:43] Modern dog training is all about outcomes, evidence, and observation
• [05:27] What our dogs are probably thinking if we were to know what's going on inside their heads
• [06:15] How to gauge if training is working and if the dog is learning
• [07:52] Why your differentiating the scary absences from the good ones is vital
• [08:36] How being in control of the thing that scares your dog when doing separation anxiety training in empowering
• [10:32] Translating training into real life
• [11:30] Managing the training set-up and environment
• [13:06] About what dog trainers call “cold trials” and how these help with real-life absences

I always say regressions can happen – but didn’t expect it to happen to Percy. Not after all these years!

But in summer 2022, we discovered that Percy was struggling when we left.

Percy, the dog who, we thought, had left home-alone anxiety behind him, was now barking when we were out. 

In this episode, I dive into what exactly was going on. How it was such a relief when I worked it out. And what I did to get Percy back on track. 

So many behaviors that come naturally to dogs are problems for us humans. Think barking, chewing, jumping up, counter-surfing – you name it! No wonder dogs get confused and get it wrong. And no wonder we get frustrated. 

That’s why in this episode, I’m thrilled to share an interview with Jane Robinson, Chair of the Association for Pet Dog Trainers, UK, about our expectations for dogs, and how we can make our communication with them less frustrating for all concerned.

One change that we can see in older dogs is that they can start to develop anxiety at being left, even if they’ve been fine all their lives.

In today’s episode, I’m going to explain what to look for, what might be going on with your senior dog and what actions to take.

Topics:

• [01:11] Big 3 signs that your senior dog might be starting to feel anxious at home alone
• [01:28] #1: Excessive vocalization
• [01:52] House soiling
• [02:05] Do they destroy different stuff
• [03:13] When do you need to be concern about changes in your dog's home alone behavior
• [04:20] If your dog has just recently developed separation anxiety as a senior, go and talk to your vet
• [05:00] The symptoms of separation anxiety can look very similar to dogs who have cognitive dysfunction
• [05:48] Make sure that it's not some physiological change that is affecting your dog's comfort of being home alone
• [08:45] Pain can really be a big factor in fear and anxiety in dogs
• [09:25] Don't forget that as dog get older, most dogs need to go to the toilet way more often than they used to
• [10:06] What can you do if your dog suddenly develop separation anxiety at older age
• [10:11] Visit your vet and he will help you with the treatment plan
• [11:02] Highly encourage to get a pet sitter or train your dog

Link: 

• Free Facebook Group: Dog Separation Anxiety Training Support with Julie Naismith 

No dog ever voted for being left home alone. Yet, the average dog has learned to put up with our comings and goings.  They welcome our return with tail-wagging joy.  “You’re home! How wonderful for us both!”

It’s different for dogs with separation anxiety.  They don’t cope with being left home alone the way average dogs do. 

Given a choice, they would never want us to leave them!  “Don’t go!  I can’t cope!”

And so, as long as we have jobs, medical appointments, and social lives, we owe it to the dogs who live with us to help them feel more confident and less fearful while we’re away from them. 

One way to accomplish that goal is to give dogs choices when it’s realistic to do so.

In this episode we dive into what choice looks like in separation anxiety training. And I'll share some tips for how you can introduce choice into the separation anxiety training you do with your dog.

Increasingly research shows the link between pain and behavior in dogs. While it’s not the only reason dog’s present with behavioral challenges, it can be a significant contributing factor.

And that’s why in the episode I chat with canine rehabilitation specialist, Sue Van Evra. Sue is the person we go to when our dogs, India and Percy, are feeling stiff and sore. She’s helped them deal with lots of different challenges including back pain and hip soreness. 

But more than that, with her guidance on preventative physiotherapy, India and Percy have remained sprightly and active in a way that belies their age. 

I joke that they do more physio than me. Actually, it’s not a joke – they do!

In this interview with Sue we discuss:

• How we, as dog parents, can learn to spot pain in our dogs.
• What we should do when we do suspect our dogs are in pain.
• How physical therapy and rehabilitation can help dogs of all ages.
• What you can do if you have a dog who’s been prescribed crate-rest but who freaks when crated (hint: the crucial word here is “rest). 

Tune in to hear our chat about these topics, and many more.

About Sue Van Evra

Sue obtained her Physiotherapy Degree from McMaster University in 1993 (after completing both honors and Master’s degrees in Physiology from the University of Western Ontario).  

Sue has spent the last 29 years working as a physiotherapist in outpatient orthopedics with humans, and first started studying Canine Rehabilitation in 2006.  Sue obtained a Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and has worked at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary since 2016. 

She continues to treat humans (mostly dog lovers!) at Two Hands Physiotherapy – located within the Canine Fitness Centre. 

Since December 2021 Sue has also been working at the Canmore Vet Hospital rehabilitating dogs. 

Sue is passionate about learning and problem solving and has completed many advanced courses (both human and canine rehab) to better be able to assess and treat patients effectively. 

Sue is a huge dog-lover and her passion for the canine world makes her excited to be able to work with dogs and to use her experience and in-depth knowledge of physiotherapy principles to rehabilitate the canine population! Sue is on the Advocacy Committee for the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

How to work with Sue

If you live in Southern Alberta then your lucky dogs can get to work with Sue. You can find Sue at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary and at the Canmore Veterinary Hospital. 

In this episode, we're diving into a topic that many of you may have considered: can we ever really cure separation anxiety? 

Is it possible to fully and finally get dogs over this condition such that they have a normal response to being left alone—a permanent change that we might describe as a cure?

Well, join me as I look at what we really mean by separation anxiety recovery. I’ll explain why I think talk of curing or fixing is unhelpful. And I’ll explore the reality of recovery and ongoing management.

I'll also discuss why the return of old fears doesn't mean recovery is unattainable.

Whether you're dealing with a panicky dog or a FOMO-dog who fears missing out, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help both you and your pup.

So grab a seat, tune in, and let’s delve in what it really means to get a dog over separation anxiety. 

For more information on how I can help you get a dog you can leave, visit julienaismith.com.

If you’ve ever put off separation anxiety training, you are definitely not alone. Procrastination in training is such a common issue. Human brains are naturally inclined to seek immediate rewards, and a session of separation training definitely doesn't deliver that. It's all about long-term pay back.

No wonder then, that it can be easy to put training off. 

But there's a nifty hack I want to share with you, that will help you bust procrastination. It’s called the Two Minute Rule. 

And no, it’s in no way related to how long food is safe on the floor after being dropped. 

This rule is all about setting a 2-minute limit for a task. It might seem weird, but doing this surprisingly motivates us to continue beyond that short time limit. 

And in this episode, we delve into the science behind procrastination, how the Two Minute Rule generates a sense of accomplishment, and how it can help you get started when you’d rather do anything else but separation anxiety training. 

Remember, separation anxiety training isn't about instant gratification. It's a long-term investment for your dog’s wellbeing (and your wellbeing too!). Which is why I love the Two Minute Rule: it helps us manage our motivation for training sessions and conquer feelings of procrastination. 

So, if you've been putting off training, tune in and discover the power of the Two Minute Rule to overcome your training hurdles.

For more information on how separation anxiety training works, grab my free cheat sheet by clicking here. 

You may have heard me say that your dog’s separation anxiety is not your fault. You didn’t cause your dog’s home alone issues.

I’ve been where you are and I know how much judgment you have to deal with, and how much guilt you can end up having when you have a dog with SA.

But it's not your dog‘s fault either.

That’s why, in this episode, I explain what‘s really going on with your dog, and why he or she is not trying to turn your world upside down. He can’t help how he feels and just wants you to help him feel better when you leave.

Tune in to find out more.

To find out more about how I can help you help your dog, visit my website.

Sadly this advice is often misguided, and doesn’t work for most dogs.

In this week’s podcast I explain why food fails. And I’ll also give you a specific example where good can be useful.

It can seem like an obvious solution to your dog’s separation anxiety: send your dog off to a trainer for two weeks and get his separation anxiety magically cured.

As tempting as it sounds, board and train is never the answer to separation anxiety. In this podcast episode, I explain exactly why.

If you’re anything like any owner I’ve ever worked with (and hundreds have used my system now) you’ll have moments where you want to give up separation anxiety training.

But if you feel like this then I'm here to talk you down from the ledge.

Yes, it's hard. It's often boring. But it is doable and will be worth it. 

Listen to find out that 6 things that will help turn things around for you when you're at your lowest ebb.

Let’s face it, people who’ve never had a dog with separation anxiety can be smug! They tell us about their "perfect" dog who "never had any issues being left."

And they quiz us about why we "still" can't leave our dog (accompanied by yet more eye rolling).

Does this sound familiar? I'm guessing it might! If so, tune into this episode where I'll be sharing my top strategies to stop their smugness making you feeling like a failure.

Links
For a free guide on the 6 Mistakes to Avoid when you're getting your dog over separation anxiety, click here.

To join my free Dog Separation Anxiety Support group, click here. 

Gradually expose your dog to increasing amounts of alone time: That’s what I call the 'tight' rule of separation anxiety training. It applies universally to all dogs undergoing separation anxiety training. 

But underneath that universal, tight rule, lie many different ways of applying training to each dog. Yes, it's that "it depends" factor you'll keep hearing about. 

I’ve worked with so many dogs, that I’ve seen countless “it depends!”

Overall, though, it comes back one simple question: does a particular factor make things better or worse for any one dog?

It's a crucial question to ask. 

Essentially, we're working out whether something makes training more or less achievable for your dog.

And that's why, in this podcast, I explain this concept (in dog trainer-speak we might talk about "setting events" or "antecedents"). But more importantly, I tell you how to apply this thinking to your dog, and your training, so that you increase your chances of success.

Links
Learn more about separation anxiety training

Podcast episode on cues

There are so many ways in which owners whose dogs have separation anxiety have to deal with guilt. And in this week’s episode of the Fixing Separation Anxiety podcast, we’re going to look at those guilty feelings and I’ll going to share my tips for helping you feel less guilty (even though that might seem hard!).

Join me in the latest episode of "Be Right Back! Separation Anxiety Podcast", where I explain the single most important lesson we can teach our dogs: that they are safe.

In the episode, we also look at how to keep dogs safe, and why must prioritize our dog's emotional well-being above all else.

We'll explore why the use of unethical, aversive training tools exploits a dog's need to be safe, and dissect why these tools can be so damaging. 

We'll also dive into how understanding dog body language is crucial in identifying dogs' discomfort or fear. 

If you're keen on creating a secure and fear-free world for your dog (and I know you are), this episode is a must-listen!

Got a dog who's scared of being alone? I can help! Check out my free guide.

Today's topics is whether your dog have more frustrations than it has fear. The things that your dog gets up to at home when they are alone are not all cause by fear. Behaviors can look very similar to anxious behaviors.

In this episode, we will try to understand and identify whether it's fear or frustration.

Topics:

• [01:13] Separation related behaviors (e.g barking, chewing, destroying) look similar to anxious behaviors
• [01:55] News about a Jack Russell dog that kept neighbours awake with its "continuous" barking and how its owner have been fined almost £3,000
• [05:03] Checklist to determine your dog's behavior
• [05:31] #1 Knowing the age and breed of the dog to get a sense of the dog's energy level
• [06:55] #2 Is his braking and chewing a new condition?
• [07:19] #3 Any recent life changes for this dog?
• [07:58] #4 If you've been working with separation anxiety training, how long have you been working?
• [08:11] #5 How different is your dog's separation related behavior at different times of the day, after exercising and so on?
• [08:55] #6 Have you tried medicating your dog and how much difference did it make?
• [09:20] #7 How persistent is your dog's barking, chewing etc
• [11:36] Persistence and duration are important - anxious dogs are more likely to persevere with the behaviour
• [12:52] Separation anxiety dogs often tend to dig or chew close to windows or doors
• [15:09] Separation anxiety dogs can get frustrated too
• [17:03] Young puppies can definitely be difficult to diagnose

Links

• Owners of 'nightmare' barking dog fined nearly £3,000

When you have a dog with separation anxiety, you do your best to find ways not to leave them. Daycare is an obvious solution.

But the problem is, not every dog loves daycare, and not every daycare centre is right for dogs with separation anxiety.

However, at a well run daycare, dogs of all ages and personalities can benefit, including dogs with separation anxiety.

In this episode, I'm going to share my advice for what to look for in a great daycare. And I give you my tips for how to sniff out the best doggie daycares in your area.

***
Download the free guide to separation anxiety training here. 
For more podcast episodes visit julienaismith.com

Instead of just assuming that your puppy is going to be okay when you leave, you need to teach your puppy home alone skills, just as you would teach them house training or leash walking.

If you have a new puppy, or are thinking about getting one, tune in to find out how to help him or her to be happy on when left.

Does it seem like there's a ton of conflicting advice out there about separation anxiety? I can totally see why you might think that and why that might leave you feeling overwhelmed, not knowing what to do.

But here's the thing, the way we get dogs over separation anxiety – gradually getting them used to alone-time – isn't a secret. And it's pretty much accepted as the standard method, by people who know about these things.

The confusion you're feeling is down to conflicting opinions (not advice) from professionals, online commentators, and maybe even friends and family.

You see, there are so many separation anxiety myths out there and too many people talk about myths as if there were facts.

But how do myths become truths? And how on earth can you know what to believe when it comes to separation anxiety training advice?

Tune into this episode to find out!

It can seem really confusing when your dog will sleep all night in a crate but when you try to leave your dog in a crate when you go out he loses it.

And that's why I both love and hate crates. In the right context, at the right time, they are amazing tools.

But how can we work out when it's right to use a crate and what do we do when crating goes wrong? Listen to find out.

During the holidays, many of us are on the road visiting family and friends. And I'm often asked whether it's worth training when you're away.

That's why in this episode I dive into the pros and cons of doing separation anxiety training away from home. If you're traveling this festive season, tune in to find out what your best plan of action should be!

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the world of social media and its impact on our understanding of separation anxiety in dogs.

We'll explore the myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that often circulate online, and how they can confuse and derail us when trying to help our pups. 

From miracle cures to blaming owners for their dogs' anxiety, we'll debunk at the big social media myths, and I'll share what the real truth actually is.

We'll also discuss the importance of being critical consumers of information, especially when it comes to our dogs' health and wellbeing.

So, whether you're scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or Threads, join me as I share my tips for navigating the digital landscape to find information on separation anxiety you can truly trust.

For more information on how I can help, visit julienaismith.com.

To download my free cheat sheet on separation anxiety, click here. 

Oh, those infuriating dips, drops, setbacks, and regression.

There isn't a dog parent out there who doesn't go through ups and downs in separation anxiety training. 

The thing is, though, what we see as confounding and confusion variable progression is actually very normal.

And when we understand what's going on in a dog's brain when they learn to be home alone, it makes begins to make so much sense.

Tune in to find out more what happens as your dog learns, and how you can use that information to improve your training. 

By the time we get to February it can be easy to feel flat about all the good intentions we had in January, can't it?

Maybe you set yourself goals to start separation anxiety training with your dog, but somehow never did.

Or perhaps you got off to the races only to find life got in the way.

If this sounds like you, then make sure to tune into this episode all about motivation.

I'll be sharing my 7 top tips to help you get back into the training groove (or to get started if you stalled!)

The tips are easy, simple, and quick to do. After all, the last thing you need, when you have a dog with separation anxiety, is more overwhelmed!

As much as I know you're 100% committed to managing absences, what happens in an emergency? As horrible as it is to think about bad things happening is does pay to have a contingency plan should disaster strike. 

In this episode I look at how to plan for those rare occurrences where you might, just might, need to leave your dog. Hopefully, you'll never be faced with such a dilemma but if you do, planning ahead can help you. 

"Separation anxiety training easy? Is she out of her mind?" Okay, to be clear I'm not saying that separation anxiety cases are easy – far from it!

It's just that there are some unique aspects to separation anxiety training that are pluses, and which can make the training less daunting and more effective.

Separation anxiety training takes effort and it takes time. And there are a fair few mistakes that are easy to commit and which make training all the harder.

That's why, in the episode, I spill the beans on the errors that I see people make over and over. I'll also share my tips and tricks to help you avoid these, and so ensuring your training far more efficient and much less painful!

Anxious people create anxiety in their dogs, don't they? Perhaps you've been told that. Perhaps you've thought that. It seems so plausible that it must be true, right? Well, not so fast. There isn't a ton of evidence, especially as it relates to separation anxiety. 

That's why in this podcast I debunk this theory, and explain why it's unhelpful, limited thinking. 

Tune in to find out more.

You've started training. You manage to get to the door or even out of the door but...

...your dog is following you the whole time.

Big problem, right? Well, maybe but maybe not. 

You see anxiety isn't always the reason dogs follow us to the door during training. And just because your dog is following you, that doesn't mean to say your training is a write-off.

In this episode I explain when following is okay and when it's not. And I look out what to do with a dog who waits by the door.

In this episode, I’m going to talk about how you know when you’ve got one of these hyper-attached dogs.

And I’m going to share my top 3 tips for how to handle it.

But now we know that just because he’s doing the whole jack-in-the-box routine, doesn’t mean he was freaking out while you were gone.

Discovering that your dog has separation anxiety hits hard. One of the biggest emotions to deal with the remorse we feel for not knowing. 

We beat ourselves up because we left a dog who couldn't be left. We berate ourselves for missing the signs that now seem so obvious.

But, as natural as it is to feel bad about what we did when we didn't know better, we do need to let go. Hanging on to that guilt isn't good for us. And it's not good for our dog.

That's why in this episode I'm sharing what trainers what you to know about letting go of those feelings. Inspired by the my amazing Certified Separation Anxiety Pros, I explain why it's so important to look forward, not back. And give you some tips on how to do that.

If you want to work privately with a Certified Separation Anxiety Pros, check out the listing on my website. julienaismith.com

And if you want to work with me, you can start by downloading this free cheat sheet.

It’s that time of year: gathering with friends and family for cosy times, festive food, and…conversations about your dog. 

If it feels like everyone you know is an expert in separation anxiety then you’re probably bracing yourself for heaps of unsolicited, unhelpful advice, from people who mean well, but who just don’t get it. 

Or maybe, you’re not going anywhere because you can’t leave your dog, and you’ve already had the advice. “Just leave him - it’s only a few hours”, and so on. You know how it goes.

If this resonates with you, then tune into my latest podcast episode, where I dive into the most common bits of advice, and least helpful questions that I hear pet parents dealing with over and over again. 

And for each one, I’ve shared my tips on how to handle them.

I do hope that you enjoy this festive season. Try not to stress too much about your dog. Instead take a break (if you can) and I’ll see you in January, re-energized for some serious separation anxiety training. Are you in?

We’ll look at why training stalls if you can’t protect your dog from his panic. And we’ll talk about how you can find ways not to leave your dog, even if that seems impossible right now.

Last week I went to a seminar presented by leading vet behaviourist, Dr. Karen Overall..

One statement she made really struck me: “the first thing we need to do with an anxious dog is stop the sky falling on their head.”

I totally agree.

While we can never exactly know what a dog is thinking or feeling, we can learn a lot from their body language.

With dogs who are fearful of being home alone, I often wonder do they think the world is about to end, that they are in imminent danger.

It certainly looks grave based on their body language.

There are 2 reasons we need to make our home alone dogs feel safer.

1. Welfare
2. Training efficacy

1 Welfare

We didn't give the dogs the option of being in our home. They have no choice but to stay and remain in a state of morbid fear when we leave. I think once you get your head round that it becomes really difficult to leave your dog at home alone to panic.

I believe we owe it to our dogs to let them live a life free of fear. And that's why I think it is a welfare issue to stop them thinking that the sky is falling on their head.

2  Training efficacy

When we change how a dog feels about something that it's frightened of we need to give them lots and lots of new positive none scary experiences to outweigh the scary experiences that they've had in the past.

With a separation anxiety dog that means we have to give them lots of new experiences of you going out but not leaving them for longer than they can cope with.

We are trying to send a message to our dogs that there's a new way of doing things

That may be in the past when you left it was scary it would be frightening.  

But that now when you go and when you do these shorts safe practice absences, everything's going to be okay.

II like to talk about a bank account of experiences. On one side of the balance we've got a ton of historic previously scary alone time.

Then you start separation anxiety training and add positives experiences to the other side of the bank balance. But you need to get a ton of positive non scary experiences to balance the books.

So can you see why it can be so tricky if not impossible to have success with desensitization training if you have a dog who you are still forced to leave.

But even if you want to how do you stop the sky from falling on your dog’s head when you have work to go to, bills to pay. Well, I know it can be tough, and I’ve been there. But what I do know is that even though it starts out feeling impossible it can be done.

You’ll find lots of ideas in my free Facebook group: subthresholdraining.com/group.

And also I’ve now started up a brand new network where you can connect to other separation anxiety  dog owners near you. It’s a small but growing community. You really need to join! subthresholtraining.com/network

Hope this podcast helped you understand why stopping your dog’s fear is essential.

And motivated you to at least try to stop the sky falling on your dog’s head.

Topics:

• [00:45] Reporting back from seminar with Dr. Karen Overall
• [01:54] We can never know what's going on inside our dog's head but how body language helps us
• [03:15] 2 reasons why we need to stop our dogs from thinking the sky is falling on their heads
  - Dog's welfare
  - Training effectiveness

• [03:51] When our dogs panic at home alone, they really don't have much choice about that situation
• [06:01] We owe it to our dogs to let them live a life that’s free from fear
• [06:55] We really can't implement separation anxiety training when our dogs are in that state
• [07:07] With separation anxiety training is we are trying change how they feel about being home alone
• [08:44] A bank account of positive and negative experiences for the dog
• [09:17] Adding positive experiences and starting to balance things out
• [09:53] Just like us, dogs are more likely to have negativity bias
• [11:29] In order to get your dog over separation anxiety, you have to stop leaving your dog
• [13:03] But even though that seems impossible it’s not

Links:

• Facebook groups
• Episode 14 show notes

Planning a getaway and worried about how a routine change will impact your dog's separation anxiety, especially if you've been investing time in separation anxiety training?

In this latest episode of Be Right Back! Separation Anxiety podcast, we dive into the world of routine changes, exploring the effects of going away and taking a break from training on our pups.

Tune in to get my expert tips and strategies to help you and your dog navigate these changes with ease. Discover what to expect when you return, and how to smoothly transition back into your training routine. If you're at all worried about the challenges of balancing travel and separation anxiety training, you won't want to miss this episode. 

To learn more about how to work with me, visit julienaismith.com

For a free cheat sheet on separation anxiety training mistakes to avoid, click here.

She needs to relax, right? Well, yes and no. We definitely need our dogs to show no anxiety when doing home alone training. But that doesn’t mean she has to stay put. Listen to find out more.

You've most likely seen ads or posts about “calming“ music for dogs, and how it can transform a nervous pup into a dog who confidently aces alone time. 

But is this really the case, or is this yet another separation anxiety myth?

If you do use music when you leave, you might also have heard that you'll make things worse by tipping off your dog. But is this so?

There's lots of misinformation about using music (and TV and other noise for that matter). 

That's why in this episode of the Be Right Back! Live Podcast, I dive into the topic of music: when to use it, how it can help, and what it can really do for your home alone dog.