A follow up to what you can do for your dog when private coaching is not an option.

I am thrilled to announce that I am now a Dynamic Dog Practitioner!

Humans are not particularly fond of ambiguity. For the most part, we prefer rules and structure compared to abstract concepts. This is why recipes, guidelines, and bullet point training plans are so attractive. Unfortunately, they are rarely the answer, BUT they can help you get over the hurdle until you have a better understanding of your dog, what their needs are, and how the training works.

I’ve worn many hats in the animal industry: docent and educator, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, neonate avian specialist, anuran breeder, behavioral researcher. When working with clients, I find myself constantly falling back on these other areas of expertise to problem solve a situation. It’s the culmination of this background and skills that makes me successful at my job.

Rather than fall back on, “My animal did this _______ undesired behavior”, I look to see how I can improve their environment and living conditions to make that undesirable behavior obsolete.

Your qualified trainer knows you, your dog, your home environment, background history, and has data on your dog’s progress. You paid them to help you solve your dog’s separation anxiety…let them do their job.

At last count, there are over 900 million domestic dogs in the world, with only about 17%-24% of them living as pets. That’s a lot of free roaming dogs! So we know quite a bit about dogs and denning habits. Primarily, dogs use dens when giving birth and raising puppies, defense against predators, and protection from bad weather. It’s important to note that these dens do not have a door, and the dogs are not confined to them.

It is our goal to bring quality separation anxiety education to pet owners, and at a price level that fits different budgets. Private coaches are always best (ever tried to learn gym equipment and create a training plan on your own? It’s rough!), so I want pet owners to have other good options.

I can’t advise you about behavior medications because I am not a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist. I CAN provide you with resources and point you in the right direction.

If your dog is suffering from separation related behaviors, there are a few things you can do right now to make them happier.

First, what is a baseline? A baseline is a reading of what your dog can currently handle without becoming upset.  When we begin Separation Anxiety training, we want dogs to always stay below this tolerance level, even when determining baseline. 

Is it possible your dog is not suffering from Separation Anxiety…but something else? Absolutely. They may have unmet physical and/or mental needs, illness, frustration, etc.

Who can forget the scene from the 80s classic, The Karate Kid, where Mr. Miyagi gives Daniel his first “real” lesson in Karate. What was that lesson? Was it Gedan Mawashi Geri? Hiza Geri? Nope. Mr. Miyagi taught simple, fluid movements found in waxing a car, or sanding the floor.

Let’s face it…dogs are a social species that love spending time with us. I doubt any dog is excited when their owners leave them home alone. However, most dogs learn to tolerate being home alone, but what about the dogs that can’t?