Separation Anxiety
Doesn’t Have To Be Forever…
A Canine Affinity: Separation Anxiety Training For Dogs And Pet-Parents Everywhere
There Is Always Hope!
I know the feeling well. Every time you leave the house for a moment of relief, the return can mean destruction, your dog howling, panting, drooling - it leaves you feeling even more stressed than before. I know the hopeless feeling. But I’m here to tell you your dog’s separation anxiety won’t be forever if you let me help you! Help get your dog relief from that fear, panic and distress and find comfort when home alone and get you some freedom back.
You will get to that exercise class again. You will have a social life again. You can get your life back!
What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like?
Each dog is different, separation anxiety can and will look different in each case. Some common clues that you’re dealing with a case of separation anxiety in your dog…
Barking, Howling & Vocalization
when you leave and continues long after you’re gone
Potty Accidents
even when house trained
Chews, Digs, or is Generally Destructive (at entry and exit points) in the home
Panting, Pacing or Panicking when you are preparing to leave the house (and after)
Hurts Themselves
while you’re gone. Either by trying to escape or chewing. licking, biting excessively
Helping your dog feel safe at home starts here.
Assessment & Custom Action Plan:
Gain deeper understanding of your dog’s behavior to help them feel SAFE when home alone.
Perfect stand alone option or start of your training journey.
How it works:
Step 1: Meet on Zoom
Before we meet I send a questionnaire to fill out that will help me guide the conversation. At assessment time you share your dog’s detailed history. Any behavior or medical problems your dog has had or is currently facing and more!
Step 2: I see your dogs true colors
We create a plan to place a camera so I can observe your dog when alone (no distractions from humans). Allowing me to see your dog in their true environment and displaying any separation related behaviors. This ensures I can create a plan that speaks to the core of the issues.
Step 3: Review the Results + Action Plan
Within the same session, I provide you my initial thoughts and insights and go over basics of how desensitization training works.
Step 4: Detailed Report + Starter Training Plan
Within a week you’ll receive
Recommendations to start you on the path to alone time success with your dog.
Customized training plan laid out step by step to get you started with gradual home alone training.
Body language observations and breakdowns to help you learn when your dog is telling you they are feeling stressed and relaxed.
Follow up support and access to customizable training packages so you don't feel alone in your journey.
Investment : $325 / 2 hours
1:1 Safe & Sound Behavior Coaching
(Assessment Required)
After creating a custom action plan let me guide you into my in depth coaching and behavior modification plans that will work to change your dog’s association to being home alone through my SAFE framework. With my popular, and recommended 4 or 8 week coaching program, (all conducted virtually via Zoom and shared training google sheets), I’ll show you how gradual desensitization really works.
Allow me to be your personal coach, adjusting carefully curated training plans each day, that will take less than an hour to complete, to ensure your dog is learning the right skills to gradually increase SAFE, comfortable, and relaxed time home alone. You’ll learn crucial observational skills to read body language, how to set up your home and day to day environment to ensure the most successful training sessions and learn to understanding when your dog is increasing in stress and when they are cool, calm and relaxed so you feel confident taking over when the time is right.
***Separation anxiety frequently takes several months or longer to achieve recovery goals, after completion of your in 4 or 8 week in depth coaching plan together we assess what continued support you may need to meet your specific goals.
See additional resources for more information
What’s Included (4 or 8 week plan):
Initial phone call to assess your case and ask questions (if desired)
Custom Training Plans - 5 days a week! Always tailored specifically to your dog’s case to ensure progress is achieved
Once weekly live video check-In and reassessment
Detailed data tracking of your dog’s progress
Initial Monthly Training Investment : $875
8 week investment: $1625 ($125 savings)
Click Links to purchase assessment/package combo or contact me for more information.
Additional Ala Carte & Custom Package Services Now Available
Lower commitment coaching plans:
Start at $550 month / $300 2 weeks
Inquire for details
Check in’s & Feedback:
Single video feedback $50 (5 min video)
4 custom training plans $225 / w live virtual check in (45 min) $350
60 min chat: $150 - No written follow up
Custom: Training Plan Review
Perfect if you are:
Currently working through separation anxiety and feeling stuck.
Just starting out but want another set of eyes on your training plan
Want to discuss how your environment, schedule or other variables may be affecting your training
Generally looking for guidance and tweaks to existing training plan
Ideal for other training professionals looking for collaboration and feedback on cases.
(Note this does not replace an Assessment & Custom Action Plan for new coaching clients)
How it Works:
In advance I request and review any provided videos and behavior information
We meet virtually for a 30 / 60 minute chat
I provide on the spot suggestions and adjustments to day to day environment, enrichment plans and more to support overall wellness
Q & A Time when available
Within a week you receive detailed feedback and suggested adjustments to current training plans
email for 30 minute call details - may not be appropriate for all cases.
Investment : $225 - 60 minutes
Contact me for 30 minute sessions: melissa@acanineaffinity.com
Expertise
A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) is an experienced dog behavior professional who has completed extensive training and is an expert in assessing and proper treatment of separation anxiety in dogs for best chances of recovery
Track Record
CSATs have a track record of success with training practices are grounded in the latest scientific research; they are kind, gentle, and effective, ensuring we’re helping your dog overcome their separation anxiety as efficiently as possible while minimizing stress and anxiety every step of the way.
Emotional Support
CSATs are able to provide engaged support and empathy throughout the process because they deeply understand SA, helping both you and your dog through this difficult time
How Training Works
Contact us via our website or by discovery call and schedule your virtual initial assessment
We work closely together to help your dog overcome their Separation Anxiety
Both you and your dog enjoy your time together and apart
Payment plans are available for those in need.
Sliding scale slots available for intensive plans. See separation anxiety resources page for more information about our sliding scale options.
Fact vs Fiction When It Comes To Separation Anxiety
There is an overwhelming amount of myths and debunked theories in the world about what causes separation anxiety - let’s separate some facts from fiction.
Fiction
You caused your dog's separation anxiety by letting them sleep in the bed
Fact
Letting them sleep in the bed or on the couch does not cause or lead to separation related behaviors. Separation anxiety is caused by a number of different factors or combinations of events and possible genetic predisposition.
Fiction
If your dog has separation anxiety, you need to ignore them when you’re home (all the time)
Fact
If your significant other began ignoring you all the time so it would be easier on you when they went on a business trip - do you think it would work? Or would you have more cause to worry something was wrong? Please don’t start ignoring your dog.
Fiction
Your dogs destructive because they’re mad at you for leaving
Fact
Unlike humans, dogs don’t possess the part of the brain that formulates feelings of revenge. Destructive behavior is a symptom of panic, distress and anxiety when alone.
Are You Ready To Start Solving Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety?
Find Freedom From Separation Anxiety and Contact Us Today!