What Is Separation Anxiety Behavior in Dogs, and How Do We Address This?
Dogs with separation anxiety likely experience significant stress or fear when separated from family members. These dogs may exhibit problem behaviors, including:
We treat this behavior through science-based training methods and over 20 years of experience. These training methods include positive reinforcement and classical conditioning to teach your dog positive associations with you being away.
Benefits of Separation Anxiety Training
Separation training aims to improve behavioral wellness by teaching your dog how to be calm and confident during periods of separation. This is achieved through teaching positive associations through behavior modification training. Our Florida Board and Train Retreat is available across the state, including Miami, Palm Beach, Orlando and Naples.
By the end of the training program, you will be able to leave your home without worrying about your dog being stressed, anxious, or engaging in destructive behavior.
The goal of this program is to address separation anxiety behaviors and to teach high-level obedience commands and manners.
Separation anxiety behaviors that are addressed in this program include:
This program includes:
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Our training programs are personalized to meet the unique needs of your dog and your training goals.
We use science-based training methods to improve your dog’s behavioral wellness. Ensuring that your dog develops healthier coping skills and emotional stability.
This includes counterconditioning, where we teach your dog to develop positive associations with being alone, while reducing fear and stress related to separation.
During this training program, your dog will live with Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage at their home in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Before training begins, we first need to understand more about your dog’s behavioral history and your training goals. We ask that you submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior” questionnaire and meet with Dr. Echterling-Savage for a virtual consultation. During this consultation, she will ask about your training goals, answer any questions you have, and use this information to develop a personalized training plan to treat your dog’s separation anxiety and teach obedience commands.
One of our trainers will arrive at your home to pick up your dog and take them to Dr. Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage’s home in Tampa Bay, Florida. Your dog’s safety is always our priority. During travel, your dog will always be with the trainer, whether in the car with them or flying in the cabin beside the trainer.
The Board and Train Program runs for four weeks, and training will occur both at their home and throughout the Tampa Bay area. We will address your dog’s separation anxiety behaviors and teach obedience, manners, and socialization skills through private one-on-one sessions. These sessions can take place at home and in public areas, including parks, hiking trails, shopping areas, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and dog-friendly beaches. During their stay, your dog will be part of the family, with dedicated training time, exercise, relaxation, and play time.
During the four-week board-and-train program, you will be kept updated on your dog’s progress through texts, emails, progress reports, virtual meetings, and phone conversations. So you are always informed of your dog’s progress and their adventures.
At the end of the training program, your dog will return home, where you and your dog will receive 4.5 hours of return and follow-up lessons. These lessons will allow us to easily transition your dog’s training to your home and local neighborhood. These lessons are crucial to learning how to manage all of your dog’s new skills and achieve lasting success.