Training Philosophy
Does your dog loudly whine when you leave the home? Does your dog scratch up the bedroom door when left alone? Beyond the Dog Tampa specializes in addressing separation anxiety behaviors such as these; we use proven scientific research and our extensive hands-on experience to treat separation anxiety. Our training programs are designed to manage these behaviors through private training so your dog will be calm when you are away. Investing in treatment for your dog’s separation anxiety can have a lifelong impact, significantly improving your and your dog’s quality of life.
Separation anxiety can cause significant stress for both you and your dog, which is why our science-based training programs are specifically designed to manage and treat various forms of separation anxiety. Our Co-founders, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Echterling-Savage and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sean Savage, will develop a personalize training plan tailored to your dog’s needs, utilizing proven scientific research in dog behavior. Were use a combination of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement to help create a positive association for your dog when you are away from home. This effective approach has been refined through over 20 years of experience in treating separation anxiety cases.
Training Programs
Our 22-hour Training Program is designed to reduce and eliminate separation anxiety in your dog, helping him feel confident and calm when you’re not home. This training program targets separation-related behaviors, including:
Our team uses a proprietary multicomponent treatment that includes counterconditioning to decrease and eliminate separation anxiety with your dog. Sean Savage, our behavior consultant, will help your dog develop a positive association for when you leave the house, and with ongoing treatment, your dog will be calm and confident when left alone. Our training protocols are supported by scientific research, including a 2022 study by Zurllinden et al. that shows that counterconditioning effectively treats dogs with separation anxiety. Our Co-Founder, Sean Savage, further explains our approach when stating “When a dog suffers from separation anxiety, both owners and dogs experience a reduced quality of life. Our unique training protocols help alleviate stress and restore peace to the household.”
The 22-hour Training Program for Separation Anxiety consists of 22 hourly sessions. Before the training begins, we ask you to submit your completed “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior.” This assessment will provide our Co-founders, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Dr. Echterling-Savage, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sean Savage, with valuable information to design a personalized training program that addresses your dog’s separation anxiety behaviors.
Sean Savage will provide personalized one-on-one sessions to address your dog’s separation anxiety and train general obedience and manners. The final session of each week will be a dedicated lesson for you, where you’ll practice the learned behaviors and commands to ensure long-term behavioral changes. At the end of the training program, follow-up sessions will be arranged to ensure your dog’s behavioral changes are maintained.
Many insurance companies, including Trupanion will cover separation anxiety behavioral training when it is led by a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a Board Certified Vet Behaviorist. Please check with your insurance provider to see if they will cover separation anxiety dog training.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you through two hours of virtual consultations to address your dog’s separation anxiety behaviors. This program includes virtual consultations, a personalized training plan, and ongoing support for long term success.
As one of the few Board Certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among only about 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings extensive knowledge to each session. Her comprehensive background includes a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of hands-on training. Dr. Echterling-Savage will deliver expert guidance to help your dog make lasting improvements with their separation anxiety behaviors.
Our Separation Anxiety Behavior Modification Package includes two hours of private virtual sessions with Dr. Echterling-Savage, our Co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). During your sessions, Dr. Echterling-Savage will evaluate your dog’s behavior and design a personalized training program that meets your dog’s specific needs. Following the initial consultation, she will provide ongoing support, helping you with behavior scenarios that reinforce positive behavioral modification and promote continued success.
The Separation Anxiety Behavior Modification Package costs $750, including two hours of virtual sessions and support.