Separation Anxiety Podcast - What is Separation Anxiety, How to Prevent It, and GET RID of IT!

[@MR-tn5kv]

I took in a foster dog who it turns out has extreme separation anxiety. I went out for and hour and he went through a window…. blood stitches, then he did it again. It has been a nightmare - he just enters into full blown panic when we leave the house. We try not to have a routine, to come in and out frequently,; we give him varying times of alone time, lots of exercise, to not give him too much attention, crate training - but at some point one needs to go out and my other three dogs are getting stressed. He’s nominally better, but people with more experience that if we could find an adopter, he would most likely relapse and the poor, sweet dog will probably end up put to sleep… What a sad, difficult situation.

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

Unfortunately this happens a lot. Rest assured that you can work with dogs that have severe anxiety. It takes time and a lot of patience, but it’s worth it. Thanks for watching!

[@nathaliecourchesne7326]

This is great information! I adopted my dog 3 years ago. He is now 9 or 10. The rescue didn't tell me he had severe separation anxiety and that he was deaf and I live in an appartment. They said they didn't know. It's a good thing I've been working from home for almost 4 years now. I tried medication and many things and it didn't work (I ated the medication, he was not himself) but I think this way of doing it could work. Eversince I adopted my dog, everytime I go out I have to bring him to the dogsitter. And she just informed me that she won't be doing it as of May 2022. So, it gives me 6 months to train my dog. I really hope it works!! Thanks:-)

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

Thanks for the support and for watching!

[@scottybuttons1882]

Great info, I never understood why my dog barks when I leave. I'm constantly reassuring him that I'll be right back. It all makes much more sense why that didn't help. Thanks!

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

That’s a very common reaction. Glad I could help.

[@mndfst9433]

This is great. I'll definitely try this out. My dog has had severe anxiety since she was a puppy and it feels like a FOMO type situation. We even considered getting another dog so she would have a playmate.

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

Glad the video helped! Thanks for watching!

[@karenvaughn3189]

Actually my dog was in a crate but escaped now I’m afraid he will hurt himself so haven’t put him in it. He will run into it when he hears me pulling into garage or in the am when I’m leaving for work.

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

It’s common for dogs to have negative experiences with crates, but you can re-Introduce them to the crate slowly and gradually.

[@bretjessicayanish1432]

All my dogs have separation panic I go out the door and they scream not bark and yes I know my oldest is retired service dog and I try to take them all with me even if 3 have to stay in the car that goes better

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

I have a couple videos on addressing separation anxiety. Check them out, it’s pretty easy, but takes time and practice.

[@TheKarlajna]

I have 6-month-old yorkie with separation anxiety, he is fearful and anxious when left alone, usually sits by the door and every noise makes him get up. sometimes he goes to the crate to take a nap he will be up in an hour - 1,5 and back by the door. I am working on socialization and taking him new places every day. He is still really fearful, but he is getting better. He is not crate trained, we do have a crate and he likes to sleep there even at night or when left alone he takes a nap there. I need help making him comfortable staying home alone. He knows basics commands like stay, sit, down, wait. Any advise ? How can I make him to be okay for 4~5 hours at the time

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

I have a few videos showing how to address separation anxiety.

[@leighgratton3829]

Hey my dog was fine last night and this morning she lays there and like wakes and runs across house any ideas

[@thetorontodogwhispereraka-7115]

Hard to say without more detailed information, but try a long walk, 3 times a day. Should help reduce anxiety.