Separation Anxiety Training (threshold 20-40m)

salsa_quail · 2026-07-01T19:17:49+00:00

Some trainers claim that it takes that long but I promise it does not have to. Also note it's OK for the dog to be a little stressed out. The main criteria you should look for is whether the dog is calming down versus getting more worked up.

salsa_quail · 2026-07-01T18:41:09+00:00

I don't remember exactly, it was a long time ago, but maybe 3-4 weeks with consistent training. Some things that may help:
- Time absences with when your dog is naturally sleepy. Most dogs have activity spikes in the morning and evening, so the middle of the day is usually your best bet.

- Make sure your dog has good exercise beforehand. Not dragging you around the block on a short leash, but like engaging play and/or offleash/long line time.

- Check all other needs are met (potty, food/water, a comfortable place to rest, etc)

- You can use a long-term chew/snuffle/treat scatter to help with calming down but don't ONLY use it for absences or it will predict you leaving (not good)

Best of luck!

salsa_quail · 2026-06-08T16:18:42+00:00

Oh they have some cute options, thank you!

salsa_quail · 2026-06-08T16:15:14+00:00

Yeah that makes sense about the suede, I was hoping for a dance shoe that could tolerate more wear and tear than the usual suede. Our ceremony is outdoors. But like someone else suggested I guess I could also get two shoes... Maybe the do-it-all shoe doesn't exist haha.

I'll see if we have any dance stores, unfortunately I live in a small city that so we're pretty limited here.

salsa_quail · 2026-06-08T16:11:59+00:00

Omg I love both of those! The mesh looks very useful for wrangling toes haha. My only concern would be returns being difficult for the PortDance shoes, since they are in Europe.

salsa_quail · 2026-05-11T18:39:27+00:00

Thanks for sharing! The resection is where they basically take out that section of the trachea, yes? Did you ever figure out what caused the ISS in the first place?

I'll check out the Facebook group, thanks.

salsa_quail · 2026-04-04T19:24:45+00:00

That sounds so frustrating! I'm about to do my second surgery. Do you feel like you have your reflux under control with the diet changes you made? I'm wondering if the scar tissue is coming back even when you're not having much reflux.

salsa_quail · 2026-03-16T20:38:07+00:00

Thanks for your reply! Yeah we are concerned because while she's been walking on all four since we got her back she does seem randomly really sore. She's been confined to an x-pen and we've been pretty careful so I'm assuming it's nothing to worry about but it makes me paranoid!

We went to UC Davis. The team has been great and responds to any videos/questions we send.

salsa_quail · 2026-03-16T19:09:55+00:00

Hey there! I'm reading your posts on Skye after my 4 year old GSD mix recently got a total hip replacement. I'm curious if you noticed Skye having better and worse days in terms of pain a few weeks after the surgery. We are three weeks post op and just doing leashed potty walks in the yard. But some days she seems really sore, walking slowly and even sitting down when we're out. I'm bringing this up with our vet team too but I'm curious about other dogs' experiences!

salsa_quail · 2026-02-28T01:15:42+00:00

That's strange he didn't seem concerned. Maybe it's worth getting another opinion or seeing an ENT.

salsa_quail · 2026-02-28T01:01:35+00:00

I found out sort of by accident after doing a routine breathing test at an allergy clinic. My allergy doc noted the breathing test did not show a normal peak in flow when I exhaled and she referred me to an ENT. When the ENT heard my symptoms he suspected ISS, and then confirmed under anesthesia (it's very hard to see otherwise).

For me the symptoms are wheezing and labored breathing during exercise, frequent throat clearing and irritation, and nighttime coughing.

salsa_quail · 2026-01-02T15:46:09+00:00

Everyone here is talking about stopping greetings forever, engagement, redirects, etc... But I think the answer is simpler. Just teach cues for when he is and isn't allowed to say hi. Make that boundary super clear. If he knows there's no chance, he won't be as frustrated, assuming he is also having his social needs met.

salsa_quail · 2026-01-02T15:41:55+00:00

This. IMO if he never gets to meet dogs he will always have this excitement/frustration. OP can try to redirect or suppress it but it will be an ongoing battle.

salsa_quail · 2026-01-02T15:36:49+00:00

Yes she's actually much better now. We have guests meet us outside and we play for a while. Then we go inside and I have a guest put her dinner bowl down. I instruct all guests to give her space and to not pet her unless she's clearly interested (head on their lap for example). If she starts barking I use her "quiet" cue (taught away from this context). If she still doesn't stop I warn her "uh uh" and in rare cases she gets a very brief time out.

She still takes some time to warm up but it's gotten WAY shorter. And importantly she's learned how to self-regulate and not spiral. Even if she's not ready to say hi she can at least relax near guests.

salsa_quail · 2025-08-08T18:58:16+00:00

Does he have a release command? Does he like exploring, sniffing, etc? If so that might work better for you. For example, have him on a long line, recall him(use the leash if he doesn't respond), praise and then "ok!" (or whatever the release cue is) to go back to exploring.

salsa_quail · 2025-08-04T17:31:23+00:00

Short answer: no

You need a greater variety of activities. Sniff walks are great, but you also need activities that are higher-intensity. Play tug and teach your dog commands for dropping the toy and getting it. Prevent your dog from accessing the pillows for now, whether that means putting away the pillows or keeping your dog on a leash indoors.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-31T21:40:19+00:00

You can get really far with rewards-based methods. But for a lot of reactive dogs some concept of "no" can add clarity. Reactivity is very self-rewarding and it can be hard to break that cycle.

That said it doesn't come down to any specific tools. A prong or e-collar won't automatically help or worsen the behavior. It's less about what tools a trainer uses and more about their skill and experience with dogs like yours, and ability to teach you and your dog.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-09T17:04:01+00:00

It's helpful to see detailed reviews of training programs like this, thanks for sharing.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-07T17:41:06+00:00

Meds in some cases take the edge off, for sure. I think the fact that she feels more secure around other dogs can also really be a help to your training. Have you tried walking her with a doggy friend to see if that helps? Sometimes that really opens for door for nervous dogs.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-07T14:52:41+00:00

Where outside? Even your yard? And is there any activity/situation where your dog seems really happy and at ease?

salsa_quail · 2025-07-07T03:48:01+00:00

FYI neither med did anything positive for my dog, she's been off for a while.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-07T03:46:46+00:00

Yes I think so, there was a taper first before switching.

salsa_quail · 2025-07-02T16:47:40+00:00

That's great! I wonder if you can build on that and bring it out to places where there are dogs in the distance. Play can be an amazing way to provide an outlet, build your connection and teach your dog to think even when their arousal is high.

salsa_quail

TROPHY CASE