Separation Anxiety Guide

“I think this article on SA from the ASPCA gives a useful overview. You can see where you all are at in terms of SA and if consulting a vet is needed or if the intervention can be simple like adding more enrichment into the fold, which is sounds like you already have (yay!). See previous enrichment handout if that's the case. Patterns, timing, and habits can also be useful to switch up. SA can be complex so I don’t want to overstep but here’s a starting place to assess. (This is Jacks, he was a very sweet pup in his shy era-- loved him too!)”

“I was talking to a friend yesterday who has a Dog with separation anxiety/isolation distress. They did the full protocol which basically means not leaving your Dog alone, using physical cues before you leave, and doing very short exits (like seconds to minutes). It’s a lot (i.e., logistically hard unless you work from home or can take your Cleo to work with you) which is why I didn’t link it before but it does really help and her Dog can be left alone now without SA/distress. So I thought to send you this handout as well. (This is Orchid, one of the sweetest puppies at the shelter. I would have adopted her if I could have— look at those cute teeth and that ear!)”