Client Resources

What to Consider When Considering 

When dogs are struggling with behavior challenges due to underlying anxiousness, we want to do everything we can to support them as we move through a process to change their underlying emotional state. 

Anxiety is an emotional state. It is not controlled by your dog deciding to behave in any specific manner, but instead your dog is being affected involuntarily by outside circumstances. 

Putting into place a Behavior Modification plan along with management - reducing all stressors - are the first crucial steps to helping your dog. 

However, your dog’s individual genetics, major changes like uncontrollable “life events” or past trauma and your dog’s history of having experienced stress over time play a large role in their individual ability to process their world and their brains ability cope. Therefore, it is also beneficial to consider adding behavior medication to your recovery plan. Separation anxiety is a challenging behavior issue to overcome and often is driven by many facets of the above (genetics, trauma and negative learning history).

This three pronged approach can make progress much smoother and more swift. Many dogs do benefit from prescriptive medication as there is likely a genetic component to anxiety. Though not all dogs require this type of support, we do not rule this out as a great adjunct to the separation anxiety program and keep that option on the table as we discover each individual dog's ability to learn. 

Being open to and proactively consulting with your vet or a board certified vet behaviorist about adding a low dose trial of behavior medication for your dog’s separation anxiety program may be wise. 

When dogs have difficulty coping with separation or are inconsistent in their ability to learn from day to day, behavior medication can provide their brain the chemical balance missing due to possible genetic predispositions and prior mentioned experiences. Only when we can balance the chemicals can we truly start to make progress in behavior modification for some dogs. 

For the cases that required medication, we cite an Eli Lilly study (the pharmaceutical company) which used a lesser program for a behavior modification training program and found significant increase in recovery from Separation Anxiety (a 73% improvement in success when medication is incorporated). 

BEST PRACTICES 

I like to make, you, my clients, aware of a few items to keep in mind when considering behavior medication. Most vets do include these items in any behavior medication discussion, however, I want to make certain you have this helpful info in case they do not, or in case the details get lost in the larger conversation. 

TYPES OF BEHAVIOR MEDICATIONS LONG ACTING MEDICATION 

These are specifically for behavior modification support and are administered daily for Long Acting effect. They take 4-6 weeks to fully absorb into the system. 

SHORT ACTING MEDICATION 

These are used when immediate and temporary calming is needed, usually in one of the following scenarios: 

Event Med - As an "Event Medication" for a vet visit, grooming, storm noises, etc. 

Adjunct Med - As an “Adjunct Medication” to provide immediate support while a Long Acting Med absorbs fully into the system or as an add on. 

Combination Therapy - As a daily addition to a Long Acting Med when a combination of medications may be needed for a dog's specific brain chemistry support. 

As one of our CSATs, who is also a Veterinary Behaviorist, states, "It is optimal to start event meds at same time as long term Rx, because there is so much history of stress, anxiety, arousal we need to get these dogs to baseline of calm to start." 

COMBINATION DRUG THERAPY 

As noted earlier, per the below article's stated reasons, it is sometimes beneficial to use both Long Acting & Short Acting meds together long term as a combination drug therapy. That remains to be seen and is something to include in conversations with your vet. 

Side Note: Currently, the Veterinary Behaviorist I work with prefers Clonidine over Trazodone as a Short Acting med. https://www.dvm360.com/view/using-clonidine-and-trazodone-anxiety -based-behavior-disorders-dogs 

CATEGORIES OF BEHAVIOR MEDICATIONS

SSRIs & TCAs are, in recent history and studies, shown to be the most beneficial Long Acting meds for Separation Anxiety related issues. I point this out because many vets are prescribing Trazodone (the Short Acting Rx noted earlier) instead of a Long Acting SSRI or TCA. A Short Acting Med may be a good choice as an Adjunct Short Acting Med or in Combination Therapy, but not optimal for daily Long Acting support for SA. 

Again, I am not a vet, so you will need to get your vet’s feedback, but this is the latest info from those who specialize in and study this behavior.

EXPECTATIONS
We want any medication that is the correct fit for your dog to help them become an improved, "2.0," version of themselves. Not a "Zombie." You should see your dog become slightly more relaxed with a slower reaction time to becoming stressed. The medication should allow them to pause, process and learn a different way of feeling about their former stressors. There will be an adjustment period and mild side effects when starting any medication, however the right medication is intended to and will help them become more balanced in their brain chemistry and therefore more able to process information, learning and coping better. You may see what are "transient side effects" in the first 2 weeks of administration; mild lethargy and changes in appetite are most common. These are “transitory side effects” and will diminish starting after the first week. This is simply the brain adjusting.

So, if you see positive effects after 2 weeks - your dog is more relaxed but still happily themselves - let your vet know so you can decide with your vet if you want them to stay on this medication, change medication and/or increase the dosage.

Lastly, do not suddenly stop the medication. It is best to decrease it slowly per your vet's recommendations.

Ongoing communication with your vet is important and very helpful so they may make adjustments as needed. Just as is true in treating diabetes, it may take time to find the best dosing or type of medication for your dog’s individual chemistry. Share your observations as you monitor your dog to see if the medication selection is a good fit.

In the meantime, I think these articles will shed some light on how this may be of help and worth reconsidering. Behavior Medication: First-Line Therapy or Last Resort?

http://www.drjensdogblog.com/behavior-medication-first-line-therapy-or-last-resort/

The Medication Conundrum 

https://malenademartini.com/the-medication-conundrum/ 

The Medication Dilemma - One Woman’s Story 

https://malenademartini.com/medication-dilemma/ 

1. It’s not personal.

Your dog isn’t acting out because they are mad at you or to spite you. They have no control over their anxiety or the way they shows it. Even if your dog is perfectly house-trained, urination or defecation during your absence isn’t a way to get back at you for leaving. The behavior is all fear.

2. Logic doesn’t apply.

While it seems logical to you and me that your dog should understand in time that you always come back (since you always do), they won’t. And they won’t get over it if you just leave them to their own devices. In fact, a large percentage of dogs get worse as time goes by when the problem is left untreated.

3. Punishment is forbidden.

Punishing your dog for chewing the couch, barking, peeing, etc. won’t help and will likely make the separation anxiety worse. Refrain at all costs, however angry you are that the antique couch is now a pile of stuffing. Your dog has no idea your anger has anything to do with his behaviour and any punishment will only serve to damage your relationship with your dog.

4. Aversive methods backfire.

Never use shock or spray collars. For example, if barking is one of your dog’s symptoms, using a bark collar to prevent your dog from making noise while left alone is not the solution. Even if his fear of pain from the collar overrides his panic response to your absence, the experience will teach your dog that being alone is even scarier than he thought. Consequently, the fallout damage from using a bark collar can be huge.

5. Patience is key.

Understandably, you want to know when your dog’s treatment will be finished, but nobody can predict that with any certainty. Every dog learns at a different rate, and much of the responsibility rests with you. What can be said with certainty is this: If you put in enough time on your exercises and follow the protocols carefully, your dog’s progress will be faster. For this reason, don’t get attached to set timelines. Instead, find temporary management alternatives like daycare or an all-day dog walker so you can allow yourself the time to make progress.

6. Medication can help.

Make sure you know your dog’s general state of health and consult with your veterinarian before putting your dog on any kind of medication. Whether you choose to use a supplement or pharmacological intervention, your veterinarian should know that your dog has separation anxiety and that you are embarking on treatment. In some cases, the use of holistic remedies or medication makes sense in the treatment of separation anxiety.

Walking this path may be tough for a time, but will also be rewarding. And the more fun you are able to have with the exercises, the more quickly the process will go. So have patience and be kind to both yourself and your dog. Not only are you doing the best you can to salvage the couch and prevent the neighbors from egging your door, you are giving your dog the best possible chance to have a life free from the debilitating fear that currently turns every absence into a nightmare for him.

One of the most important aspects of a successful alone time training plan is being able to observe your dogs body language & hear subtle noises they may be making while you are outside of the door. This is essential as we work through our systematic desensitization plan.

I recommend using this list as a starting point and doing some additional research before investing in any devices.

“MUST HAVE” FEATURES

• ABILITY TO WATCH YOUR DOG WHILE YOU ARE OUT OF THE HOUSE

• ABILITY TO SEE THE SPACE THE DOG IS USING & VIEW OF EXIT DOOR SOUND

• ABILITY TO SHARE ACCESS WITH CSAT TRAINER (HIGHLY PREFERRED)

• CONVENIENT ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• ABILITY TO RECORD

• ABILITY TO MOVE / ZOOM / TILT / PAN MOVEMENT DETECTION / ALERTS

Web Based Software:

Zoom / Skype / Facetime / Google Meet

Pros:

All are (mostly) free to use. Phone & tablet apps

Easy set up & ability to record

Cons:

Limited space coverage with single device.

40 min time limit (for free) with multiple users on Zoom. Service may cut in and out depending on internet strength

Stand alone Cameras I recommend

Eufy Indoor Cam (highly rated)

Wyze (most affordable and has good features for our purpose)

TP Link Tapo

TP Link Kasa

Other recommendations: Yi , Ring, Amcrest

Not worth the price (IMO) Furbo: These cameras aren’t very high quality and that’s what’s most important plus the treat tossing feature isn’t typically needed for SA dogs and can often scare even the most confident dog.

If you haven’t already signed up for a free Zoom account, please do so now. You will need Zoom’s functionality when doing solo Missions if you don’t have your own cameras.

Zoom allows you to watch your dog from various devices while out of the home during Missions. Zoom also allows the video to be recorded for up to 40 minutes with a free account. This can be helpful for reviewing after your Mission to refine your notes about your dog’s moment-to-moment behavior during the exercises. ______________________________

Use 2 or more smart devices with WiFi and video capabilities; laptop, tablet, phone, etc. Even an old phone can be used as long as you can connect to WiFi.

In the Settings of the device you will be taking out of the home with you to watch you dog, be sure to set the device to allow cellular service to be used when Zoom is in use. If your WiFi disconnects, the cellular service will keep you connected to your meeting.

REMINDER: Device Positioning - Place your device(s) to have good views of your dog. Keep in mind your dog may pace about and then focus on your point of exit. In the video screen, show as much of the surfaces where your dog walks and lays as possible. In other words, if you see your ceiling in the view, tilt the device forward to see more of the middle of the room and floor.

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If you aren’t sure how to run your own Zoom meeting w recording:

Be sure you have downloaded the Zoom app on your phone!!

Step 1: Start meeting with Video

Step 2: Join Audio Conference by Computer

Step 3: Click Invite at bottom of screen.

Step 4: In Pop-Up Window click Copy URL (bottom left-hand corner)

Step 5: Go into your email and create a new email to yourself (one that you will receive on your phone).

Step 6: In the body of the email, paste the link and then send email to yourself.

Step 7: Open email from phone and click the link. If you have not installed zoom on your phone it will prompt you to do

Step 8: Once opened, stop video on the phone or don’t allow if given option. No need to have to waste data on that

Step 9: In the bottom of the phone screen you will want to click join audio and then in the pop up click Call using Internet Audio. As soon as you click this... immediately click in the top left (before you even see it pop up a little speaker and this will prevent loud banging annoying noise…)

Step 10: Click mute on the phone, lower right hand corner.

Step 11: Click Record Meeting in lower portion of computer Zoom meeting.

Sep 12: Do Mission.

Step 13: When mission is complete, Click end meeting. Video will automatically process and then a file window will pop up.