Polite Paws Blog

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Why your separation anxiety protocol might be going wrong

Why your separation anxiety protocol might be going wrong

Working through separation anxiety does take time. A lot of time. But when is it time to look at other potential contributing factors or ways you could do things differently? On your separation anxiety journey you will experience regressions, and you will most likely...

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Separation anxiety case study – Lenny (Cavapoochon)

This case study with Lenny the Cavapoochon and his absolutely lovely humans will be in two parts, and is a good indication of what I mean when I say working through separation anxiety takes time.....but is also a very good example to show you that it DOES work and you...

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Separation anxiety – is your dog quiet or comfortable?

Separation anxiety – is your dog quiet or comfortable?

Seems an odd question right? Surely if a dog is quiet when home alone, they're comfortable? Sadly it is not that simple. Every dog will give different behavioural signs that they are anxious or uncomfortable. The most common behaviours that we tend to associate with...

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Can medication help your dog overcome separation anxiety?

Can medication help your dog overcome separation anxiety?

Medication can be a game changer when given alongside a behaviour modification plan for separation anxiety, but a lot of people are still reluctant to use medication, feeling it will change their dog's personality in some way, or that they feel their dog should be...

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Why track data when working on separation anxiety?

Why track data when working on separation anxiety?

Tracking data! One of the most important parts of working through a separation anxiety protocol, and the part that is often left out when people are trying to help their dog through separation anxiety. What do we mean by 'data'? Data in a separation anxiety protocol...

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Separation anxiety case study – Alfie (Cockapoo)

Separation anxiety case study – Alfie (Cockapoo)

I worked with Alfie the Cockapoo and his lovely humans on his separation anxiety for a month from 14th February 2023. They had previously worked with someone else who was not a separation anxiety specialist and sadly the methods he used did not result in any...

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Suspending absences in separation anxiety training

Suspending absences in separation anxiety training

One of the most important elements of helping a dog learn that being home alone is safe, is ensuring that they are not left alone for any longer than they can comfortably handle. When I first start working with people, most dogs are not comfortable with being alone...

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