Be Right Back! The Separation Anxiety Podcast

Gradually expose your dog to increasing amounts of alone time: That’s what I call the 'tight' rule of separation anxiety training. It applies universally to all dogs undergoing separation anxiety training.  But underneath that universal, tight rule, lie many different ways of applying training to each dog. Yes, it's that "it depends" factor you'll keep hearing about.  I’ve worked with so many dogs, that I’ve seen countless “it depends!” Overall, though, it comes back one simple question: does a particular factor make things better or worse for any one dog? It's a crucial question to ask.  Essentially, we're working out whether something makes training more or less achievable for your dog. And that's why, in this podcast, I explain this concept (in dog trainer-speak we might talk about "setting events" or "antecedents"). But more importantly, I tell you how to apply this thinking to your dog, and your training, so that you increase your chances of success. Links Learn more about separation anxiety training Podcast episode on cues      

By the time we get to February it can be easy to feel flat about all the good intentions we had in January, can't it? Maybe you set yourself goals to start separation anxiety training with your dog, but somehow never did. Or perhaps you got off to the races only to find life got in the way. If this sounds like you, then make sure to tune into this episode all about motivation. I'll be sharing my 7 top tips to help you get back into the training groove (or to get started if you stalled!) The tips are easy, simple, and quick to do. After all, the last thing you need, when you have a dog with separation anxiety, is more overwhelmed!    

We here a lot about "evidence" in dog training. But do we always know what we mean when we describe an approach as being "evidence-based"? And what about research and studies? We know these matter but we also know that there isn't a study for every single thing we do in dog training.  Sometimes that’s a problem. Sometimes it’s not. And in this episode I dive into what we mean by evidence-based, how prior probability plays a part, and where the burden of proof lies when making a claim about a dog training method. Learn more at julienaismith.com Links mentioned Sketpvet blog Summary of research on separation anxiety (1) Summary of research on separation anxiety (2)      

I always say regressions can happen – but didn’t expect it to happen to Percy. Not after all these years! But in summer 2022, we discovered that Percy was struggling when we left. Percy, the dog who, we thought, had left home-alone anxiety behind him, was now barking when we were out.  In this episode, I dive into what exactly was going on. How it was such a relief when I worked it out. And what I did to get Percy back on track. 

You may have heard me say that your dog’s separation anxiety is not your fault. You didn’t cause your dog’s home alone issues. I’ve been where you are and I know how much judgment you have to deal with, and how much guilt you can end up having when you have a dog with SA. But it's not your dog‘s fault either. That’s why, in this episode, I explain what‘s really going on with your dog, and why he or she is not trying to turn your world upside down. He can’t help how he feels and just wants you to help him feel better when you leave. Tune in to find out more. To find out more about how I can help you help your dog, visit my website.

You've most likely seen ads or posts about “calming“ music for dogs, and how it can transform a nervous pup into a dog who confidently aces alone time.  But is this really the case, or is this yet another separation anxiety myth? If you do use music when you leave, you might also have heard that you'll make things worse by tipping off your dog. But is this so? There's lots of misinformation about using music (and TV and other noise for that matter).  That's why in this episode of the Be Right Back! Live Podcast, I dive into the topic of music: when to use it, how it can help, and what it can really do for your home alone dog.

It can seem like an obvious solution to your dog’s separation anxiety: send your dog off to a trainer for two weeks and get his separation anxiety magically cured. As tempting as it sounds, board and train is never the answer to separation anxiety. In this podcast episode, I explain exactly why.

Anxious people create anxiety in their dogs, don't they? Perhaps you've been told that. Perhaps you've thought that. It seems so plausible that it must be true, right? Well, not so fast. There isn't a ton of evidence, especially as it relates to separation anxiety.  That's why in this podcast I debunk this theory, and explain why it's unhelpful, limited thinking.  Tune in to find out more.

It’s that time of year: gathering with friends and family for cosy times, festive food, and…conversations about your dog.  If it feels like everyone you know is an expert in separation anxiety then you’re probably bracing yourself for heaps of unsolicited, unhelpful advice, from people who mean well, but who just don’t get it.  Or maybe, you’re not going anywhere because you can’t leave your dog, and you’ve already had the advice. “Just leave him - it’s only a few hours”, and so on. You know how it goes. If this resonates with you, then tune into my latest podcast episode, where I dive into the most common bits of advice, and least helpful questions that I hear pet parents dealing with over and over again.  And for each one, I’ve shared my tips on how to handle them. I do hope that you enjoy this festive season. Try not to stress too much about your dog. Instead take a break (if you can) and I’ll see you in January, re-energized for some serious separation anxiety training. Are you in?

Increasingly research shows the link between pain and behavior in dogs. While it’s not the only reason dog’s present with behavioral challenges, it can be a significant contributing factor. And that’s why in the episode I chat with canine rehabilitation specialist, Sue Van Evra. Sue is the person we go to when our dogs, India and Percy, are feeling stiff and sore. She’s helped them deal with lots of different challenges including back pain and hip soreness.  But more than that, with her guidance on preventative physiotherapy, India and Percy have remained sprightly and active in a way that belies their age.  I joke that they do more physio than me. Actually, it’s not a joke – they do! In this interview with Sue we discuss: How we, as dog parents, can learn to spot pain in our dogs. What we should do when we do suspect our dogs are in pain. How physical therapy and rehabilitation can help dogs of all ages. What you can do if you have a dog who’s been prescribed crate-rest but who freaks when crated (hint: the crucial word here is “rest).  Tune in to hear our chat about these topics, and many more. About Sue Van Evra Sue obtained her Physiotherapy Degree from McMaster University in 1993 (after completing both honors and Master’s degrees in Physiology from the University of Western Ontario).   Sue has spent the last 29 years working as a physiotherapist in outpatient orthopedics with humans, and first started studying Canine Rehabilitation in 2006.  Sue obtained a Diploma in Canine Rehabilitation through the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and has worked at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary since 2016.  She continues to treat humans (mostly dog lovers!) at Two Hands Physiotherapy – located within the Canine Fitness Centre.  Since December 2021 Sue has also been working at the Canmore Vet Hospital rehabilitating dogs.  Sue is passionate about learning and problem solving and has completed many advanced courses (both human and canine rehab) to better be able to assess and treat patients effectively.  Sue is a huge dog-lover and her passion for the canine world makes her excited to be able to work with dogs and to use her experience and in-depth knowledge of physiotherapy principles to rehabilitate the canine population! Sue is on the Advocacy Committee for the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. How to work with Sue If you live in Southern Alberta then your lucky dogs can get to work with Sue. You can find Sue at the Canine Fitness Centre in Calgary and at the Canmore Veterinary Hospital.