How Dog Daycares Can Deal with Pets with Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common issue faced by many dog owners and can cause distress for both the dog and their owner. Dogs with separation anxiety may experience symptoms such as destructive behavior, barking, and urination when left alone. They've developed an unhealthy bond with their owner and they're unable to spend time without being in visual contact with their owner. It might seem cute when a dog NEEDS to be around their owner, but when the dog isn't able to function without the owner nearby, it becomes a problem.

Dogs with separation anxiety can cause a lot of headaches and financial strain for dog daycares and boarding kennels. If the aforementioned destructive behavior is happening at the dog owner's house, it's one thing, but if it is happening at your dog daycare or boarding kennel, you're going to have to do something about it; ie, tell the owner to work on their dog's anxiety or find another daycare and boarding provider. Fortunately, there are a number of effective dog training techniques that can help your clients reduce separation anxiety and improve your client's dog's quality of life.

One effective technique is classical conditioning, which involves teaching dogs to associate being alone with positive experiences. For example, your clients can give their dog a special treat or toy to play with only when they're leaving, and gradually increasing the amount of time they're gone. This helps their dog to learn that being alone is not a bad thing, and that good things happen when they're gone. When you're doing intake at your daycare, make sure to put something on your intake forms about separation anxiety. If the owner says that their pet does indeed experience separation anxiety, make it a point to contact them to see how bad it is. You might even want to set up a meet and greet so that you can see it for yourself.

Another technique is counter-conditioning, which involves changing a dog's emotional response to being alone. This can be done by gradually exposing the dog to being alone for short periods of time, and gradually increasing the duration of time spent alone. During this time, it's important for your client to provide plenty of positive reinforcement, such as treats, toys, and praise, to help their dog feel more relaxed and positive about being alone. Before you allow the anxious dog to start frequenting your business, make sure the owner goes through at least a couple weeks of counter-conditioning. This way, the first day at daycare won't be too traumatizing for their dog.

Lastly, it goes without saying, but incorporating exercise into your dog's daily routine can also help to reduce separation anxiety. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. It's also a great opportunity for bonding and building trust between your client and their dog. Make sure that your client takes their dog for a good walk or takes them to the dog park for a half hour before dropping them off at your facility. This way, Fido will be more relaxed and less prone to destructive behavior.

Rejecting a dog with anxiety is never fun, but sometimes necessary. If it comes to that, sit down with the owner and let them know that until their dog is better behaved, it just won't be possible for them to leave Fido at your daycare.

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