I am using this method with some adjustments. If I do a bunch of shorter absences before the long absence my dog doesn’t respond as well but if I actually start with the longer absence and then do shorter ones after he does great. Do you think it’s okay to tweak the training this way? Also he responds much better after a walk versus when he has energy. Do you think it’s okay that I only train him after walking him?
It’s perfectly normal and expected for your dog to do better/worst at certain times of the day, or at different energy levels.
Your dog may respond better to the longer period at the start because they’re not anticipating it. Perhaps they’re already slightly anxious/fed up of all shorter absences by the time you reach the final longer absence. What’s your dogs current threshold? How long are your shorter absences and your longer absences?
I’d also say that it’s okay if you train when your dog has burnt off some energy from a walk. For many dogs with SA, having a walk doesn’t make an ounce of difference so it’s probably beneficial if it does actually help your dog with training. I think if you have quite a high energy breed, it’s inevitable that are going to need to burn off some energy before you leave regardless of whether your dog has separation anxiety or not.
His current threshold is probably around forty five minutes. It’s hard to know exactly because I don’t want him to go over threshold. Shorter absences are between ten seconds to ten minutes. I switch it up.
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u/Bopikins2600 Aug 06 '21
I am using this method with some adjustments. If I do a bunch of shorter absences before the long absence my dog doesn’t respond as well but if I actually start with the longer absence and then do shorter ones after he does great. Do you think it’s okay to tweak the training this way? Also he responds much better after a walk versus when he has energy. Do you think it’s okay that I only train him after walking him?