Separation Anxiety
Reconcile, new from Lilly Animal Health is the positive approach to treat your dog for separation anxiety. This product is only available through the a licensed veterinarian which increases your pet's receptivity to simple training techniques and positive behavior.
Clinical trials with Reconcile combined with the B.O.N.D. behavioral modification program provided remarkable results.
The steps of the B.O.N.D. program are as follows:
- B - Be Positive - Focus on training positive reinforcement that rewards and helps to shape increased relaxed behaviors. Do you reprimand undesirable behavior. The negative attention adds to the anxiety and confusion to the dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
- O - Only Reward Calm Behavior -Initiate only spending time with your dog when they are calm. Ignore attention seeking behaviors and reinforce calm behaviors with attention, affection, a treat or toy.
- N - No More Drama When You Come and Go - When your at home: prepare to leave when you are not going anywhere. Put on your coat but then sit down. Handle your keys then put them away. When you leave: 20 - 30 minutes prior to your departure provide your dog with a favorite distraction (a toy or treat), then ignore your dog until it is time to leave. When you go simply walk out the door without giving your dog any attention. When you come home: Ignore your dog until they calm down. Continue to reinforce this behavior.
- D - Develop Your Dog's Independence - Reward your dog with treats and attention only when he is relaxed. Once your dog will relax on your command, teach him to stay settled and down in a specific area so he will have a consistent place to feel secure when you move away. Gradually increase the time and distance separation you from your dog.
Remember, separation anxiety is not your fault or your dog's fault. Please ask your veterinarian about this new and exciting way to treat your dog.
