separation anxiety

Our methods focus on strengthening your dog's resilience in your absence. Dogs can become capable of coping with separation over time which decreases the risk of self-injury and destruction of the home.

Understanding Canine Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety become upset and anxious when left alone -- sometimes so anxious that they destroy things, scratch , at the door, break out of crates, and worse.

Dogs adopted or born during COVID may have separation anxiety because they were not prepared as puppies to spend even a few hours alone without us.

Separation anxiety is not a new problem. Rescue dogs often suffer from it. One study suggests that as many as 85% of all recently rescued dogs have some level of separation distress.

We are happy to partner with you and your veterinarian in a series of private lessons designed to address this issue.

Next Steps

1. Schedule a private lesson with Marti Hohmann using the Online Scheduler or call Marti at 561-906-2830.

2. Schedule a consult with your veterinarian.

3. Schedule follow-up private lessons with Marti Hohmann using Online Scheduler or call Marti at 561-906-2830.

Private lessons will lead you through a behavior modification protocol that should give you and your dog some relief, over time, from his hyper-attachment to you. The lessons use desensitization and counter-conditioning to reduce your dog's anxiety gradually.

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Private Lesson Pricing

Private lessons may be scheduled one at a time, or as packages. Private lesson pricing is as follows:

Pay as You Go (Per Lesson) at 5549 Colbright Road, Lake Worth (Palm Beach County)- $50 per hour

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Private Lesson Scheduling

In order to schedule a dog training private lesson please go to our Online Scheduler or call Marti at 561-906-2830.

If you have any questions please contact us via the form on our contact page. We look forward to training with you and your dog soon.

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Basic Intake Form

If you are a new client, please complete the Basic Intake Form and sign the Private Lessons Contract.

Cancellation Policy

Please choose the date and time for your private lesson carefully. Consistency is key to your dog’s success. Because we want to see you reach your training goals, and because we keep our caseload small to provide personalized support toward those goals, we charge a $25 fee for missed or canceled training sessions. Please cancel/reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance in Acuity or call Marti at 561-906-2830.

Homework Matters

Homework (the consistent application of your behavior modification protocol) is important. We are disappointed when the dogs in our private lesson practice do not make progress, or when solutions offered are not applied. We reserve the right to discontinue private lessons at any time. You may find it helpful to video parts of your lesson, or write down exercises to practice until next time.

Private Lesson Guidelines

For private lesson procedures, please read the Private Lesson Guidelines below. If you have any questions, please contact us via the form on our contact page.

PRIVATE LESSON GUIDELINES

1. Please go to our Online Scheduler or call Marti to schedule a private lesson. All lessons must be prepaid.

2. Please start to feed your dog by hand at least 20 pieces of dog food or small treats daily. Say the word “Yes” just before you give your dog the food or treat.

4. Please do not feed your dog for 4-6 hours prior to the appointment, even if you believe he or she is always hungry.

5. Please supply the trainer with 30-50 pieces of freeze dried liver or chicken. You may purchase treats prior to the lesson from our Store. The trainer will bring them to your lesson. Freeze dried, single ingredient treats are available at pet stores, too.

6. Please have your dog on leash or in a crate when the trainer enters your home. Your dog should be hungry when the trainer arrives -- please fast him for 4-6 hours prior to the appointment.

7. Your trainer may suggest a collar or harness available for you to purchase after your appointment, or in subsequent appointments. Some items are available for purchase in our Store.

8. Please do not give your trainer cash or checks or book subsequent appointments directly with the trainer. Please do not share a personal cell phone number with the trainer, or request the trainer's personal contact information.

9. Homework is important. It demoralizes staff when the dogs in our care do not make progress, or when solutions offered are not applied. We reserve the right to discontinue private lessons at any time, or renegotiate private lesson packages to day training or board and train sessions.

9. Subsequent appointments with the trainer (or another West Palm Dog trainer) must be made through our Online Scheduler.

10. Please be aware that trainers are available only at designated times of the week. If you would like to book a lesson, please do so at least 48 hours prior to the date of your choice.

11. Individual lessons and packages must be prepaid.

12. Kindly give 48 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule your appointment. Use the Online Scheduler or text Marti at 561-906-2830. Cancellation requests must be received 24 hours prior to the cancellation. Late cancellations are subject to a $25 fee.

13. West Palm Dog does not intervene without veterinary support in cases of dog aggression, thunderstorm phobia, separation anxiety, or other instances of canine behavior issues. We also offer this referral if you need help with behavior issues beyond the reach of obedience training:

Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
www.flvetbehavior.com
561-795-9398

14. We encourage you to video moments you would like to remember during your private lesson. Your trainer may video you working with your dog so you can see your technique, measure your dog's responsiveness, and remember what to practice between sessions.

15. Practice with your dog daily for at least 10-15 minutes. The more you practice, the better your dog will do. Integrate obedience into your regular routine. Ask your dog to Sit for the food bowl, before going outside, before you put on the leash, etc. Your dog will then begin to understand obedience as a way to manage his happy relationship with you, and not as a series of tricks he does when you have a treat in your hand.