Solve Your Dog's Separation Anxiety With FRIDA: Expanding Calm With Functional Relaxation #200

If you've ever owned or seen a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, you know how heartbreaking that can be. I'm sharing a 10-step protocol that will turn the dog training world on its head because it's like nothing that is out there for separation anxiety help. It's the FRIDA Protocol created by two of my European students, who are amazing dog trainers, Nadine Hehli and Simone Fasel, to help their rescue dog Frida with her extreme separation anxiety. The protocol is now helping many more dogs, and I'm bringing you the steps to overcoming canine separation anxiety for our special 200th episode of Shaped by Dog.

00:00 The FRIDA Protocol for Canine Separation Anxiety
00:48 Case Study: Rescue dog Frida, the reason why Nadine Hehli and Simone Fasel created the FRIDA Protocol.
02:29 Problems with popular solutions for separation anxiety.
04:27 The 10-Step FRIDA Protocol (Functional Relaxation Improving Dogs Anxiety)
05:25 Equipment needed for The FRIDA Protocol.
07:48 3 fundamentals of FRIDA Protocol success.
10:46 Calm dog vs. anxious dog body language.
11:49 How to train Functional Relaxation for dogs.
14:35 Build duration of time the dog remains relaxed in your presence.
14:45 Introducing your dog to the remote feeder and WiFi camera.
16:09 Fade in a partially open barrier so the dog has freedom of movement.
17:32 Grow the barrier by placing it against a door threshold.
18:49 TEST 1: Leave the room with door open and barrier in place, observing with the wifi camera.
19:05 What to do if the dog has a meltdown in your absence.
19:47 TEST 2: Close the door, leave the room, increase time away.
20:15 Introduce “hidden treasures” to fade the remote feeder.
21:30 TEST 3: Leave the house.
22:06 Grow this ability to new rooms and places like the car if necessary.

In the episode you'll hear:
• A case study of Nadine and Simone's rescue dog, Frida, who overcame severe separation anxiety.
• Why typical approaches to separation anxiety don't work for extreme cases.
• The 10 steps of the FRIDA Protocol to help dogs with separation anxiety.
• What equipment you'll need to get started, including a snuffle mat and remote feeder.
• The foundations for success with the FRIDA Protocol.
• Why functional relaxation to create calm for dogs is a critical component.
• Reminders about the body language of calm dogs vs. anxious dogs.
• When and how to introduce remote feeders and WiFi cameras to work through separation anxiety.
• How to begin fading in barriers that allow the dog freedom of movement in their "Fortress of Calm".
• When to introduce "Hidden Treasures" for your dog.
• Why remote feeders aren't babysitters.
• When and how to leave your dog home alone for the first time.
• How to create calm relaxation for your dog in other places like the car.

Separation Anxiety Online Program:

Dog Gear Mentioned for the FRIDA Protocol:

Resources:

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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.

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[NatashaAidinyantz]

So we started this about a month ago with our 3 year old shepard malinois mix rescue. He was in kennels for all of his life with no family so he has a lot of issues to work through. Mostly with reactivity and fence guarding. Before watching this video we were putting him on his bed and then walking outside and incrementally getting out the door for longer periods but the progress was so slow. Even though we didnt follow the steps exactly, as our treat dispenser could be a bit slow at times, we just left the house today for 2 and a half hours and he calmed down and slept for most of it. He didnt seem bothered by the treats we left out for him and he was ocassionally checking the door for us but other than that it was so much better than when we left him a few months ago. We were scared we wouldnt be able to leave him again for a long time so really pleased to have found this video and used some of the methods combined with some relaxation protocol. 😊 Much appreciated from the UK

[JLJessMarlor]

We've started doing this at home with our extremely separation anxious dog that we rescued 5 months ago. Rescued at age 8 from a hoarding situation in Texas with 30 doggie siblings no people... He has never been alone in his life and we couldn't leave the house at all because of his anxiety. He is a super calm dog otherwise (can sleep and relax ANYWHERE!) but the second we leave...it's madness. We started doing the treats when he relaxes in his special room, and recently bought a remote feeder. He LOVES being alone in his room now -- and will often leave our side even as we eat dinner to go hang out in the room. We haven't tried with the closed door yet, but this is truly the first hope we've had in MONTHS. He actually LIKES being alone now. Thank you, this is giving us our life back.

[iwallhausser]

my dog doesn't respond to cookies, kibble, etc, so snuffle mats, kongs and remote feeders do no good. He has great nutrition, gets plenty of exercise and knows how to relax completely as long as he knows where I am. I hit a dead end every time training involves food rewards of any kind

[robinlachance]

My dog just takes those snuffle mats and chucks it in the air watching all the food fly!!!

[annettemouton]

This will be my salvation! My daughter has a dog with extreme separation anxiety. I have a three month old rescue that I was determined not to let that happen and failed miserably. I feel trapped at home because I want to train her to be happy alone without me. I had to leave for an hour put her in her crate and now she’s afraid of the crate.

[MeadowDay]

This was so great to watch, sadly the shelters are full of these poor sad dogs who need this info.

[FeebleDaddy]

I just rescued a terrier corgi mix and she is glued to my hip. Thank you so much, shes good at just hanging out in whatever room and chilling but when i remove myself from any situation shes on 100. Definitely going to try this more positive approach.

[yapnyukling]

Because we love our dogs deeply, we want to do as much to help them. Only through deep love, we feel convicted to do more for our dogs. Otherwise the work becomes chores.

[afrouzsalehi]

Iv seen many videos even experts i love. But you amased me how spot on this is!! Thank you and i hope more people finds this video! Its truly amazing tips and ideas!

[linz]

As someone who gets panic attacks, I've always hated the advice for dealing with separation anxiety in dogs, and now that I have one with that issue, I dislike it even more. I see in him the exact issues humans go through--too big of a trigger and they lose all their progress. I really like the idea of this protocol and hope me and my puppy can manage this!

[TNTurtle]

Three months ago my husband and I purchased an almost 3 year old (born March 2020 = "covid puppy") not knowing she suffered terriby from SA. She attached primarily to me. She does kind of okay if home alone with my husband but he pretty much has to keep her busy. I rarely leave and if we both have to leave I make arrangements to take her to one of 3 or 4 friends who are willing to have her visit. It's been tough on us all.
We spent $250 on a consultation with a positiver reinforcement trainer, who want another $500 for 4 sessions. We couldn't afford that so we developed our own plan. Your video is such an encougement because it validates our decision to purchase and begin using Treat and Train. We've only had it two days and now we know better how to implement the relaxation protocol and how to eventually phase it out. Thank you so very much for giving us a plan.
But, since we're not there yet I am putting in my two cents to show my support for Nadine and Simone's program in English. I bet it won't cost as much as a professional trainer (i.e. $750)!

[trishbech]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ My heart was so warmed by this training for separation anxiety! So refreshing to see the doggos treated by the trainers in such a patient and humane manner. You’re right! This is such a different approach! It makes so much sense to teach and begin the process by training them how to relax. Excellent advice and coaching … Thank You.
I will keep this in mind as I shape my puppy in different experiences by using these techniques, even if he doesn’t have severe anxiety… it’s just a nice way to leave your dog. Handy for when we dog sit as well! Cant wait for tonight! 🎉

[mariebutler]

very similar to Presence doesn't mean Access, that Absolute Dogs (England)have been doing for a while. I think it's fabulous that these young, knowledgeable trainers, vet's, and behaviourists are coming up with excellent new ways of teaching dogs. We're on the cusp of a tsunami, in kind ways of teaching animals and I'm excited to be a part of it. Thanks to all of you for helping Dogs live their best lives ❤️

[KellySpore]

I live in a one bedroom small apartment. All of 760 square ft. My husky mix is fine as long as I don’t go through the apartment door. He often follows me around the apartment, but not always. I work from home and keep my bedroom door closed during the day. Was an issue for a day or so and then he’s fine all day. I’ve got cameras to keep an eye out in case it gets into mischief.

I can even leave during the day and it’s not a big deal. Evening and night though. Within seconds of me shutting the front door he’s howling or whining.

Now I’m just three weeks into our relationship. He’s a rescued. 14 months old or so. He paces. He whines. He barks. He looks out the window. Lays by the door. Very stressed.

When I’m here at night he’s chill and relaxed. He’s not into toys. Food toys he likes but ignored when I leave the apartment.

I’m looking for ideas on how to utilize the partial barrier. All I can think is a baby gate on the front door and a way to keep that door open.

Open to ideas. We walk over 2 miles a day. Free running not an option.

[pokerqAK]

I’ve taught my dog to stay calm and be independent. But I also wanna recommend calming dog music from YouTube. My dog likes piano. That was a true game changer.

[Emma-feyt]

I really like the partial barrier!! I feel like that's a part where dogs get stuck a lot, as soon as that barrier is closed the stress comes out. I work in a daycare, I am going to try this with some of our dog friends who find barriers challenging!

[Jenny-wrmh]

I would love a whole podcast on nutrition.

[Tia-Louisa]

This is THE BEST YT upload I've seen on this topic. Thank you for sharing your infinite wisdom!!!!

[kerrygray]

SHEW. ..I wish I had help like this a few years back...adopted a German haired pointed from a shelter...it was SO BAD for everyone. ..me the other dogs and the poor poor crying a I say this but I eventually let him go over the rainbow bridge. ..THANK YOU for this podcast...granny owned by a cattle dog.

[azogal]

Absolutely brilliant Epic Episode 200. I don't have a dog with SA but I can totally see how these well thought out steps can work. Wow, way to showcase new talent, Susan! And congrats on 200 brilliant, enlightening, entertaining and humorous episodes. Gems, all. ❤️🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪