Techspectations

Many guardians are surprised to learn that separation anxiety can be successfully supported entirely through remote work. With the right use of technology, dogs can be helped without the need for in-person sessions. In fact, working remotely provides a clearer and more accurate picture of what a dog is experiencing, because the absence is observed without the added influence of a visiting trainer.

Why technology works so well

Traditionally, separation anxiety training involved visiting homes, observing absences, and reviewing recordings after the fact. This process was often slow, reactive and prone to misjudging thresholds. The advent of real-time technology changed everything. With live viewing, trainers and guardians can watch a dog’s responses as they happen, adjust rehearsals immediately, and avoid guesswork.

Today, a wide range of tools are available. Video call platforms such as Zoom, Teams & Meet are useful for communication, while in-home cameras are widely available to allow remote observation. These technologies make it possible to observe dogs in their normal home environment and allow guardians to learn body language skills by watching their dog during absences.

Benefits of remote work

Using technology offers significant advantages for both trainers and guardians. Supporting clients remotely reduces travel time and expenses, freeing up more opportunity for regular communication. Instead of a single weekly in-person visit, trainers can offer more consistent guidance through shorter online sessions, follow-up emails, and written protocols. Guardians benefit from more affordable and flexible support, while trainers can manage their time and resources more effectively.

The benefits extend beyond logistics. Remote work allows trainers to observe dogs in genuine absence scenarios, leading to more accurate assessments and better criteria setting. Guardians can be taught to recognise early signs of anxiety in real time, which strengthens both their confidence and the effectiveness of the training.

Key advantages include:

– More consistent contact, improving guardian compliance and protocol success.

– Observation of the dog in their natural environment, providing a truer picture of their behaviour.

– Increased opportunity for real-time adjustments during training sessions.

– Cost savings for guardians and more efficient use of trainer time.

– Stronger trainer-client relationships, often built through frequent, ongoing communication.

All the best, Victoria