Dog owners work on separation anxiety at Arena Park program

Among the forklifts and heavy machinery setting up for the SEMO District Fair, dogs and handlers at Arena Park worked on coping with separation anxiety on Saturday.

Marilyn Neville of the Association for Community Education of Animal Behavior led the class of four dogs and their owners, assisted by Danon Austin. The association, a nonprofit group, sponsored the program.

"They don't teach us just to train our dogs but how to understand our dogs," said Leigh Asmus, who brought Cody, a dog with separation anxiety.

During the program, owners turned over the lead to other class members while remaining within sight of their pets. The idea was to desensitize and condition the dogs to being away from their owners.

The exception was Sebastian. While he was the only dog present without separation anxiety, Sebastian had socialization skills to work on.

Austin described Sebastian as submissive despite his defensive behavior. Dogs displaying aggression out of fear or lack of socialization are called reactive. This behavior is also addressed in the association's public obedience classes.

A student since April, Sebastian practiced the fourth step used in training: the commands down and stay.

"You take baby steps to instill confidence in the owner-pet relationship," Austin said. "You want to set it up for success, not failure."

Sebastian, who constantly challenges his owner, is learning to accept his owner as the leader.

The group also promotes safety between dogs and children. An educational coloring book complete with a teacher's guide, stories and pictures is being prepared for use in classrooms. The project is receiving input from veterinarians, teachers and child psychologists.

For more information, call (573) 722-3035.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133