Saturation leaving sessions

[Fi1805]

So Isla is still really shrieking whenever she is awake and left alone. By 'left alone' I mean if I leave the room to go get a drink, just for a few seconds.

Is she too young to start working on saturation leaving sessions to get her used to being alone?

I've been reading the posts on SA and I thought I could try saturation sessions but I'm not 100% clear on whether if she's fussing after 5mins being alone I should go into the room anyway or wait it out?

I already keep greetings low key and she isn't released from her crate until she is calm.

She doesn't mind her crate, she definitely hates being alone. Even if I leave her in the garden which is nice and safe, she'll start to scream. Although she lasts a bit longer in the garden. Maybe that's where I should start practicing leaving sessions?

[Stuart]

I am sure someone will disagree if I am wrong, its been a long time since I had a pup,.... but I would start now, but I wouldnt do any fussing at all, not even when it goes right, it has to become something that is very normal and not worthy of priase.

You have read the threads, so you know to start with very short periods away, five minutes to start with is far too long, seconds will be better at first dont even look at Isla either going out or returning, when you need to go out other than training times, the same applies, no fuss going out or on your return.

If you feel it is better outside, then fine start there, but start now, the screaming must not become too embedded or your work will be harder to do

The crate work seems to be going a lot better

[Caryll]

Totally agree, you can't leave it too much longer or it'll become just a habit & very difficult to break.

[LindaM]

I don' t know what 'saturation' is - couldn't find thread.

It is so long since Lukey was a puppy. I know we had rules from day 1.

I also know now if I allow him to go everywhere with me (and he would) then he gets some separation problems - I consider it a compliment to me and to him when he doesn't feel the need to follow me in the garden to hang out the washing.

I think it is really good that you have access to the help on here as Isla is still so young. Lukey is our first shep and they are different to other dogs we have had ........... but that's one of the reasons I love him to bits (oh no my secret is out )

[LOVEGSD]

Definitely start now imo, start with small periods of a few seconds and build it from there....

[Fi1805]

Well, we've been working on it a lot today and we are up to 30 seconds - woo hoo!!!! Doesn't sound like much I know, but it is a definite improvement!

Actually, after I've walked in and out of the room several (like 20 or 30 times) she blooming well falls asleep and I have to end the session!

I'm not actually opening and closing the door at the moment. I'm leaving the door open and just walking in and out of the room, disappearing from her sight each time I leave.

I also did a little bit of work on desensitising her to the sound of the door handle turning and opening and closing of the door, but without actually going through it myself.

Does this all sound okay? Has anybody got any more suggestions or shall I persevere with what I am doing? Maybe we'll make it to a minute tomorrow - I would be so happy!!!!

[Stuart]

I think you are doing just fine, I would continue just as you are, lenthen the time away,..[ but beware you dont go too far too quick and scare her ],.. when you feel it right, shut the door, for a few seconds, and again lenthen that time.

[LindaM]

Stuart do you mind me asking what saturation is and where I can find posts on it - thanks

[Stuart]

Linda, I dont know of any post on Saturation,..I was taking the word in this thread to mean that Isla was going to be `constantly` training to fix this,.. a bit like going to a crowded place if the dog is scared of people.

I hadnt heard the phrase before this thread

Haveing said that, I have just found this post by Anni,

[LindaM]

Thanks Stuart