Training Support

Separation anxiety is stressful for dog owners and dogs alike.

A great way to get ahead of separation anxiety before it gets any worse, is to be sure you’re following the rules, boundaries and structure guidance we’ve laid out earlier on this page.

Establishing boundaries and structure with your dog will alleviate separation anxiety symptoms, as you are fostering a calm, confident and structured home environment for your dog. Healthy boundaries with your pets are as important as they are with anyone!

If you’ve already began to notice signs of separation anxiety with your dog, click here to download and learn more about what you can do to help.

Leash reactivity can manifest in various ways such as barking, lunging, growling, whining, or pulling on a leash when your dog is reacting to something. Your furry friend may show reactivity towards other animals, dogs, people, or objects.

Leash reactivity is caused by dogs feeling "trapped" on a leash, and they struggle to deal with their emotions.

Although it's commonly labelled as "aggression," most leash-reactive dogs are just frustrated and display a flight or fight response as they don't know how to cope with their stressors.

It's best to work with a professional to assess your dog and identify the reason behind their reactivity, which may include fear, excitement, insecurity, or lack of control.

To establish healthy boundaries and help your dog overcome leash reactivity, it's crucial to focus on developing a healthy bond with your furry friend, use proper walking techniques on a short leash, provide structure, and teach them to ask for permission to do things.

Additionally, reward good behaviour with verbal praise, pets, toys, or food and avoid dog parks with unbalanced dogs.

At Urban Tails Rescue, we concentrate on cultivating healthy human-canine relationships, becoming someone that your dog can trust and look up to for guidance. We believe that reactive dogs need a reliable person to guide them through life and show them that they don't need to react or take care of the situation.

Please seek the assistance of a professional if you are struggling. Reactivity can be worked on and overcome, allowing you and your furry friend to live a more stress-free life!

Resource guarding can appear in many ways. Dogs may guard family members, food, toys, furniture or other high value items as a means of protection.

Dogs often begin resource guarding for a variety of reasons. One way to prevent this behaviour from forming is establishing your role in leadership calmly and confidently. A strong way to start is by ensuring you are enforcing, you guessed it, rules and boundaries with your dog(s)!

Setting boundaries and rules for your dog to follow helps in establishing the pack order in the household. This creates a calm and balanced dog over all.

So, what should you do if you begin noticing signs of resource guarding in your dog? Click here to read more about resource guarding prevention/ how to reverse resource guarding behaviours in your dog.

Before considering surrendering your pet to a rescue, there are several important steps and considerations that you can explore.

Firstly, it is crucial to assess the reasons behind the decision. Evaluate whether the issue can be resolved through training, behaviour modification, or medical intervention. Consulting with a veterinarian or animal behaviourist can provide valuable insights and potential solutions.

Additionally, you can always reach out to Urban Tails or other local animal welfare organizations, rescue groups, or pet-specific support networks, as we offer resources and guidance for addressing various challenges at no cost.

Exploring temporary fostering options can be another avenue to consider, allowing your pet to receive the care and attention they need while you work through personal circumstances.

Finally, prioritize communication and honesty. Openly discuss your concerns with friends, family, or trusted individuals who may offer assistance or guidance.

Remember, surrendering a pet should be the last resort, and by proactively seeking alternatives and resources, you can potentially find a solution that benefits both you and your pet.

If you’ve exhausted every possible option listed above but you are still in need of rehoming your pet, you can fill out our owner surrender form here.

Please note, we do not always have the foster space or resources to facilitate owner surrender requests and cannot guarantee that there is space for your pet with us.

We are happy to work with you directly to resolve any issues you may be having with your pet as an alternative option to surrender.