Auditory & Color Therapy Study
for Separation Related Problems

We are conducting a global research project on separation anxiety. If you (and your dog) would like to participate in this research (it’s free and easy) please complete the Pre-Study Questionnaire to get started.

Pre-Study Questionnaire

HOW THE STUDY WORKS

  • Complete Pre-Study Questionnaire (~5 minutes)
  • Follow The Weekly Email
  • Play A Video For Your Dog While You’re Away
  • Complete The Post-Study Questionnaire (~5 minutes)

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

  • Barking
  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Whining
  • Urination
  • Defecation
  • Drooling
  • Destructive Behavior
  • Scratching At The Door
  • Trying To Escape
  • Chewing
  • Excessive Grooming
  • Excessive Chewing Of Self
  • Excessive Licking Of Objects
  • Restlessness
  • Repetitive / Compulsive Behaviors

MEET THE TEAM

Dr. James C. Ha

Dr. Narda Robinson

Dr. Turnera Croom

Sara Ondrako

Frequently Asked Questions

These are a few of the most frequently asked questions about this study

Separation Anxiety is a Separation-Related Problem (SRP) that is a specific diagnosis related to being separated from a specific person. Though this study is labeled for Separation Anxiety, it is also open to dogs with any form of SRP including fear of isolation (being alone) or fear of separation from another animal. Some of the common symptoms of a Separation-Related Problem include the following when the animal is alone: panting, pacing, inappropriate urination and defecation, trying to escape, becoming destructive, or exhibiting other seemingly panic-related behaviors. If your dog exhibits these behaviors when left alone, he/she may have a Separation-Related problem including but not limited to Separation Anxiety.

Yes. There is no direct cost to participate in this study. This is for educational purposes only.

The study is 6 weeks in length to give adequate time to move through each audio/video combination in order.

Not likely. This study is geared towards separating audio and visual components that have the probability of therapeutic effect when used in conjunction with other tools in the toolbox to address Separation-Related problems. We are purposefully separating these two components out, to determine how much they may positively impact (or not impact) a treatment plan to help dogs with Separation-Related Problems. Once you’ve completed the study, you will be provided with many additional resources if needed to help your dog/s with Separation-Related Problems.

If you need help working through a Separation-Related problem, you can schedule a virtual consultation with a Certified Behavior Consultant such as Sara, or you can enlist the help of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. If you complete the 6-week study, you will automatically receive additional information about how to help your dog through this stressful behavior. For each person that submits at least 10 minutes of video per day during the study, a complimentary virtual 45-minute consultation with Sara Ondrako will be included to help further address Separation-Related Problems.

Yes. This study is completely virtual and uses YouTube to provide the materials for participants in the study.

Yes. We are currently conducting this study using both auditory & visual variables so a screen is needed to display the imagery.

Most people nowadays have LED televisions. The average LED TV lasts about 60,000 hours – which works out to running your TV 24 hours a day for 7 years straight. We recommend checking with your manufacturer if you’re concerned about the long-term effects of leaving your TV on for 8 hours my have.

Ideally, the volume on your TV should be just slightly below your normal listening level when you watch TV at home. Dog’s have sensitive hearing and it’s important that the sound is not too loud to where it causes a disruption. If your dog is hard of hearing, it is okay to increase the volume some, but still not to a level that would offend your own ears. The TV should “muffle” outside sounds gently.