What is a D.A.P. Diffuser and how will it help separation anxiety in dogs?

D.A.P. stands for Dog Appeasing Pheromone. Basically, it mimics the scent given off the mother dog that keeps her puppies calm and happy. This scent is not detectable by humans. The diffuser plugs into your electric wall socket just like those fancy plug-in air fresheners. DAP also comes in sprays and collars. If you travel with your pet, you may want to try out a spray for the car or the collar so that your pet has the scent with him/her wherever you go.

Another great use for DAP is when you are bringing home a new puppy. The scent may help to reduce the anxiety the puppy will have from being separated from it's mother and siblings.

DAP isn't just for dogs. They make it for our feline friends too.

Will DAP help my dog?

DAP takes about a week before the effects are noticable. But a word of warning: NOT ALL DOGS will be cured by DAP. Some dogs show significant changes while others do not. It depends on your dog and severity of the separation anxiety. And while you use DAP, you should also look at other means to help your dog with it's behavioral issues. Eventually, you won't need to use the diffuser or other DAP products.

As mentioned before, DAP is a godsend to some and nothing to others. It really does depend on your dog. At the WhippetTalk Forums many members have commented on the effects DAP had or didn't have with their dogs.

Another item that many sighthound owners use is an herbal remedy in liquid form called Bach's Rescue Remedy. And again, it works for some and not for others. Like the DAP, it should not be used as cure-all to end separation anxiety, but as something to help you get over the issue while you work with training and desensitation techniques. Some people claimed that a combination of both the DAP and the Bach's helped. And Bach's works for people too!

There are many articles online about how to deal with separation anxiety and lots of good books. Essentially, based on my personal experience, you have to teach your dog that when you leave, it's not forever. In their minds when you walk out that door, it's for good! Some things to keep in mind when leaving:

- Don't make a fuss when you leave. Just go. Don't talk to your dog, don't look at your dog, just go.

- Leave items out for your dog that will keep him busy. A stuffed Kong toy works wonders.

- Leave a TV or the radio on.

- Exercise your dog before you leave. A tired dog is a good dog! Take him for a 30 to 45 minute walk, jog or bike ride.

On the weekends when you have some time to work on this, if you crate your dog or leave him in a confined room or gated off area, put your dog in there and leave out of sight for just a second. Come back and praise your dog. Then the next time, you leave for a minute. Then praise. Then two minutes. Praise. 5 minutes. Praise. 10 minutes. Praise. Get the idea? Remember to not come in and praise the dog if he starts barking and whining. All you did was teach him that the noise got you to come back. I carried an old cola can filled with 3 pennies. When I went out of sight and the whining started, I threw the soda can into the room. It makes a terrible noise and stops the whining/crying/barking for a second. Just in time for you to enter the room and praise the pup.

Here are a few links on the topic of Separation Anxiety:

WhippetTalk Forms - Behavior Forum Ask people in real time how to deal with separation anxiety. You will get honest and current information on techniques used by people in the same boat.

Separation Anxiety Article at Perfect Paws.

ABC News Article on Separation Anxiety

How to Treat Separation Anxiety

Humane Society Article on Separation Anxiety