Any tips on separation anxiety?

It is too late now but what I would have advised is to "test drive" this dog. By that I mean take the dog for one day or one night to see how it behaves in your home. Even though the owners were honest enough to tell you about their dog's SA, 15 days is a long time.

I've sat for SA dogs before and it is not a pleasant experience. Thankfully none of them were destructive, but sitters have posted numerous times here about major damage to their homes. I once worked with a neighbor to get her dog acclimated to staying at my house. Our dogs were friends and they only lived across the street. She would drop him off for a couple of hours a day. Unfortunately we never completed this training work but he was unable to stay with me. Instead they now hire a house sitter and their dog is much better with that situation. He has also been on doggie Xanax.

Medicating such dogs has to be started well in advance of the boarding date. So that isn't an option and I don't think it is effective.

I've seen a couple of episodes of Lucky Dog in which Brendan worked on dogs with SA. In all cases, he used a combination of meds and intensive training.

Since the owners know the dog has SA, you should find out what methods they use. Does the dog have SA at home or only when staying with strangers? How many times have they left her in the care of others? What has happened when they did? How destructive has she been? I'd look for answers to those questions.

I have encountered separation anxiety both with the dogs that I watch and my personal pet, a Guinea pig. I have found that rather than medicating them- surrounding them with the toys, items which have a scent and familiarity of things that bring them comfort can be very soothing, sometimes it's helpful to give a toy which will let them gnaw and chew at it or something soothing like a blanket or toy that they love, especially with a familiar scent.

If you are pet sitting for this pet, being soothing, comforting and reassuring to this probably anxious pet will probably really help. Give praise, reassurance and try to not get frustrated as the animal is probably very uncomfortable and uneasy being away from it's owners. Personally I have found with my Guinea pig that having someone present in my home when I am away to give lots of attention and love has helped him to not feel alone, isolated or abandoned- just knowing that someone is there to be with him, give him love, reassurance and take good care of him really helps.

Good luck!

Amy

One thing that I do, is whenever a dog owner is dropping off (especially when I know they have separation anxiety) I will take the dog out for a walk. This helps keep their mind distracted on something else. (It doesn't take away the anxiety but rather helps distract them)

You can also try hormone diffusers. I like the kind that you plug into the wall. The diffuser sends out pheromones that help calm the dogs down. (D.A.P is a good brand I have used in the past, if not, the "Thundershirt"company came out with a diffuser as well.)

Good Luck!!

I have watched a couple of dogs with anxiety. The things i have done are to use calm/soothing voice and demeanor. Exercise (via playing or training) and walks are your best friend if the dog is able to. This helps the dog keep their mind off the separation. There are YouTube videos of soothing dog mediations that may also be helpful at times. Having a ticking clock and oil of lavender scents around can be helpful. Blocking out sounds via air-conditioning and closing curtains may make them feel safer. Any chew toy or bone is very helpful for chewers. And make sure the owner brings something from home that has their scent.