Separation Anxiety Monitoring is only available on our latest tracker, the Tractive DOG 6
Leaving your furry friend home alone? Use our Separation Anxiety Monitor to keep an eye on their behavior to see if they exhibit any signs of separation anxiety. Read on to learn more.
What is Separation Anxiety Monitoring?
If you're concerned about your dog's well-being when they're alone, we have the solution. With Separation Anxiety Monitoring, you can track any changes in their behavior while you're away. Simply activate the Separation Anxiety Monitor when you leave your dog alone and deactivate it when you return. If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety during this time, we'll notify you afterwards.
How to use the Separation Anxiety Monitor
The Separation Anxiety Monitor must be started manually once your dog is alone and switched off once you’re back together.
- Open the Tractive GPS app
- Tap the + button on the map screen
- Select Monitor Separation Anxiety
- Click Start
The tracker will now begin monitoring for signs of separation anxiety, such as increases in activity or barking. You’ll know when the monitor is switched on when you see the red stop button in the bottom right corner.
Once you’re reunited with your dog, press the red stop button. If your dog displayed signs of separation anxiety while alone, you will receive an update in the Wellness tab shortly afterwards.
Check if the Separation Anxiety Monitor detected signs of separation anxiety
To see whether the Separation Anxiety Monitor detected anything, follow the steps below:
- Open the Tractive GPS app
- Tap Wellness on the bottom bar
- Select Health Alerts
- If any signs of separation anxiety have been detected, you'll see it here under New
Once you've viewed the notification, it will move to History where you can also check any previous Activity or Sleep Alerts.
No news means good news. If you don't receive an update from the Separation Anxiety Monitor in the Wellness tab, this means we've not detected any significant changes in your pet's behavior.
How to manage separation anxiety in our dogs
Managing separation anxiety in dogs involves several strategies. One effective method is desensitization training, which aims to get your dog comfortable with being alone. Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the time apart. It's crucial to keep departures and arrivals low-key, acting nonchalant to avoid triggering anxiety. This approach helps your dog learn that being alone is a normal and non-stressful part of their routine. More tips can be found on the Tractive blog, and if you are concerned, visit your vet.
FAQs
How do I get access to Separation Anxiety Monitoring?
To use Separation Anxiety Monitoring, please ensure the following:
- Use our latest tracker. Separation Anxiety Monitoring is only compatible with our latest tracker model, the Tractive DOG 6.
- Make sure your Pet Profile is complete. You'll need to make sure your pet's weight has been entered in the app and you'll need to choose a daily Activity Goal.
- Use the tracker for at least seven days. Data from at least seven days is needed for us to learn what is normal for your dog.
- Use the tracker consistently. Keep the tracker on your pet as much as possible, ideally all the time except during charging.
You’ll now automatically have access to the feature and can start learning about your furry buddy’s barking habits.
What signs of separation anxiety can the tracker detect?
The Tractive DOG 6 features two sophisticated sensors: one that measures bark loudness and a built-in accelerometer that records your pet’s movements. During the initial days of use, these sensors collect data to understand your pet’s typical barking and activity levels.
If there is a significant increase in these levels while your pet is alone, we will notify you.
To establish your pet’s baseline barking and activity levels, we require a minimum of seven days of data. However, this baseline is continuously updated and refined with each day’s new data. Therefore, the more you use the tracker, the more precise and insightful the data becomes.
For optimal accuracy, ensure the tracker stays on your pet as much as possible, removing it only for charging. Consistent use will significantly enhance the quality and reliability of the Separation Anxiety Monitoring data.