Michael Schaier is Now a CSAT Dog Trainer
Michael Schaier, the founder and CEO of Michael’s Pack, has completed the CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) program and is one of only a select few trainers in the country to achieve this certification. Given the difficulty of dealing with separation anxiety cases in many dogs, it takes a certain level of expertise to get results. CSATs must meet high standards before entering the rigorous three-month program with a focus solely on separation anxiety. A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer is the best option available for helping your dog deal with separation anxiety. CSATs offer virtual training, so no matter where you live they can work with your dog remotely and come up with solutions for your dog’s separation anxiety.
How Does Virtual Separation Anxiety Training Work?
At Michael’s Pack, our trainers are flexible when it comes to providing virtual dog training. We can use Zoom, Facetime, or any other popular video communication options available to our clients. You can use your personal computer, tablet, or phone to chat with us and during our virtual training sessions, we can tackle specific behavioral issues including separation anxiety.
Unlike some behavioral issues in dogs, dealing with separation anxiety does not require the trainer to be physically present. In fact, virtual training works better than in-person training when tackling separation anxiety. Being physically present can inhibit progress with anxious dogs. The “trainer effect” is also a very real phenomenon where a dog will show progress in the presence of the trainer but lapse back into their habits when the trainer is not around. Remote sessions help avoid this scenario.
The CSAT program requires a 4-week minimum commitment as separation anxiety is a complex behavior and the process to change the behavior is gradual. During these 4 weeks, we work closely with our clients 5 days a week. The program can be broken down into the following concepts:
- Daily mission creation (5 days a week) – We will be creating individualized training plans based on your dog’s personality and behavior. This is broken down day by day specifically for you and your dog to get the best possible results.
- Daily support and feedback (5 days a week) – It is best to take stock daily of what is working and what needs to be improved. This daily feedback will help mold the program to your dog’s needs.
- Weekly live virtual assessment with you and your dog – While we will be in touch daily, the weekly assessment will dive deeper into any questions or concerns you may have.
- Tracking of progress – Dogs are living things, and just like with humans they sometimes do not progress in a perfectly linear fashion. There may be setbacks but we take great care in tracking their progress and seeing how they are doing daily and over a longer period of time.
Benefits of Remote Training for Separation Anxiety
Remote training has many benefits over traditional in-person training, especially for separation anxiety cases. Some of the benefits include:
- Work with the most qualified separation anxiety trainers no matter where you live.
- Extremely flexible training schedule to fit your needs.
- Maintain your privacy and routine. You don’t need to worry about tidying up or rushing home for a session.
- Fewer distractions for your dog, and they will be in a familiar environment with familiar people.
Why Should You Hire a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer?
Separation anxiety is one of the most difficult issues to deal with in dogs. Many dog trainers will refer out separation anxiety cases to specialists, which often includes a CSAT. Living with a dog that suffers from separation anxiety can make it difficult to leave your home for even a short period of time, so working with a CSAT dog trainer can help your dog deal with their emotional state and become accustomed to being separated from you. Contact Michael’s Pack today to learn more about our virtual separation anxiety training.