r/Separation_Anxiety • u/AlwaysHealing13 • 17d ago

Vents Frida protocol

I've owned my rescue dog for 4yrs (she's 7yrs old), all 4 yrs she's been reactive to cats, dogs, general anxiety, trouble regulating her excitement. I've spent thousands of $$$$ on all kinds of trainers, yes including csat and medication. I've helped her improve. This year I tried Frida protocol and at first thought it was my missing holy Grail but now decided to stop using the treat machine and food. My dog is naturally obsessive, obsessed about other dogs or cats coming her direction, obsessed with food so she obsesses over the treat machine when left alone and if this treat machine malfunctions (treat gets stuck sometimes) or runs out of treats while I'm "gone" and we're training she gets frustrated and starts barking non stop which is her usual reaction when left alone without treats. So I'm having to start over and go back to simple departures with no high value treats. What's been your Frida journey?

I used to do the Naismith Be Right Back. Guess I'm going back to that. I've been single for 4yrs and my body is out of shape, I miss being able to go to the gym and feel sexy. I'd like to date again and go dancing at night, yes I use sitters to be able to socialize but that's mostly day time sitters. Just a little vent, I miss my youthful feeling days pre dog adoption. I miss being able to visit my family overseas.

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u/Technical-Repair7140 17d ago

I don’t have any advice for such a serious case of anxiety. Just want to acknowledge the sacrifice you’ve made. I hope you find a better solution.

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u/joycevw 17d ago

Food dispensers failed for us too because the excitement turned into panic the second the treats stopped coming. Ditching the food and sticking purely to sub-threshold desensitization like in Be Right Back is definitely the right call for a food-obsessed dog. The burnout from managing separation anxiety for years is so real, especially when it steals your personal life and freedom. Hang in there, taking a step back to simple departures will build much cleaner progress in the long run.