Gear Score Methodology
PetPal Gear Score
Best Products for Dog Separation Anxiety: Routines, Calming Aids, and Cameras (2026)
Editorial synthesis of AVSAB position statements on humane training, the Merck Veterinary Manual on canine behavior problems and treatment, ASPCA separation-anxiety guidance, AKC anxiety and desensitization material, Karen Pryor Academy separation-anxiety training resources, Fear Free cooperative-care guidance, and peer-reviewed studies on canine anxiety (Salonen et al. 2020; Vieira de Castro et al. 2020) — combined with manufacturer documentation from Ceva (ADAPTIL), ThunderShirt, Furbo, KONG, and NaturVet. PetPalHQ does not run a testing lab.
PetPal Gear Score = (Expert Consensus × 0.35) + (Safety and Use Case Fit × 0.30) + (Manufacturer Documentation × 0.20) + (Value × 0.15)Factor breakdown
Expert Consensus
35%Synthesized from AVSAB position statements, the Merck Veterinary Manual on canine behavior problems and treatment, ASPCA separation-anxiety guidance, AKC anxiety and counter-conditioning material, Karen Pryor Academy separation-anxiety training resources, Fear Free guidance, and peer-reviewed studies (Salonen et al. 2020; Vieira de Castro et al. 2020). The PetPal Gear Score is a composite of expert opinion — PetPalHQ does not run a testing lab.
Safety and Use Case Fit
30%How clearly the product fits a specific behavior-plan role — diagnostic, environmental, situational, or ritual — and how prominently the manufacturer flags conditioning and contraindications.
Manufacturer Documentation
20%Quality of the manufacturer's instructions for placement, sizing, dosing, and safe use, judged against the conservative reading of veterinary references.
Value
15%Price relative to durability, refill ongoing cost, and realistic frequency of use within a separation-anxiety plan.
See all score methodologies on the Gear Score index.