Canine Behaviour.
Posted on Friday, November 19 @ 16:44:55 GMT by jenvetadmin
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jenvetnurse writes "This is such a big topic. There are so many different behavioural problems in dogs – most clients cannot afford to see behavioural specialists. What can we advise in practice to help with some of the common complaints?
There is a common saying ‘There is no such thing as a bad dog – just bad owners’
I think this is unfair – sometimes it is true of course – with limited knowledge and confusing/contradicting training – but some dogs especially rescues the problems can be due to emotional instability. Also behavioural problems can be genetic – affecting one breed or a blood-line of dogs.
Owners with ‘problem dogs’ should be advised to get educated! Recommend good books/training classes/web sites etc. David Appleby has a god range of books with basic advice for owners. The better the understanding of a dog’s mind/behaviour the easier they will find curing the dog of its problems and the happier owner and dog will become.
Bad/undesirable behaviour is often rewarded the first time it happens – unwittingly. For example laughing at a puppy that reaches sexual maturity and mounts a visitor’s leg. Laughter and attention = reward. When it happens all the time it’s not so funny. This example is learnt behaviour.
Castration – the simple solution. Training by rewarding positive behaviour and ignoring negative behaviour will work also.
Dominant dogs are another common problem. This may be genetic but also learnt behaviour. The dog needs to re-learn its place in the family pecking order. Simple tricks such as standing in the dog’s bed, feeding him last, walking in front of him, do not allow him to be at a higher position i.e. on the bed/settee at any time. Little everyday steps will re-train the dog. If there is a trigger factor – i.e. a favourite toy that the dog will not give back – simply remove it until the dogs behaviour is acceptable.
Separation Anxiety – this can be very serious where the dog becomes destructive during the owners absence. This is emotional distress. Filming the dog when you leave is useful. Using a DAP diffuser. Leaving a radio on. Allowing the dog to wait by the door you leave and return through. Leaving toys, food filled Kongs to distract the dog can all help. Gradually building up the time you are away from will be a key step. One minute, then reward for good behaviour, build up the time steadily. Walk outside and wait 5 minutes, then 10 etc so the dog learns you will always return and feel secure about you leaving.
Unwanted Barking – this can be a real nuisance. The owner must understand what the dog is trying to communicate. Aboistop collars can help as a training aid – they release Citronella which dogs find offensive each time they bark. The dog may be barking due to boredom, loneliness or he simply wants something i.e. exercise/food.
Owners should be encouraged to spend more time with their dogs if barking is an issue. More exercise, more stimulus, more play, more attention. Hopefully this will help.
This book is invaluable for tips BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioral Medicine.
This is just a basic article on dog training – there will be more articles on specific subjects to follow. Please as always add your input, comments, suggestions on this interesting subject into the forums.
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