Top 10 Behavior Myths: Problems that Pet Owners
Do Not Have to Live With
Dorene Olson
TARA Training and Behavior, LLC
WyndSong Border Collies and Canada Goose Management
Teaching Animals with Respect and Affection
314-956-1310
This article first appeared in the Spring/Summer 2002 edition of Corgi Tails, the newsletter of Faery Tails Corgi Rescue of St. Louis Inc. it is reprinted here with permission.
In my business as a professional pet behavior consultant, I am always surprised at some of the problems that people tolerate in their pets. They may be aware of the problems and wish that they could be solved or just annoyed by their pet and might be unaware that anything can be done to alleviate the situation.
Any behavior can be modified or changed to become more appropriate and acceptable. Training that is done in a kind and a consistent manner is the most morally appropriate and easily comprehensible to the pet. Never do anything that feels wrong to you, even if being advised by someone seemingly knowledgeable in the area. Punishment, pain, force and fear are not motivators to change any behavior, no matter how objectionable. Training methods employing these measures only impair rather than enhance the pet/owner bond. Additionally, if aggression is a problem that you are working with, punishment can very likely cause the behavior to worsen or become directed towards the punisher.
BARKING
Barking can be an annoying problem for owners to live with and for neighbors who must endure the noise. Barking is frequently a problem by dogs who are overstimulated by sights and sounds at windows or by boredom when left alone and unoccupied in yards.
Dogs can be taught to make noise and to be quiet on cue. Some breeds are more prone to vocalize than others (for instance, herding breeds) but this does not mean that the problem cannot be controlled.
CHEWING/INDOOR DESTRUCTION/INAPPROPRIATE ENERGY LEVELS
Chewing and destruction problems, as well as high energy levels indoors, are frequently the signs of under-exercised, under stimulated dogs. Providing some appropriate cardiovascular exercise at least twice daily, giving some interactive food toys such as Kong Toys or Buster Cubes, and controlling unsupervised access to problem areas can go a long way towards curbing these issues.
LEASH ISSUES
- INAPPROPRIATE GREETINGS TO OTHER CANINES OR HUMANS
It is often hard to realize, but many people and other dogs do not appreciate the friendly, if perhaps inappropriate, interactive greeting rituals of enthusiastic young dogs. Many people and dogs have fears or body space issues which do not lend themselves to body-slamming greetings by undisciplined dogs on long leads. Keep your dog close to you and focused on you when working in public areas, do not let them go to greet others uninvited. Many areas now restrict dog access due to complaints from non-dog lovers who have been over-enthusiastically greeted.All dogs need to learn to walk politely on lead, whether they be a leash pulling Pomeranian or a massive locomotive Mastiff. A pulling dog greatly diminishes from the enjoyment of a walk outdoors and decreases the options of repeat outings. Pulling dogs can drag their owners into situations that the caretaker would rather avoid, and gives the appearance of an out-of-control canine. Many different training options and management devises (such as head collars) are available to make this training easy and fun, even if your dog outweighs you!Many people are embarrassed by their own pet dog's behavior at the front door when greeting guests. All dogs can be taught to politely sit and remain in one spot while company is let into the house; such self-control also diminishes the chances of your dog darting out the door when company comes over.
DIGGING
People who enjoy gardening are often distressed by pet dogs that share the same interest. Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, including entertainment, instinct, and the need to find a cool resting area. Providing your dog a suitable gardening area of her own, or supervising and re-directing such activities, will solve the problem entirely.
DOOR DARTING
Many of the dogs who become lost or injured with unfortunate car encounters begin their misfortunes by an undisciplined, opportunistic dart out of the doorway or gateway. Dogs can be easily taught to respect boundaries, and can learn to associate the doorbell or yard gate with a signal to sit immobile until given the signal to cross the threshold of the boundary.
RUNNING WHEN CALLED
There is nothing more frustrating, embarrassing, or humiliating than a pet dog who runs happily off despite pleas to return at once to the owner. Many dogs who finally get the chance to express their exercise and entertainment needs will not come when called once they escape the confines of leash or yard. Others have an association of being punished when caught and have no desire to return to an angry and flustered owner.
Dogs must be taught with love and patience to respond to a recall signal, beginning in low-level distraction environments and progressing to more interesting and stimulating situations. No matter how frustrated, frightened, or angry you become when trying to call your dog to you, ALWAYS praise and reward her for having responded to your request. Many fun and exciting games can be employed to teach the recall with fabulous success.
BEGGING AT THE TABLE
No one feels comfortable eating with soulful, self-proclaimed starving eyes staring at ones every forkful of food. Begging can be unhealthy for your pet, resulting in such serious medical conditions as pancreatitis or simply obesity and upset from lack of a balanced diet. Providing your pet with some alternative activity or feeding behavior, or controlling access during dining hours, should alleviate this problem to everyone's satisfaction.
STEALING INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS
Biting frequently occurs when dogs steal items from the kitchen or bathroom trash, or even the laundry, and then feel compelled to defend themselves or their prizes from either rebuke or relinquishment. Teaching a dog a reliable recall and a "Drop it" or "Leave It" request gives another alternative to chasing and wrestling forbidden items away from dogs. I always teach my puppies to bring me anything that they discover, so that they can trade it for a more canine-appropriate item and I can keep my fancy leather Italian shoes!
BITING AND MOUTHING
These two issues are synonyms for young puppies and adolescent dogs, who are still learning about their world and exploring with their mouths, as well as for the retrieving, often herding breeds, and their mixes, who have been created to use their mouths extensively in their work. Teaching a dog when and where it is appropriate to use its mouth and how much pressure can be applied before its playmate goes away in disgust will help some of this unsolicited attention. Better yet is to teach a dog when and where it is appropriate to use its mouth near people, and keep these guidelines clear and consistent. Finding a professional trainer who understands your breed and its drives may be helpful if you are having a terrible problem in this area.
INTACT ANIMAL ISSUES
Animals who are not spayed or castrated (neutered) are more likely to engage in aggressive displays, urine mark, roam, and be non-responsive as pets because of their desires to find prospective mates and reproduce. There is a huge pet overpoplutation problem, especially in purebred dogs. Unless your pet has proven itself in the breed ring in conformation against other superior members of its breed, has passed all veterinary tests and exams for hereditary and congenital problems, and has a superior temperament that is worth passing onto the next generation, there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to breed your pet. Personality is not hereditary, so to try to replace Fluffy with a puppy just like her will most likely not be successful. It is better to rescue, or go to a reputable breeder who can ensure that the characteristics you so love in your pet dog can be responsibly reproduced.
SPECIAL NOTE: AGGRESSION
Many people tolerate aggression in its many forms, from a simple stiff posture and threatening stare all the way on through to making excuses for Fluffy biting the mailman, your neighbor, or your child. Aggression in any form is intolerable and a serious issue that is affecting pet owners' rights on a global level. Aggression can take may forms, such as inappropriate guarding of items or owner's property all the way to intolerance of handling or interaction with your pet.
Many trainers in the St. Louis area will advise a pet owner to apply fierce techniques to dogs with aggression problems, such as punishment, physical correction, or shock collars. Aggressive tactics directed towards your dog will only result in an aggressive or defensive response on the part of your pet, and can lead to a serious rift in the pet/caretaker relationship, which should be based on trust and mutual cooperation. Aggression which has its root basis in fear is NEVER benefited by correction, and will only make the situation worse.
Dorene Olson offers private consultations and group classes. She has been helping St. Louis pet owners for over ten years! Her clientele ranges from canines and felines to exotic pets. To reach Dorene call TARA Training and Behavior, LLC at 314-956-1310.
