Annoying Behaviors in Pets, Part 1

I just recently returned from a quick trip to Philadelphia to see the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Garden Show. 

 My friend and I started our adventure with a visit to the Barnes museum. Dr. Albert Barnes is a physician that invented a silver-containing eye solution to prevent gonorrheal-induced blindness in newborn babies.  Barnes built a collection that was virtually unrivaled, with massive holdings by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. But it was Renoir that Barnes admired above all other artists; he thought of him as a gold standard of painters and collected his work tenaciously, amassing 181 works by the painter between 1912 and 1942. My day ended with bags of peonies and lilies to bring home on the plane to plant.

I felt pulled in so many directions to take in all the plant displays, plant dogs house themes, Japanese display gardens, butterfly experience, and all the vendors.  

Many of my clients experience feeling that way in dealing with their pets and uncertain of correction techniques for annoying behaviors versus seriously unacceptable behaviors. 

Behavior problems are not quick fixes to correct. They are all different, and the summations below are meant as guidelines. Typical behavioral consultations with a veterinary behaviorist (DVM + additional 2 to 3 yrs of training) take hours upon hours. 

HOW DOES AN OWNER DEAL WITH A DOG THAT JUMPS UP ON PEOPLE?

Jumping up is believed to have originated as a way of greeting by wolves as they lick each other’s faces. Annoying to owners, often they push the dog down saying “NO” or pet them upon jumping up. In any event, this becomes an attention seeking behavior. To counteract the behavior, encourage a dog to sit upon such greetings and reward the behavior by utilizing a leash and collar to assist the sit. To further encourage the sit behavior, an owner should turn his/her back from the dog and avoid interaction when jumping up is attempted.

IS PLAY BITING ACCEPTABLE?

Play biting is normal social behavior between dogs. When a human hand is involved, one should say “ouch” and remove further interaction.  Offer at that time a reasonable chew toy substitute. After a short time out, going for a walk, fetch, or playtime with appropriate awards is recommended.  

EXCESSIVE PULLING ON A LEASH IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. ARE THERE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Head collars such as Gentle Leader, Halti, Snoot Loop, etc. with proper fitting is important along with obedience training to teach a dog to heel with positive reinforcement. Lack of walking a pet leads to obesity and a variety of other fears and phobias. Dogs that walk well on command are “social magnets” for interaction in the community and a pleasurable experience for their owner. Pet with such issues should be enrolled in socialization class and each trainer has their own recommendations for suitable collars. Harnesses are more appropriate for dogs with short snouts and breathing issues( example Pugs). Picking a dog trainer can be a challenge, and a method of training, references, and personal preference can play a big role in selection. https://apdt.com/pet-owners/choosing-a-trainer/

Thanks to Ms. Vonder Haar for sharing the pictures of Twix and Maxwell 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC