Good health and behavior are very closely related; a healthy pet is happier, and a happy pet is less prone to stress-induced health problems. But sometimes behavior can become a problem to both the pet and its human family. Anxiety, aggression, housesoiling problems, barking, and scratching are only a few of the behavior issues that we help our clients deal with. In many cases, a physical exam and investigation of physical problems is needed to understand a behavior issue.
In this space we will periodically discuss a common behavior issue. For your particular pets issue, feel free to make an appointment to talk to the doctor and we will help you and your pet live in harmony.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS FOR MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP IN THE DOG
Dogs are pack animals that need strong leadership. Many of the behavior problems of dogs stem from confusion and insecurity about who is in charge. The most common form of aggression in dogs is Dominance Aggression, in which the dog tries to take over the role of pack leader. The following suggestions are a must when dealing with the dominant aggression dog, but they may also be used to reassure the submissive dog of your strong leadership.
I. Make your dog earn everything good in life by obeying commands. Before greeting, petting,
feeding, walking, or letting the dog outside, give a command that it knows (the “sit” is ideal), and insist on compliance before the dog is allowed to do anything pleasurable.
I1. Do not let your dog on the bed or the furniture; Preferred sleeping spots are the right of the pack leader, and when your dog is allowed to rest in these areas he will feel that it means he is the boss.
II1. Make your dog get out of your way when it stands or lays in your path. Walking around the dog is a sign of deference and may give your dog the idea that he has the right to be wherever he wants.
IV Make your dog sit before the dog greets anyone.
V. Do not let your dog go thru narrow openings (doorways) before you. Leading the way thru narrow openings is the role of the leader. If you put your dog’s leash on and let him bolt thru the door ahead of you to take his walk, it will not be surprising if the dog is hard to control during the walk, since in the dog’s mind he already established that he was in charge the minute he went out the door.
VI. Do not let your dog go up the stairs ahead of you. Not only does this give him the feeling of leading the way up a narrow passageway, but he also can turn around at the top of the stairs and get the feeling of being higher than you—essentially, he is playing “King of the Mountain” with you, and he is winning.
VII. Be cautious when playing tug-o-war with your dog. This reinforces his competitive urges, and if he wins, even briefly, this is a very potent ego booster to the dog. However, most dogs do have the sense to know that it is "just pretend", so it may be ok if it doesn't bring out your dog's dominant side.
VIII. Do not allow the dog to jump up on you. Even though he is being friendly, it makes him feel more powerful. Give sit command before he jumps up to prevent the behavior.
IX. Do not allow the dog to demand attention or force you to pet it. You must provide affection on your own terms, but not because the dog pushes his muzzle under your arm or barks at you to force petting. When this happens, simply ignore the dog or move away.
X. Adopt a confident leadership attitude toward your dog. Your attitude and body language should proclaim that you are the leader of the pack. A deep booming tone of voice, good posture, and looking directly at the dog with a downward stare are all things that your dog understands, and by sending these body-language signals you will reassure your dog that you are in command.
FOR OTHER BEHAVIOR TOPICS, SEE THE MENU TO THE LEFT UNDER "BEHAVIOR CORNER"
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