Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

 

Preparing Pets For Back-To-School Routines

As South Florida's lazy summers begin to wind down, families begin turning their attention to the task of getting children back to school. And for the many pets added to households during coronavirus lock downs, a return to full time, in-person learning can be especially confusing. 

Fortunately, many of the same techniques used to help children transition smoothly can also work for pets. Ease into new bedtime and morning routines a week or so before the school year begins. Try to anticipate anxiety triggers that may alert your pet to the family's impending departure. Backpacks, lunch boxes and uniforms should be placed within a pet's line of vision so they become part of the household background as opposed to something associated with being left alone for the day. Give pets an interesting puzzle toy or chew toy to keep them occupied, and do so right before leaving so pets will not focus on the family's departure. Perhaps most importantly, try not to feel guilty, and leave the house in a matter-of-fact manner. Mama dogs don't feel guilty about leaving the den to bring home dinner. We parents would be wise to follow their leads.

Rethinking Retractable Leashes

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics between pet owners and pet care professionals is the safety of retractable leashes. Pet owners love them, as they offer dogs the ability to enjoy a certain degree of freedom. Yet behaviorists are quick to point out that these devices were invented to help train tracking and recall skills, and are unsuitable for everyday walking routines. Most dog-friendly public spaces require owners to keep dogs on leashes no longer than six feet in length, and to maintain control over their pets at all times. This is nearly impossible to accomplish when using devices that allow the dog to control the length of the lead - which is often over 20 feet.

Additionally, retractable leashes have been linked to countless injuries to both humans and pets. When the paracord material from which they are made makes contact with human skin, the result is often a deep cut - especially when combined with the speed of a bolting dog. A simple internet search yields countless stories of owners who have suffered from falls, lacerations, vision loss and finger imputations as direct results of accidents caused by retractable leashes. As we head into some of South Florida's most perfect dog walking weather, remember that just like any other task, walking our dogs requires the right tools for the job.

This can easily result in a fall and/or laceration if the dog unexpectedly bolts.

What Happened To My Perfect Puppy?

It’s no secret that raising a puppy requires a great deal of patience. Chewing, crying, destructiveness, demands for attention, and potty-training mishaps are all just par for the course. But the difficult phase only lasts a few months, right? Wrong. Once your new edition is finished being a puppy, he enters a new, and often far more maddening phase of development: adolescence. Starting anywhere between nine and twelve months of age, that sweet little puppy will become - gasp! - a teenager.

Like human teenagers, adolescent dogs may test the resolve of their superiors. They often revert to the types of behaviors we thought they had long outgrown. Like the rebellious, back-talking teen-aged child, adolescent puppies often leave us scratching our heads, wondering where we went wrong. Obnoxious puppy behaviors such as play biting and jumping on guests may return with a vengeance. This is when behaviors such as growling, food guarding, and blatant disobedience of commands tend to appear seemingly out of nowhere. It is also when dogs are most commonly surrendered to shelters. 

Unaware of the existence of this challenging phase, many people assume they have either failed as dog owners, or are stuck with a “bad dog.” These scenarios are rarely the case. The solution to the Terrible Teens is a combination of consistency, patience, and preparation. Do your research on canine adolescence as soon as you bring your puppy home. As with most other situations, you’ll be happy to have a plan in place when you need one.

It's National Train Your Dog Month!

January is National Train Your Dog Month - and the beginning of a new year is a great time to address any behaviors that might be making life with your four-legged friend more challenging. Contrary to popular belief, older dogs can reasonably be expected to learn new tricks. And it's never too late to reassess any basic obedience commands that may be in need of fine tuning.

Start your assessment by asking yourself how your dog responds to basic obedience commands. Generally speaking, your dog should have good recall (meaning he will come when called, the first time he is called, even in the presence of distractions), should be able to walk politely on a loose leash, and be able to respond to verbal commands such as sit, down, stay and wait. At Casa Kupkee, Zohan is getting a refresher course on recall - because chasing squirrels is apparently

way more fun than coming when called! So get out there and train your dog! You're in good company. 

Puppy Kindergarten

For people over the age of forty (like me), and folks who were not brought up in this country (like me!) the growing popularity of puppy kindergarten can come as an initial shock.  While it’s easy to see how spending time in a classroom full of puppies would be fun, I am sometimes asked if such classes benefit the puppies, or are simply an example of brilliant marketing.

The first 8-10 weeks of a puppy’s life is known as the Fear Impact Period. Puppies are easily frightened, and lessons learned during this stage tend to be permanent. During this time, it is crucial to expose your puppy to as many new experiences as possible, provided they occur in a positive, controlled setting. During this vital stage of life, puppies are taught to properly interact with other dogs in a fun, non-threatening environment. Such classes also provide play-based introductions to obedience concepts. These early sessions are geared  toward building confidence and providing positive experiences, rather than teaching specific behaviors. The result is a confident, well-socialized dog who is eager to learn how to better meet your expectations in every stage of life.

A Runner's Guide To Off-Leash Dogs

If getting into shape is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you may be one of the many Americans who decide to take up running. And it won’t take you long to realize there are many dog owners who seem to think leash laws do not apply to them! While I am in no way giving these inconsiderate folks a pass, forewarned is forearmed. And knowing what triggers a dog’s chasing behavior can prevent a bite or attack. While we may love our dogs like family, it is important to remember that first and foremost, they are animals. Perhaps more importantly, they are predators. Predators chase prey. And prey runs.

Simply put, running, along with skateboarding, biking, or any activity involving rapid movement, can ignite a dog’s prey drive. If you are approached by a dog while out on a run, the first thing to do is stop running. When we teach young children how to react to an approaching dog, we tell them to “be a tree.” Relax, but hold still. Do not touch the dog, speak to it, or make eye contact. If the dog does not retreat, or it’s behavior worsens, give it a familiar command such as sit, stay, off, or go home. Remember, this is a command - use a strong, authoritative tone, but continue to avoid eye contact as some dogs see it as a challenge. Do not move erratically or scream. These are the behaviors of prey animals. Behaving like prey can cause the dog to continue to perceive you as prey. To help avoid such a close encounter, try running with a marine air horn. If you feel threatened by a dog, give it a blast. Few dogs have ever encountered this sound, and while it’s likely to terrify them, it is harmless. This should give you enough time to get out of the area. And do have a word with the dog’s owner. Off-leash dogs are dangerous and illegal, and leash laws apply to everyone.

"GO HOME!"

Introducing A New Dog To An Established Dog

If you decide your dog needs a friend, remember the value of first impressions. What happens during the initial introductions can have lasting implications on their future friendship, so be sure to set them up for success from day one.

Before you bring the newbie home, make sure the existing dog has burned a lot of energy by walking, playing, and enjoying his favorite form of exercise. When meeting a new housemate, pent up energy can present a problem, so make sure the established dog is as calm as possible. Have the two dogs meet at a neutral and unfamiliar location, such as a park or parking lot. The introduction should happen while another handler holds the new dog’s leash. The first introduction should never be face to face! This can be perceived as a challenge in any meeting scenario. Allow the existing dog to sniff the newcomer’s backside (it’s what they do!) for a maximum of three seconds. Then switch roles - new nose meets old butt. Repeat the exercise several times, then go for a walk together. Once they have walked as a pack and are somewhat tired, allow them to sniff nose to nose. Again, allow only three seconds, then walk away and repeat several times. This should  allow you to get  a feel for how the relationship is progressing. Our younger needs at least six three-second nose to nose greetings before he’s ready to play. Every dog is different, so patience is the key. And speaking of patience, cat parents, next month, we’ll talk about introducing new cats. Stay tuned!

Destined to be BFFs!

Dogs And Kids: Don't Punish The Growl

Don't Punish The Growl

Every year, roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. Nearly half of the victims of said bites are children between the ages of five and nine.  Throughout my career, I have seen these statistics manifested in the form of traumatized children and surrendered pets. Veterinary professionals are forever telling parents to closely watch interactions between dogs and children. Yet we often fall short when it comes to telling them what they should be watching for.

Perhaps the most telling sign of impending trouble between dogs and kids is the growl. When asked by researchers how they would react if they caught their dog growling at their child, the response of most parents was that they would punish the dog - severely. After all, they would want to be sure it never happened again. Dogs, however, are cause-and-effect thinkers. To a dog, a growl is a warning. She is saying, “Back off, or I will bite you.” When this behavior is punished, she learns that giving a warning leads to unpleasant consequences. The result is a dog who skips the warning, and goes straight to the bite. Should you catch your dog growling at your child, calmly separate the pair, and seek immediate assistance from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. These caring professionals can help both dogs and families to safely  enjoy the human-animal bond.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Should I Crate Train My Dog?

Should I Crate Train My Dog?

While veterinarians and behaviorists generally agree that crate training is ideal for both puppies and adult dogs, many pet parents confess they cannot bear the thought of seeing their dogs “locked in a cage”.   Our dogs’ wild ancestors spent much of their time in dens. The den was where they would sleep, hide, shelter from the elements, and raise their litters.  Crate training simply takes advantage of the natural instincts our dogs still possess as descendants of these early den dwellers.

A crate trained dog will perceive his crate as a safe place to ride out a thunderstorm, take a break from a bustling party, or duck out of reach of a curious but overbearing toddler.  Dogs who know they can retreat to their own space are better equipped to cope with anxiety, and therefore less likely to bite.  Additionally, crate trained dogs are happier at boarding facilities, which means we pet parents can travel with greater peace of mind.  When we decide to bring Fido along for the trip, the crate provides him with instant familiarity and comfort.  While the surroundings may be new and strange, crates allow our dogs to feel like they are travelling with their own special room.  And the only thing better than discovering the world, is discovering the world with with a dog!

Ask the Advisor: Stranger Danger Part 2

When you use a toy/ball to trigger prey drive and reduce defense drive, does the dog ever perceive the toy as a reward for the defensive behavior? She has the same problem with her 2 year old rat terrier, so she was very intrigued by your advice. But she is also concerned that she may inadvertently reinforce the barking. Does that ever happen, or does the shift take place on a more instinctive level?

-Tiffany

Tiffany, you have a very valid concern b/c done with the wrong timing in a consistent manner, the ball / toy can become a reward for bad behaviors.. people do this with praise towards their dogs at the wrong time all the time and the results are usually an increase in the dog's bad behavior simply b/c they are being rewarded for that same bad behavior.

If the dog does a bad behavior and you reward the dog for that bad behavior, he is likely doing it again... this goes whether you use balls, toys, treats, or praise.

However, if BEFORE the dog does the bad behavior (but shows signs such as a closed mouth or stare down, indicating the bad behavior is about to be exhibited) the dog gets a surprise positive trigger (such as the squeaky sound of a toy or ball), you can quickly divert the dog's attention and get him to focus on the toy / ball therefore stopping the bad behavior from ever occurring.

Also, if you know that meeting certain people or in certain areas is a problem, then you may set up a mock meeting where the greeter has the squeaky ball and that ball / toy is used initially (BEFORE the dog is even triggered with any defense mechanisms) to make the positive association.

In short, the timing of the positive trigger item (such as toy / ball) is very important so that it is not turned into a reward for bad behavior.

Some things are just easier to demonstrate and teach hands-on than to explain them in writing.

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647
www.K9ADVISORS.com

Ask the Advisor: Stranger Danger Part 1

Dear Edel,

Zohan is a year old now, and starting to display some obnoxious behavior on walks. Specifically, he lunges and barks hysterically at anyone that walks towards us. It's especially bad if the person makes eye contact, and once the behavior stops, it's very difficult get him to snap out of it. I know this "teenager" phase is challenging, but I worry he is going to become aggressive. What should I do?

While eye contact may play a role in all this, the actual approach of the person onto Z's space may be enough to trigger his defensive reaction. Test it out with a new person approaching and not having any eye contact. He will likely respond the same. There are a few things you may do differently when greeting a person (given that you have the time and availability from that person to take a little longer in the greeting). To create a greater interest in the person, reduce Zohan's defense drive by increasing his prey drive. Do not let him greet the person until you are ready for Z to do so. This adds a level of pack leadership on your end that will later give him the confidence to not have to react defensively.

I have seen his reaction around strangers coming to greet him. While it may come across as "aggressive" in some people's view, he is really being defensive - not aggressive. His defense drive (one of two key drives that a dog has innately) kicks up a notch when he is uncertain. For some dogs, when they feel uncertain about a new place or person, they go into a fearful-submissive state and other dogs go into a fear or anxiety state that shoots up their defense drive. This seems to be more like Zohan.

In order to change this reaction, you must change his perception of the situation and of the new person he will greet. Then add a little control once the perception is changed. By this, I mean that you may associate the new person (greeter) with a positive trigger for Z. For example, you may use a treat and squeaky ball that you can just carry with you whenever you are walking Zohan. When you approach a potential greeter, you ask them to hold the ball and squeak it a few times while keeping the treat in another hand. Perhaps, have the new greeter bounce it a couple of times to really spark his interest in the new person. Focusing on the ball and its motion should trigger his prey drive, whilst blocking his defense drive. Prey and Defense drive are inversely proportional. The higher the prey drive, the lower the defense drive and vice versa. So, two key things that you are doing by using an interesting toy or ball, (1) creating a more positive association with a new person and (2) increasing his prey drive, thus reducing his defense drive. Once you get Z really interested in meeting the new person and really excited, through his prey drive, to get that ball, you have him sit and stay a few feet away from you while you greet (or pretend to greet) the new person and then you give him the "ok" to greet the person. When he comes in for the ball, the greeter may then hold out the treat in a flat palm, low to the floor (since Z is a low rider ;-)). You don't want people going over his head to pet him, as most people do, because that may trigger his defense drive. So, Zohan should come in towards the greeter after you gave him the ok to go greet. The greeter has their palm flat for Z to come get his treat and make the positive association, then the ball comes out and he gets to focus on the ball and go get it (not too far - within the vicinity of the greeting). While keeping him on prey drive mode, you subdue his defense drive. Finish the exercise with lots of praise!

It is important to have several interactions like this before you even get people to pet him. This will allow for many greeting events to be positive with low to no defense triggered, and will make it easier for Zohan to make a clear and consistent association with a more positive way to greet.

Hope this helps. It is so much easier to show you all this than to write it down. Whew!

Cheers,

Edel Miedes
K9 ADVISORS
954.923.3440
786.419.3647www.K9ADVISORS.com