LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Paws |
by Joy Freedman |
Why Does My Dog Do That?
Dogs are our eternal children. They remind of us of what it feels like to be carefree and live in the moment. Most of us relish a day when we can hang out with our four legged companions for hours on end. However, between the bliss of an exhausted puppy and a sleeping dog at your feet, there are usually "issues." As a dog behaviorist, I look for the why's and the solutions to these "issues." Q: Why does my dog run outside, then roll around on the ground for about ten minutes, often in the smelliest stuff she can find? It's really quite nasty. A: Dogs roll for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it's a natural back scratch for those hard to reach spots! This is also how they groom themselves. Rolling and scratching loosens the hair, and then the obligatory shake freshens their fur. Louie, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel seems to seek out and roll in every foul-smelling object he finds! There are several hypotheses as to why. It could be because they are "masking" or hiding their scent from predators or covering a smell on themselves they perceive as foul, such as a fresh bath. They could also be depositing their scent over the strong smell to create dominance over what left it. Believe it or not, your dog is proud as can be to have you, his leader, smell what he has discovered. Q: How do I get my little dog to stop digging holes in the yard? As soon as I fill one in, he finds another spot, Help! A: There are lots of solutions to this age-old problem. However, the tricky part is finding out the cause as to why the dog digs; boredom, scent trail, or prey seeking, just to name a few. The answer could be as simple as taking your dog for a long walk on a new path. Fresh smells and trails are just perfect for alleviating boredom and awakening the senses. If your yard harbors squirrels, rabbits and other creatures dogs like to hunt, this will be trickier. If your dog has a pattern of chasing and digging, spread some crushed red pepper around the places he digs. Mix it in with the dirt or mulch; most dogs don't like the strong scent or hot taste. The best way to fill in holes while you are training is with landscape rock. Keep in mind some dogs were bred to hunt and dig; the best thing for them is to create a space for them to dig. Purchase playground sand at a local garden center and place some favorite toys, balls or bones around the area. This way, they have a safe place to dig where all their favorite smells are! Q: I have a Retriever who jumps on everyone when they come to my house. What can I do to solve this problem? A: There are several ways to stop a dog from jumping. As a behavior expert, I tend to look at why the dog is so excited as to jump. Usually the door becomes the pathway for new smells and experiences for our canines. Practice and consistency are the only ways to truly break this behavior. If your house has more than one entrance, have friends and family use the various entrances. This will take some of the focus off the front door. The key is to try and stop the behavior before it happens. Keep your dog in a sit/stay position with his leash on and have your friends ring the bell/knock on the door. As soon as you see your pooch start to get excited, step in front of him, give a tug on his leash and say "off." Stepping in front is crucial as jumping is a space claiming activity. You need to claim the space before they do. Do this a few times, then open the door and have your friends walk in and out, while you repeat the same command. Keep in mind that your dog is still on his leash and you still have control. Have your friends ignore the dog every time they come in. Try not to use your knee. If you're not comfortable using the leash method, try an empty soda can with a few pennies in it. Set up the door situation, and instead of tugging the leash, toss the shaker can at the door and give the "off " command. A compressed air canister works as well. Spray when the dog starts to jump and say, "Off." As always, consult your vet before starting your dog in any training or exercise program. Joy Freedman, a dog behaviorist and columnist, will be teaching in Rehoboth this summer while working on her first book! Submit questions to AsktheTrainer@4pawspetservices.com |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 04 May 02, 2008 |