Behavioral Problems Flashcards
What are some ways dogs show agression?
Still, rigid bodies
Deep, guttural bark
Foreward lunge
Mouthing (applying pressure with teeth but not biting down completly)
“Muzzle punch” (dog uses muzzle life we may use fists)
Growling, showing teeth, snapping, snarlin and nipping at skin
Quick bite that tears skin
Strong bites taht cause bruising/puncture wounds
Several bites in a row with rapid succession
Biting and shaking
Do dogs show all signs of agression?
Some dogs do all of these actions, in order when showing agression but not all do
It may also be only a second between growl and bite
Though it is very rare for dogs to bite with out a warning
What is the first thing to do if there are signs of agression?
Especially when it is unlike the dog to act agressively, take the dog to the vet. Dogs with painful conditions, thyroid abnormalty, cognitive issues, or siezure disorders, may show agression. Can also happen with dogs who are geriactric and confused or are taking certain medications
Why is it important to work with a behavioral expert when dealing with agression?
Agression can become very dangerous very quickly, the behavior must be corrected and an expert is the best person to do this
Professionals will can help create a treatment plan and work with the owners to help the dog
Some behavior modification techniques normal people use can actually be detrimental to the dog
Is it possible to “cure” agression?
Agression can most definitly be reduced in severity and sometimes it can seem as though it has been completly eliminated
It is best to never consider an agressive dog “cured”
Sometimes after years of being well behaved, a “perfect storm” of triggers can set off a dog
What is the first thing you should do when trying to fix excessive barking in dogs?
Ask yourself these questions…
Where and when does the dog bark?
What or who is the dog barking at?
Is there a specific sound, object, person, or animal that triggers the barking?
How to fix territorial or alarm barking?
The goal is to block to dog from seeing/experiancing anyone/anything in their territory
Obsure their view from ouside (EX opauque fencing)
Crate training can help
“Quite” training can help
You can distract the dog (EX shaking a jar of coins)
What is “quiet” training and how do you implement it?
- Allow the dog to bark until you say “quiet”, do not shout, use a calm and clear command
- Go to the dog, gently hold their muzzle closed and say “quiet” again
- Release their muzzle, step back and call the dog away from the area
- Ask dog to sit and give them a treat
- If the dog stays in the area, give them a small treat every couple of minutes
- If the dog continues to bark, repeat the steps
If you do not want to grab their muzzle you can feed them small treats to distract and use the “quiet” command
What is greeting barking?
It is a positive bark that the dog uses to greet people
You can tell that it is a greeting bark by looking at body language (friendly body language = friendly bark)
How to alleviate greeting barking?
Keep greetings calm and low-key
Train your dog to sit when people come to the door
If your dog likes playing with toys, keep toys near the entrance and offer when poeple arrive
When walking the dog, distract them with tiny treats when walking past people, making sure to praise when they don’t bark
Putting a head halter on the dog when out walking can also distract them
Reward dog when they pass people without barking
What is attention seeking barking and what are some good/bad examples of it?
Dogs bark at us when they need something
It can be good when a dog alerts us when they need to go outside and use the bathroom
It can be bad when a dog barks to get a treat
How to fix attention seeking barking?
Stop rewarding dog fo barking
Look at the ceiling, walk out of the room or turn away as soon as it starts
Do not make eye contact as this can be seen as a reward
What are the signs of a dog becoming a compulisive barker?
When they bark for reasons or at situations that are not typical
Bark for a long time
Generally they bark at things other dogs don’t (shadows, mirrors, lights, doors, the sky)
Often engage in repetive behaviors (circling, spinning, jumping) while barking complulsivly
Complusive barking is almost always a _________ issue.
Behavioral
Chewing in a normal behavior for dogs. What are some examples of how chewing helps dogs?
It is a way to relieve teething pain for younger dogs
Helps keep teeth clean and jaw strong
Help dogs with anxiety, frustration and boredom
