Jefferson Area Veterinary Medical Association
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Animal Behavior Information
Recently I have been reviewing the most common behavior problems I see in dogs. Many of these cases share the following characteristics: · Owners that misunderstand normal dog behavior · Owners that are confused about the outdated and incorrect information about “dominance” in dogs · Owners’ inability to read signaling from dogs and misinterpretation of what their animals are telling them. This often leads to punishment that that worsens or intensifies the aggression. · Dogs that have underlying anxiety leading to poor decision making in the face of conflict. Dr.Lore Haig, a board certified veterinary behaviorist, compiled a list of myths that dog owners still believe. These are myths that can damage the relationship between the owners and their pets and can lead to increased fear and aggression. http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_2/features/Canine-Behavior-Myths_16004-1.html All of us have the same goal of helping clients have friendly, well adjusted pets. So what can we, as veterinarians, do to educate our clients and prevent puppies from developing behavior problems? I thought I would share some thoughts with you over the next few weeks Emily Kinnaird, DVM Earlysville Animal Hospital
Veterinarians are often the first people that pet owners turn to for information about their new family members. In this role we offer valuable information to help puppies grow into a safe, enjoyable member of the family. Some learning experiences, such as socialization and the development of bite inhibition have developmental deadlines and are much more easily learned during the first 12 weeks of age. Lack of socialization is believed to be one of the primary reasons that dogs develop fear issues, especially towards strangers, other dogs, or new environments. After week 5 (FIVE!) puppies become progressively more cautious about making new social contacts. Puppies need exposure to new experiences, locations, people, sights and sounds. With the window for socialization closing before the vaccination schedule is complete, recommendations can become confusing for veterinarians and puppy owners. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has issued a position statement about the benefits of early socialization. http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%20socialization.pdf This does not mean that incompletely vaccinated puppies should be taken to dog parks or other locations frequented by hordes of dogs. However, there are many places that can be visited by safely visited by puppies, including friend’s houses, and puppy socialization classes. Some well-meaning owners do not understand that these interactions need to be chosen carefully and that the experience needs to be positive from the puppy’s point of view. Puppies taken to a child’s soccer game may be overwhelmed by the crowds of children trying to pat them and pick them up. Puppies may be frightened and overwhelmed by large or unruly dogs at dog parks. Keeping the experiences fun for the puppy builds lifelong confidence. A nice handout on socialization is available at: http://www.bestfriends.org/theanimals/pdfs/dogs/puppysocialization.pdf http://www.apdt.com/veterinary/downloads/default.aspx
We know that puppies need to be socialized and that socialization is vital throughout a dog’s life. What else can we, as veterinarians do to help our clients avoid behavior problems in their dogs? Avoid reinforcing the outdated myths of dominance in dog training. The AVSAB has a consensus statement on the use of dominance theory in behavior modification in dogs: http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/dominance%20statement.pdf Educate owners on the dangers of punishment based training When puppies have their mouths held shut, are rolled on their sides (alpha rolls), or are dragged to the location of a previous accident, they become confused and frightened. We can see the results of this in head shy dogs that are afraid of being touched, will not allow handling of their mouths, or bite defensively when approached. Remember, dogs only have seconds to make a decision whether a hand reaching for them is going to pat them or hurt them. This is particularly dangerous for approaching children who approach quickly and reach towards dogs that may be frightened and overwhelmed. This is a common scenario for bites to children’s hands and faces. We need to make sure that puppies are ALWAYS rewarded for any handling or approach. A 2009 article in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior discusses the relationship between punishment and aggression in dogs. http://abrionline.org/article.php?id=254 Demonstrate simple reward based training techniques to the client. You or your technicians can quickly and easily show owners how to teach basic behaviors such as “sit”during puppy visits. Very young puppies can easily learn to sit. This is a magical behavior- it provides structure for the puppy and teaches the puppy to offer polite and calm behavior in exchange for all good things. Veterinarian Sophia Yin has online videos that can teach this skill to your staff quickly and easily: http://drsophiayin.com/resources/videos/ If your staff is interested in learning the basics of reward based training, I would be happy to come to give a lesson. There are also several well educated trainers in Charlottesville who could help your staff learn quick and simple training techniques. I highly recommend: Tara McLauglin http://www.gooddog-training.com/index.html Deven Gaston http://www.caninecampus.com/deven.htm Mouthing and biting is normal puppy behavior, but puppies need to learn bite inhibition. Owners need to provide plenty of safe toys to allow puppies to exercise their jaws. Hand feeding puppies will help puppies learn to use their mouths gently. Teaching bite inhibition involves two stages. The first is teaching the puppy to decrease the pressure of their mouths. The second is to teach them not to put their mouths on skin. The following is a nice handout on teaching these behaviors: http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/11/Puppy-Mouthing-.aspx Recommend or provide current and positive information for puppy owners
Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/the-puppy-primer Sophia Yin willing be publishing a downloadable book called Perfect Puppy in 7 Days. I think it will be a really wonderful resource for puppy owners. The American Pet Dog Trainers Association (APDT) provides a list of handouts appropriate to given to clients about common puppy misbehavior:
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Encourage early and appropriate socialization
There are many books on puppy training. Unfortunately, many of these books are outdated or recommend punishment based training techniques that can lead to fear or defensive aggression. My favorite book for new puppy owners is: