Dog Training Question: Angry at the Barking Dog

     Earlier today I had a caller ask if it was wrong that when her dog barks, she gets annoyed and yells at the dog to "Hush!".   The caller loves her dog very much, but sometimes the seemingly random barking just pushes her buttons.  So she became frustrated.  When she was talking to me about it, she became upset that she was angry with her dog. 

     I explained to her that most dogs use barking as an alert.  It could be "Hey! I heard a big truck go by! Did you hear that truck go by!" or "That darned squirrel is here again, can you believe it!" or "I'm craving attention, I bet this will make you look!"  Regardless of the reasoning at any given moment, if you want to replace it with another reaction first you have to emphasize that you like something else more, and are willing to give it attention.  Until you have spent enough time to really show and reward your dog for alternate behaviors, it is unfair to expect them to show you different responses.

     If the dog barks to alert to an occurrence and the human yells, this opens the door to misinterpretation.  On one level, if the alert was due to a stressor (loud noise, energetic new dog arriving etc.) and the human yells, the dogs sees the human following it's lead to shout as a reaction.  This can exacerbate the barking.

     The irritation the human projects to the dog changes that human slightly, the hormones and body language.  We may gesture with bolder, faster movements.  The chemical change in the body (adrenaline, catecholamines, blood pressure change) is completely detectable to your dog.  It knows you are stressed too, which can compound and intensify the situation.

     So take a deep breath caller!  If you are unhappy with your results, the easiest way to find relief is to change your approach.  During quiet calm times, take a few moments to re-train a simple command such as sit, or down.  When the dog performs, be sure to reward with plenty of attention.  The more often a behavior is rewarded, the more likely the dog is to repeat it!  So the next time you hear that bark, go back to the simple command.  The calmer you stay about it, the easier it is to convey the message to your dog- "I'd rather you do THIS."

     I saw a post the other day online that was intended for child care but I think it is applicable here: "The more words you use when a [dog] is incorrect or acting out, the less effective you become."

     As always, if you have a question, please contact me directly at PawsThenPlay@gmail.com.  Happy training!



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Re-Homing a Dog

An owner surrender at the Gaston County Animal Control 

     Since I began my career working with dogs, on average once a month I have the same request.  Someone knows someone who needs to find a home for their dog, can I help?  Usually it is because the person is moving, and "cannot take the dog with" them.  At times there has been a job loss, divorce, death, addition to or illness in the family.  Many are very worthy causes for stress.  But "Owner-surrendered" dogs typically have a pretty hard time, even if they find a new home relatively quickly.


     When I was left living alone in a three-bedroom townhouse that I could scarcely afford, I also worried about my pets.  At that time I had my Brutus, a hound mix, two corn snakes, two cats, and two leopard geckos.  The costs of food, vet bills and supplies to maintain these animals was a stretch some months, but manageable with two roommates.  As I struggled to find less costly living space, I found many people who were not open to my animals living at their property.  Those that were, had very high deposits to be paid for each animal.  So I kept looking.  I understand how difficult it can be when life throws a curve ball.  


     What I also knew, from working with animals, is that it is very difficult to find new homes quickly for displaced animals. There seems to be a general assumption that if the dog is purebred or young it should be very easy to just magically find someone who is willing to take them into their home.  At the shelter I visited last week, there were many pure-bred dogs (by appearance), as well as puppies.  Of those dogs I visited with, the majority were scheduled to be euthanized, due to lack of available space in the facility.  

Another owner surrender at Gaston County A.C.

     In the area of North Carolina that I live in, there are many rescue groups that are very active and effective.  I have seen firsthand how hard working and determined they are!  I have watched them save lives, nurse puppies and dogs back to health, and find loving homes for dozens of dogs.  But as diligently as they strive, there are just too many dogs that need homes.  Even with the hundreds of volunteers (rescue workers often do NOT get paid for their efforts!) donating many hours per day, weeks, months and years on end, there is still not enough time, space, people, or money.


     Dogs that have been abandoned or surrendered always experience stress from the separation from their original owner(s).  This period of transition lasts 3-6 months.  Some show this by becoming hyperactive, others lethargic.  Depending on the age and temperament of the dog, loss of personal attention (shelters and rescues are often overcrowded, with minimal time left for one-on-one interactions since the focus is to first provide for basic needs such as food and medical care) can permanently affect their personalities, and their future behavior patterns.


     When the lucky dogs go to foster homes, or their new families, they go through the transition process all over again.  Loss of confidence and lack of consistency in performance are very common as a dog is being introduced to a new household.  Dogs that appear "Meek" and "Mellow" are not actually low-key, but stressed while experiencing the transition.  The opposite can also happen- some dogs become overly alert or aggressive.  As they become more accustomed to the new surrounds, different behavior patterns will be displayed.  

A purebred Rottweiler at Gaston County A.C.

     I have two adopted dogs of my own, and cannot afford any more pets in my household at this time.  I have been unemployed since the end of February, and am struggling to make ends meet, but I will NOT consider leaving either of my dogs behind.  I see the stress it would put them through, and the high likelihood that it would be a death sentence for them both.  








     Unfortunately, I cannot personally do anything to help people re-home their dogs other than wish them good luck.  I pass along rescue groups' information, in the hopes that they have the manpower, funding and space to better assist those in need.  Thank goodness there are many in this area that do everything they can to help.  Please urge your friends and family to carefully consider all options before adopting or purchasing an animal, to prevent having to attempt to re-home an animal.  

Stress in Dog Body Language

 
     Dogs are communicating all the time.  Vocalizations are used when the body language has failed to deliver the message.  Many dogs learn to vocalize at the onset of a situation that has become predictable for them (for example, the "Speak" command creates a predictable outcome of a treat for some dogs).  By learning more about our dog's body language, and what it is intended to project, we can greatly enhance our relationship with them, train more easily, and prevent many undesirable or dangerous behavior patterns.

Brutus is poised and ready for action!

     In the years I have spent as a trainer and behavioral consultant, I have seen it to be a common occurrence for owners to have never seen their dogs in a calm and attentive state.  They have become so accustomed to their dogs being stressed and hyperactive that seeing the dog respond in a calm submissive nature appears to be an alien body-take-over.  The whole body trembling or dancing in circles that begins in puppy basic obedience classes is not a normal or desirable state of existence for an adult canine.



     Dog body language can display slightly differently in different breeds.  There are some details that stand out across breed lines however.  If you have ever seen your dog when they have caught scent or sight of something irressitable-  it could be a squirrel, squeaky toy, or your evening meal- you have seen a hypertensive, alert pose.  Consider the physical toll on the body. 


     When a dog is poised like this, whether it is in a "pointing" pose or a "play bow" ALL of the muscles in the body are being tensed and used to freeze in this position.  Other dogs can instantly sense this tension, and it can spread like wildfire!  If you are playing outside, it is nice to let them burn off a little energy.  When every small noise causes this amount of nervous response in the home, it can cause stress in a dog, and affect their overall mental and physical health.

Silver likes to relax in the grass after a good romp.

     Another time when high energy is likely to be misinterpreted by a human is when considering greetings.  Most people prefer that dogs do not jump up on them when "saying hello".  But consistently insisting on a calm greeting is one of the most under-emphasized skills I have seen exercised in the training world.  The insane wiggling, whining or running in crazy laps around the house upon your return from work should not be a normal response!  It does not mean your dog loves you, it actually is a manifestation of stress.  Your presence should be a stress relief for your dog, not the signal for adrenaline rush. 


     Having your dog sit for petting is the first step.  Teaching them that petting from other people (or you coming home from work) is no reason to be stressed should be the final culmination.  

     A lot of what I do is teach dogs how to relax.  The difference it makes in their lives, and in turn, the lives of their humans is a lasting reward.  Take some time to relax with your dog today!

*Photos by Thomas Brown, PawsThenPlay Photography*

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