Everyday is a great day here at K-9 Coach and Bed & Bark

Accepting Our Dogs

Posted on January 11, 2012

This afternoon, I was at the park, walking my dogs and watching my son play on the playground.  I struck up a conversation with a really nice guy whose son was playing with mine.  He owns a German Short Hair and was telling me that he specifically got this dog to run with him, and protect his family when he traveled.  The dog, while a wonderful running companion, is nervous of strangers and a terrible watch dog.

We discussed training options, behavior modification and more, but what struck me the most was his apparent unwillingness to accept his dog’s personality.  He told me he had talked to lots of trainers, even seen a few; but really thought he would just replace the dog.  Now, this dog is not aggressive nor a danger to anyone.  He loves his kids and is very devoted and obedient, but would likely run away if someone broke into the guy’s home, rather than stand his ground.

I listened, gave him my card should he decide to focus on training or confidence building exercises, and headed home.  The experience stuck with me though, and got me thinking how owners often cannot accept their dogs’ limitations and help them flourish despite these limitations.

Now, I will say that if you have a dog with a true behavioral issue such as separation anxiety, aggression, etc. then no, you cannot just accept these behaviors, and you owe it to your dog, yourself and your community to work on and try to resolve or improve the dog’s behavior.

But this dog just isn’t what his owner wanted him to be…he isn’t a tough guy.

The rest of the week, I noticed a similar pattern with several other clients.   The dog is too hyper, barks at small dogs, hates agility, is way to interested in squirrels and more.  Some of these behaviors should and are being extinguished and managed, but some of these behaviors are just who the dog is.

So my advice to you is to pick your battles.  If your dog is nervous of strangers, yes, work on that…but also respect her limitations as you would want her to respect yours (e.g your fear of snakes, how would you feel if your dog kept bringing snakes over?).  This will build trust and is likely to help your dog look to you for guidance, overcome this limitation faster and with little to no side effects.

Yours,

–Amber

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Book Review: Love has No Age Limit: Welcoming an Adopted Dog Into Your Home, by Patricia McConnell

Posted on December 31, 2011

The K-9 Coach team will be bringing you regular reviews on books we’ve been reading and why you should (or shouldn’t) read them too!  First up…Love Has No Age Limit, by renowned trainer and behaviorist, Patricia McConnell.

 

Once again, Patricia McConnell has produced an easy to read book, chock full of information for every dog owner.  Geared toward the new adoptee parents, the book is very easy to read and can be read by chapter as needed.

The first three chapters cover the basics of bringing home a new dog, how to prepare, routines to establish and how to bring the new family member into the house that first day.  A special focus is the safety aspects of a new dog who has never been in your home and how to deal with fearfulness.  These three chapters really cover invaluable information and are vital to helping the new dog and family get started on the right foot.

McConnell spends valuable time discussing and focusing on the importance of training.  While the book cannot and does not cover all aspects of training, it does summarize the most important principles of positive training and refers the reader to lots of great resources.  Again, written with clarity for any reader, the new owner is given a good book of tools to utilize so that they whole family starts out on the right foot.

Finally, McConnell finishes up by discussing the behavioral changes some dogs go through in their new home, and how many behaviors are context dependent.  As we at K-9 Coach have always encouraged our clients to do, McConnell places emphasis on the importance of keeping notes and seeking help as needed.  However, many minor issues can be addressed and are covered in this book – the information is very accurate and incredibly helpful.

Overall, a must read for any new family adopting a rescue dog.  I give this one…

You can purchase this, and other Patricia McConnell books at Barnes & Noble.

–Amber

 

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Winter Preparedness & Safety

Posted on December 5, 2011

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you “Be of good cheer” ”

Winter in Georgia really is a great time of year. Unlike many other parts of the country we mostly luck out in the weather stakes – it’s relatively mild (we can’t complain so far this year can we!?) and snow and ice storms are unusual occurrences.

But it’s for that very reason that we should always be prepared for freak storms like the one we had last January. We all know we don’t have enough snow ploughs to clear the roads, everything turns back to ice as night falls and we tend to lose power in lots of areas. Not to mention the run on milk and bread! :-)

So what do you need to do for your dogs and other pets?

December 22nd is National Keep Pets Safe in Winter Day and this year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Morton Salt’s Safe-T-Pet brand have banded together to educate pet owners and raise funds for animal protection.

Follow their tips to protect your pets this year…

• Use a pet and environmentally friendly ice melt such as Morton Safe-T-Pet. It is salt and chloride free, non-toxic and won’t irritate your pup’s paws.
• Keep pets far away from antifreeze – that tempting, sweet tasting liquid is dangerous and can kill with just one lick.
• Make sure your pet has warm bedding to sleep on – those tile floors can be pretty chilly!
• Towel your dog off after walks – especially the paws – to remove salt and other irritants and prevent frostbite on sensitive pads.
• Keep your dogs tags and collar on in case they get lost or disoriented in bad weather.
• Check warm spots on your car where animals might seek refuge from the cold.
• Limit outdoor time for pets when they temperatures drop below freezing.

Want to help more? Morton is donating $1 (up to $55,000) for every new “Like” on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mortonsalt. So pop on over there and follow the steps to “Like. Learn. Share.”

PS…If your dog is staying at K-9 Coach when a winter storm hits, rest assured that we are prepared and have an action plan in place. As the January 2011 storm approached we monitored weather reports for several days and made arrangements for staff to stay at a nearby hotel, as well as overnight in the building. Several staff members slept in the building 3 nights in a row to look after the dogs, and though we were lucky enough to never lose power, we had access to a generator if we needed it. The dogs and staff had a blast and we’ve got the pictures to prove it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/k9coach/sets/72157628292829863/

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Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on November 25, 2011

Holiday Safety Tips for your Pups!

Quite a few of our beloved clients (the dogs that is, as opposed to their very popular owners!) have sensitive tummies, and there are several who suffer from very serious digestive problems like pancreatitis, IBS and colitis.

We want you and your pups to have a fun, relaxing and vet-free (!) holiday season, so here are a few safety tips and warnings to help ensure a safe holiday.

- Do not give your dog, cooked bones. These can and do puncture dogs’ throats and intestines. Bird bones are especially dangerous because they are hollow and will splinter.

- Avoid giving your dog turkey skin. It is extremely high in fat and is believed to be a cause of acute pancreatitis. (Same goes for gravy and other rich, fatty foods)

– Other food risks include some you probably know (chocolate and raisins) and some you may not (bread dough and nuts). However one very dangerous but lesser known toxic ingredient is Xylitol, a popular sweetener found in sugar free candy and gum.

- Though it depends on the particular brand as well as the size of the dog, it is estimated that 8-10 sticks of gum containing Xylitol could be deadly to a 65lb dog. Smaller dogs could easily be affected by a much smaller amount. So keep that pack of Orbit out of reach!

- Dispose of carcasses, leftovers and even plastic wrap or aluminum foil properly. A turkey and gravy soaked piece of Reynolds Wrap would be an irresistible temptation for any dog but could result in a blockage.

- Ask your friends and family to refrain from giving your dog any treats except his own.

- Always keep your dog’s collar and tags on when you’re entertaining holiday visitors. You never know when someone will accidentally leave a door open.

- Watch out for signs of stress or anxiety in your dog (lip licking, low growls, pacing, panting for no reason, yawning, whining) and give them a break from the hubbub. Be especially careful when kids are around – children with loud or high-pitched voices who want to hug him, can test even the best-tempered dog.

- Give your dog a private, calm area where he or she can relax. Keep his bed in the room, provide fresh water, a tasty treat and perhaps some soothing music.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

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Storm Phobias

Posted on September 22, 2011

We have a storm outside the facility today and, as it happens, have several storm phobic dogs here. So, I wanted to grab a quick reference piece for our customers and I came across this old article and decided to re-publish it here. It’s a little dated, but the information is still very good and includes many of the techniques we use at K-9 Coach to help keep our guests calm during storms.

One thing I would urge owners look into is the Thunder Shirt. Effective on over 80% of dogs who exhibit anxious, fearful and over-excited behaviors, the thundershirt is based on the same calming principles used when swaddling a baby as well as in the treatment of children with autism. These are very effective in providing an immediate reduction in storm related anxiety and stress. PLEASE, don’t just buy one, go home and wait for a storm to try it out. Talk with one of our trainers and learn what you need to do to set you and your dog up for maximum success.

Fear of Thunderstorms and Noise Phobias
Holly Frisby, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

What causes fear of storms and other noises?
It is unknown why some pets become afraid of noises; it is a common problem in dogs, but less so in cats. The fear can soon become a phobia, which is defined as a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear response. In the case of thunderstorms, pets may also be fearful of storm-associated events such as a change in barometric pressure, lightning, electrostatic disturbances, and even smells associated with the storms. Noise phobias can include fear of thunderstorms, firecrackers, gunshots, and even the sound of birds.

A recent study has found that certain breeds have an above average risk of developing noise phobias. These include some of the working and sporting breeds such as Collies, German Shepherds, Beagles, and Basset Hounds. This survey was quite small, however, and more research needs to be done in this area. The study also found that dogs who had separation anxiety were more likely to also have noise and thunderstorm phobias.

A noise phobia may be traced to a particular bad experience of a noise, but often, no triggering event can be ascertained. In almost all instances, the fear of noises and storms escalates, worsening with each exposure. Soon the pet may become fearful of similar sounds or events associated with the noise. For example, a pet afraid of thunder may also become afraid of rain, or a dog afraid of gunshots may show fear at the mere sight of a hunting rifle.

The owner’s attitude can influence the severity of the fear. For instance, if owners themselves are nervous during storms, noise phobias in their pets may occur more often or become more severe. Similarly, if the owner attempts to comfort the animal, the animal interprets it as confirming there really is something to be afraid of. The petting or comforting is really positive reinforcement of an undesirable behavior.

What are the signs of noise phobia?
Different animals may display different signs of noise phobias which include:

•    Hiding (most common sign in cats)
•    Urinating
•    Defecating
•    Chewing
•    Panting
•    Pacing
•    Trying to escape (digging, jumping through windows or going through walls, running away)
•    Drooling
•    Seeking the owner
•    Expressing anal glands
•    Not eating
•    Not listening to commands
•    Trembling or shaking
•    Dilated pupils
•    Vocalizing (barking or meowing)

Consult with a veterinarian experienced in animal behavior problems, and/or an animal behaviorist if your pet is showing signs of noise phobia. They can help develop a treatment plan for your pet.

How is noise phobia treated?
There is no “cure” for noise phobia, but there are ways to try to reduce the fear. First, refrain from giving rewards or punishment. This is extremely important. Petting, consoling, or even saying, “It’s OK,” may be interpreted by the pet as a reward for the fearful response. In the event of comforting a dog during a storm, for example, it may signal to the pet that the storm really is something he should be afraid of. Similarly, the pet should not be punished for showing fear. This will only increase his anxiety level. Usually treatment includes three other facets: medications, changing the environment, and behavior modification.

Administer medications: Medications may be given individually or in combination. In some instances, the medication may be administered during an entire thunderstorm season. Others may be given when a storm or noisy event (Fourth of July fireworks) is expected. A common protocol is to give amitriptyline during the storm season, and valium when a storm is predicted. The valium or other quick-acting medication needs to be given prior to the development of any behavioral or physical signs of anxiety. If there is a chance of a storm predicted for the afternoon, the pet should start receiving the valium or similar medication in the morning. Pets who also exhibit separation anxiety may need a different combination of medications. Several combinations may need to be tried before the optimum regimen for a particular animal is determined. Many of the medications that would be used on a daily basis, e.g.; Amitriptyline, Prozac, and Buspirone, may take 3-4 weeks to see an effect. Examples of medications used include:

•    Alprazolam (Xanax)
•    Amitriptyline (Elavil)
•    Buspirone (Buspar)
•    Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
•    Clorazepate (Tranxene)
•    Diazepam (Valium)
•    Fluoxetine (Prozac)
•    Inderal
•    Paroxetine (Paxil)
•    Tranxene-SD

Alternative therapies have also been used with some success. These include melatonin and flower essences such as Rescue Remedy. These two therapies take effect within an hour of administration, and should be given prior to the storm or other fear-producing event.

Change environment: By changing the environment of the animal during the storm or noise, the anxiety level can be reduced. Changing the environment may reduce the volume level of the sound or help make the pet less aware of it.

Increase vigorous exercise: The pet should receive vigorous exercise daily, and more so on a day when the fear-producing noise is likely to occur. The exercise will help to tire the animal, both mentally and physically, and may make her less responsive to the noise. In addition, exercise has the effect of increasing natural serotonin levels, which can act as a sedative.

Reduce or block the noise level: “White noise,” such as running a fan or air conditioner may aid in blocking out some of the fear-producing noise. Playing a TV or radio can have a similar effect. Allowing the pet access to the basement or a room without outside walls or windows may decrease the noise level. Closing the windows and curtains can also help reduce the noise. Some owners have placed foam earplugs or cotton balls in their pets’ ears.

Create a safe haven: Some pets feel more comfortable in a small space such as a crate or a small room like a bathroom (run the fan and leave the lights on). Some pets seek out the safety of the bathtub or shower during a storm. (Some have hypothesized that a pet may feel less static electricity if on tile or porcelain.) If the pet is comfortable in a crate, the crate can be covered with a blanket to add to the feeling of security. The door to the crate should be left open and the pet should not be confined to the crate, which could dramatically increase the stress level. Some pets, especially cats, may find that a closet or area under the bed makes a good retreat.

Project a calm attitude: Pets are very aware of the mental state of their owners. If you are worried or nervous, this will add to the pet’s fear. Your pet will look to you for direction, so keep an “upbeat” and “in charge” attitude.

Maintain good health and nutrition: Health problems may increase the stress level of pets, and increase their anxiety. For instance, a dog in pain because of hip dysplasia may be more irritable and prone to other behavior changes. Diets too high in protein have been linked to some behavioral problems. Consult your veterinarian if you would like advice about changing your pet’s diet.

Behavior modification: Special techniques can be used to help change the animal’s response to the noise.

Counterconditioning: Using counterconditioning, the animal is taught to display an acceptable behavior rather than an unacceptable one as a response to a certain stimulus. In this way, a negative stimulus can become associated with a positive event. For instance, the only time the pet gets his most favorite treat, game, or toy, is just prior to and during a thunderstorm. Dogs who enjoy traveling may be taken for a car ride, or cats who love catnip, may be given their favorite catnip mouse. (Dogs who enjoy swimming will need to wait inside until the storm is over!) After a time, the pet will start associating an oncoming storm with getting to have his favorite thing.

Desensitization: Using desensitization, the animal’s response is decreased while he is exposed to increasing levels of the fear-producing stimulus. For noise phobias, the animal is taught to be calm when the noise level is low, and then the noise level is gradually increased. This process is generally more successful in dogs than cats. To desensitize a pet to thunderstorms:

1.    Obtain a commercial tape of a storm, or tape record one yourself (commercial tapes generally work better). Play the tape at normal volume to determine if it will induce the fear response. If it does, continue with the desensitization; if not, you will need to obtain a different tape. For some animals, a tape alone may not work, since there may be a combination of occurrences that provokes fear, e.g.; thunder plus lightning or changes in barometric pressure. For these animals, darkening the room and adding strobe lights may more closely mimic the storm, and may need to be included in the desensitization process.
2.    Play the tape at a volume low enough that the pet is aware of the sound, but it does not induce a fear response. For instance, the ears may be cocked towards the tape player, but you still have the pet’s attention. In some instances, that may mean the pet needs to be in a different room from where the tape is playing. While the tape is playing at the low level, engage the pet in an activity in which you give the commands, such as obedience training or performing tricks. Give food or other rewards during the activity when the pet accomplishes what he is supposed to. If the animal shows signs of fear, stop and try again the next day, playing the tape at an even lower level. It is important that the pet not be rewarded while he is fearful or anxious. Sessions should last about 20 minutes.
3.    If the animal does not respond fearfully, during the next session, increase the volume slightly. Again, involve the pet in an activity and reward it for obeying commands. Continue increasing the volume gradually for each session. If the pet starts to show fear, decrease the volume. Repeat the sessions in various rooms of the house and with various family members present.
4.    When the pet does not show fear when the tape is played at a loud volume, you may want to try playing the tape for a short time while you are absent. Gradually increase the time you are gone while the tape is playing.
5.    When the pet appears to have lost his fear, the sessions can be reduced to one per week. In most instances, these sessions will need to be repeated weekly for the life of the pet.
6.    During an actual storm, use the same activities and rewards you used in the training sessions.

To increase the chances of successful desensitization, the training process should take place during a time of the year when the actual noise will not be encountered: if the pet is afraid of thunder or fireworks, try desensitization during the winter; if afraid of gunshots, the training should take place outside of the hunting season. In most instances, it is best to discontinue any behavior-modifying medications during the desensitization process.

Consult with your veterinarian before discontinuing any medications.

Conclusion
Fear of thunderstorms and other forms of noise phobia are common problems in dogs, and some cats. Administering medications along with changing the pets environment, and using behavior modification techniques can help ease the fear. Above all, do not give your pet any attention or reward when he is showing signs of fear; this will only reinforce the fearful behavior.

NOTE: Sources of thunderstorm CDs include:

Noiseshyness Cure Systems: 703-349-1039
Canine Communications: 800-952-6517

Starfire
PO Box 523
Germantown, MD 20875
Web: Starfirefordogs.com
Email: Stephen@starfirefordogs.com

•  The system from Starfire is a complete system within a recording, not merely random thunder.
•  The operator (owners/trainer/behaviorist) does not need to guess at volume levels.
•  A full range of variables are incorporated into the Starfire systems.

This list is for informational use only. Inclusion in this list does not denote product endorsement.

References and Further Reading
Aronson, L. Animal behavior case of the month. A dog was evaluated because of extreme fear. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 1999; July 1;215(1):22-4.

McCobb, EC; Brown, EA; Damiani, K; Dodman, NH. Thunderstorm phobia in dogs: an Internet survey of 69 cases. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 2001; July-Aug;37(4):319-24.

Overall, KL. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals. St. Louis, MO; Mosby Year Book Inc. 1997.

Overall, KL; Dunham, AE; Frank, D. Frequency of nonspecific clinical signs in dogs with separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia, and noise phobia, alone or in combination. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2001; Aug 15;219(4):467-73

© 2001 Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

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