A bored dog is not
a happy dogWag the dog
By Heather Tang
Star-BulletinUp to 14 percent of dogs exhibit signs of separation anxiety when left alone, according to a 1997 Pet Owner Survey conducted by All Points Research. But not all dogs exhibiting bad behavior suffer from separation anxiety. They may just be bored.
Bored dogs are frequently destructive, urinating and defecating in the house. A bored dog may also chew things, move objects around the house, eat or drink excessively, and sometimes develop "lick granuloma," lesions caused by excessive licking. Age and time spent alone usually determine degrees of boredom.
If your dog demonstrates some of these signs, the television or some music could help provide a calming reminder of the owners' presences, says veterinarian Scott Harada.
According to Harada, bored dogs, unlike anxious dogs, should not be confined in a dog-proof area. Instead, exercise the dog mentally and physically, providing interactive toys, such as the rubber Kong toy or the Buster Cube (available at pet stores).
These "occupational therapy" toys can be filled with food, occupying a dog for hours as it tries to dispense the food by rolling it around. Adequate exercise and stimulus are also imperative.
Seek the attention of your vet if your dog exhibits these problems:
Follows people everywhere, even to the toilet.
Each tail wag has a meaning
By Heather Tang
Star-BulletinSee Spot. See Spot run. See Spot wagging his tail.
Ask the average pet owner and they'll probably guess that Spot is a friendly dog, likely eager for your attention. However, ask Wendy Mah, president of Sirius Puppy Training, and what she says may surprise you.
For centuries, canines worldwide have been heralded as man's best friend. When all else went wrong, one could always look to Rover for unconditional love and support. After all, Rover was just a dog. No more, no less. Right?
Quite the contrary, says Mah, who holds a master's degree in animal learning psychology from the University of Colorado at Border, dogs definitely have feelings.
Mah dispels these myths:
1) A wagging tail equals friendliness.
False. There are many different tail wags, each with varying meanings. A wagging tail only means that a dog is ready to interact, positively or negatively. It could be stressed or hesitant about you, so it's wise to exercise caution when approaching any animal. In general, never approach a strange dog, says Mah. It may not want to engage with you. It might be shy or fearful and feel trapped if you walk up to it. If it's on a leash or by its owner or a corner, it will feel trapped by your presence and could snap. If you do approach a dog, immediately let it sniff the back of your hand. If a dog approaches you, let it sniff you and go around you.
2) You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
False. "Actually, older dogs who have learned how to learn are easier to teach new things to," says Mah. "However, if you're asking a behaviorist to change an old behavior, yes, it will take longer compared to train them than from the very beginning with a new puppy.
3) Small dogs are easiest to manage.
False. Size does not determine whether a dog is going to be a match for a child or an older person. The temperament of the dog is much more significant. Simply put, small dogs are fast, says Mah.
4) Once a dog tastes blood, it will always be aggressive.
False. Dogs are carnivores that will eat raw meat, says Mah, "It has nothing to do with aggressiveness." But dog bites are situational. Most people don't realize that dog bites are provoked, she said. An annoying continuous behavior can cause a dog to finally bite. If a dog is put back into that situation, it'll bite again. Unless there is a medical reason for biting, most dogs will not bite people at random.
Click for online
calendars and events.
