The Dog Behavior Specialist
Many dog behavior problems come about because owners interpret their pet’s actions in human terms rather than trying to understand canine psychology. In cases of serious behavior problems, it is advisable to call in an animal behaviorist to uncover the underlying cause.
The training program described in this book is specially designed to help prevent a puppy from developing serious behavior problems in the first place. However, despite the owner’s best efforts, problems may arise that only an expert can resolve. Some behavior problems, such as hyperactivity, may be due in part to the puppy’s diet, especially if he has ben fed canned foods that contain a lot of additives. A nutritionist may recommend a change of dietary regimen—and possibly a course of food supplements—that will tackle this issue.
Some problems, such as soiling around the home in the case of a puppy who had been fully house-trained, may indicate an underlying congenital medical condition. This, too, must be checked out by your vet. In other cases, it may be a behavioral problem, often indicating that the puppy is unsettled in some way. Perhaps there has been a major change to his routine, or the arrival of a new member of the household. More complicated behavior problems such as this may require a special training program that only an expert can provide.
Dog trainers can usually offer some advice on tackling behavior problems, or the training school may be able to recommend a suitable specialist. Many veterinarians have an animal behavior expert attached to their practice. Alternatively, ask dog owners you know if they can recommend a suitable expert. Dog behaviorists are known by many different names, including animal psychologists and canine behavior counselors.
Home visit
Depending on the nature of the behavior problem, the expert may be able to find a solution in one consultation, but more often it will require several discussions, some of them on the telephone. The specialist you contact should be prepared to make at least one home visit at a time when the whole family can be present. Most behavior problems can only be understood in the domestic settling, where the specialist can see how the puppy interacts with each member of the household. The animal behaviorist will also take note of how the puppy reacts to him or her as a stranger in the house. Is the puppy relaxed and welcoming, or timid and fearful? Is the pup demanding and attention-seeking, or does he lie down quietly when asked?
Right relationships
The specialist will establish whether any area of the relationship between the puppy and the human family needs attention. Some problem behaviors can be innate. Hounds naturally chase, herding dogs often want to run and round up people and other animals, and terriers dig and explore every leaf and crevice. The specialist will have advice on ways to channel these natural behaviors into less antisocial activities.
The authors, Maggie Hold (left) and Stella Sweeting (right) with their well-trained and happy family of canine friends.
Consistency Problems
It is also important to know who looks after the puppy and the kind of training program that has been followed. The whole family should take part in a discussion about the puppy’s handling and training to ensure that everyone is following the same approach. Problems can occur simply because of a lack of consistency in the way commands or the “house rules” are applied, leading to confusion and distress in the puppy. The puppy’s daily routine and the amount of mental stimulation he receives can have a direct bearing on behavior as well. Therefore the expert will need to discuss how much time the owners spend with him in training and play.
The specialist will be interested to know of any alterations in the domestic environment that may have brought about your puppy’s problem behavior. Puppies are very sensitive to changes in the household, such as the appearance of a new baby, the presence of new guests staying at the house, a new pet, a house move, a divorce, or even arguments between family members. It may be that the puppy’s main care provider has recently started a new job and the puppy is now being left unattended for longer periods than he had been used to.
Socialization problems
It is also important to make sure that the puppy is thoroughly socialized (see Puppies and People), both with people and other dogs. An overly friendly dog who is scolded for being too boisterous with strangers may associate the stranger with the reprimand, rather than his own behavior, and come to distrust all visitors. It is better if the puppy is taught the correct way to behave when meeting new people, such as sitting quietly beside his owner and waiting for the stranger to make a fuss over him. In the park, before being allowed off the leash to play with other dogs, the puppy should be encouraged to wait for his owner’s permission to join his friends—perhaps with a “sit” or “watch me”—rather than rushing off as soon as he is released. By using this method, you can prevent the problem of a puppy that tends to run off immediately after every dog he sees or encounters.
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