Separation Blues
Separation blues is a very common problem that occurs when dogs are frequently left alone. In the milder cases, it can be the result of boredom, and reactions can range in intensity from whimpering to constant barking and howling. Extreme cases can lead to downright neurotic and destructive behavior, like hysterical barking and destroying furniture. Some dogs go as far as to relieve themselves throughout the home. These more extreme behaviours are usually associated with a somewhat serious condition called dog separation anxiety.
Howling or barking while the master is gone is best dealt with by using the handy crate you have for your dog. Keep the crate in the same room with you while you are attending to some project that will take a bit of time. Talk to your dog in a calming voice and in so doing, reassure him that everything is fine.
Begin your absences by walking out of your room for just a minute or so. Gradually increase the time you are gone. When you return, praise the dog in a calm voice or give him a treat. Leaving some article that smells of you will help comfort the dog when you are away, and a toy will keep your dog’s attention on the toy rather than on your absence. Fretting and complaining are reduced considerably, if not entirely eliminated, when your dog is getting plenty of exercise; a dog with a high level of pent-up energy is far more likely to think of ways to act out or misbehave.
Here again, insisting your dog learns that lying down or sitting quietly is what leads to release is very effective. This is taught in the same way you had your dog learn the proper way of gaining admittance to a room or into the house.
Some dogs are fine as long as they can see you. It’s your absence that launches the vocal tirade. If this is the case, walk in and out of the room several times and extend your absences gradually. Just as soon as the dog begins to complain, rush back in and repeat the rap on the crate as you give the quiet command.
Some of the truly stubborn complainers require more drastic measures. By drastic measures, we mean the tried-and-true spray bottle or what we call the “rattle can” method. The scenario remains the same, except when the dog complains about your absence from the room, rush back and give the dog a good shot of water from the steady stream cycle of your spray bottle. This method seems to be very effective with even the most stubborn offender.
Many dogs are fine indoors but resent being left outdoors. If this is the case, the rattle-can approach might work best. You can use an empty aluminum soft drink can and drop a small handful of pennies into it. Shaking this makes a surprisingly loud clatter. When your dog begins to bark, throw the can at the fence or ground near him. If possible, do not let him see you throw the can. Lead him to believe that his sound caused the commotion.
These treatments are usually effective. But then again, some dogs are more persistent than others, and it is up to you to be unwavering in your dedication to the task. Above all, you must have the last word. Never release the dog because he is barking or howling. Release can only come when he is doing what you demand, never because he complained long enough or loud enough.
Aggression
Most types of aggression can be dealt with and controlled. In the rare case of unprovoked and uncontrollable rage, however, immediate and drastic measures may have to be taken. The best course of action is to get a professional involved immediately.
As explained in a good many cases, aggression is more likely to be the result of an effort to establish dominance or to be protective. Boundaries, both behavioral and territorial, are very important for dogs to learn. Being taught early on what he can and cannot do leaves a dog with aggressive inclinations no opportunity to decide how to behave. It is up to the owner to establish the boundaries by which his or her canine companion will live.
Some dogs take their responsibility to protect too far and inadvertedly create problem situations. They feel like they have to defend what they believe to be their territory and, lacking guidance from their owners, establish their own boundaries. Aggressiveness is a natural part of some dogs’ personalities. It must be nipped in the bud and redirected when it begins, and if it continues to be a problem, professional help must be obtained at once.
Absolutely no law-abiding citizen should have to endure being menaced by an aggressive dog. Even dogs that were specifically obtained to protect one’s family or property must be trained to know their boundaries clearly.
If a dog less than six months of age snaps and bites, it strongly indicates inherited bad temperament. Correcting or harnessing inherited bad temperament is a risky undertaking at best and usually leads to dire consequences at some point in the dog’s life. Temperamentally untrustworthy puppies grow up to be temperamentally untrustworthy and dangerous adults.
If the puppy was purchased from a breeder, he should be returned to the breeder without delay. If the puppy has not been obtained from a responsible source, it is strongly advised to discuss the problem with your veterinarian, who may advise you to see a dog behaviorist.
If the puppy had a sunny disposition growing up, but has begun to display aggressive tendencies at maturity, it is more likely to be an indication of a lack of proper training. Again, only one of you can be in charge. If your dog realizes he can behave as he chooses and is inclined toward aggressiveness, you have a dangerous situation on your hands. Proper training and the establishment of definite boundaries will help to control this type of behavior
