HOW CAN WE BREAK ANY OF THESE BEHAVIORS?
Four properly timed interruptions!
WITH PRAISE!
CHAINED DOG SYNDROME/BARRIER FRUSTRATION:
Often for convenience, but frequently because of lack of proper control, we must tie or otherwise restrict our pets.
The barrier or chain that is used causes a natural frustration, because everything is out of reach. This can cause stress, which can result in serious behavior problems, even extreme viciousness.
How can we restrain a dog on a chain or behind a barrier without risking difficulty?
Either remove the source of stimulation, such as by keeping him out of sight and/or hearing of children, guests, etc., or work to break the cycle of over-stimulation.
EXAMPLE:
“I crate my puppy during the day when I’m at work. He seems fine, but gets really upset when we’re home and have to put him inside.”
SOLUTION:
Use the distraction techniques contained herein to break the barrier frustration syndrome.
HOW CAN WE BREAK THE CYCLE OF OVER-STIMULATION?
Four Properly timed interruptions! WITH PRAISE!
This condition needs further mention… It is natural for most dogs to become very protective or territorial about the area of their confinement or tie out.
Never allow strangers to greet or pat a dog while tied out or confined in a run or crate.
MALINGER/SUBTERFUGE:
To pretend injury or illness in order to avoid responsibility or work; a scam or ploy to avoid doing something.
Dogs are great, even witty when it comes to thinking up ways to avoid or get out of doing what you want.
EXAMPLE:
“every time I try to train my dog, he becomes “lame,” like the old “war injury.”
SOLUTION;
Make sure there is nothing wrong, start to train, and when that old affliction appears, say “you poor baby, I hate to see you so lame.
Let’s quit this work stuff and we’ll take a ride and buy you an ice cream.”
As soon as ‘old sooner’ jumps for joy and heads for the car, you’ve caught him
“FLAGRANTE DELICTO”.
Point it right out to him and really rub it in.
Dogs don’t like to be made fun of… the embarrassment might cause a good laugh!
SEPARATION ANXIETY:
When you leave, your dog may become worried that you may not return. Or, because while you-are-gone, a visitor or disturbance of some sort may have come by— causing a tense disruption.
EXAMPLE:
“Every time I go out, my dog barks/whines, chews things, soils the house, etc. He’s vindictive. He does it on purpose! I can’t leave him alone!
I can tell he knows he’s done wrong just by the look on his face!”
SOLUTION;
There could be several factors involved.
If a dog is indiscriminately relieving himself in the house while you are gone, it could be caused by stress if you have been in the habit of scolding him for any mischief he had indulged in, in the past.
That could make him nervous enough to need to relieve himself every time you go out.
Or, it might be the result of barrier frustration, or just a negative attention getting device satisfied by your response upon return. Don’t fall victim to these tactics.