Advances in Animal Behavior

Description

Pawsitive Vet Visits Wouldn ’t it be wonderful if puppies didn ’t wiggle so much and dogs didn ’t cower in fear when being examined? Some puppies start out liking their vet visits but as time goes on they learn that “bad things happen here ” and grow fearful and sometimes aggressive. Owners can start off right by bringing their dog into the office just to visit. Receptionists can visit with dogs and owners can reward them for good behavior. Dog owners can also practice mock exams at home by checking ears, toes, tails, teeth, and touching their dog with a metal object. Enrolling in a puppy kindergarten or basic training class is a great way for owners to get help with technique as well as give their dogs practice. Dogs should learn that “Good things Happen ” when people do these things to me by pairing rewards with the various aspects of the exam. Dogs should also learn to relax while being lifted and to be examined on a counter/table at home. At the vet ’s office, stay positive. Keep it fun for the dog by using treats and toys. Clients should practice the exam while waiting for the vet. Tricks can also help to reduce stress for everyone. When restraining an animal, remember that the least amount of restraint equals the least amount of stress for the dog. A confident relaxed dog equals less time for the healthcare practitioner and a more thorough exam for the pet. Dog owners need to understand that it is their responsibility for their pet to behave while being examined. Editor ’s Note: These exercises are for normal, non aggressive dogs. Clients should contact a professional for help with aggressive dogs. On Aggression Helping owners with dog aggression problems is a task that dog trainers and veterinarians often share. Owners often want guidance as to whether or not they should spend the money for necessary tests and private behavior consults. Owners should consider the following when deciding whether or not to try and work with an aggressive dog. Have they had any bites? How hard were the bites? Do the aggressive incidents involve repeated multiple bites? A dog that bites soft, leaving no bruising or skin breaking is different from the dog that bites multiple times in a row and leaves swelling, bruising, and blood. Most owners do not receive appropriate medical treatment when bitten by their own dog. Asking an owner if the victim required medical attention does not adequately describe the bite. Ask the owner to physically describe the bites. Does the dog give warning before it bites? Have the owners punished the dog for growling? Very few dogs bite without warning. Dogs have complex canine communication systems that are used to prevent biting. Owners typically understand growling. A growl is the dog ’s way of saying; “Stop what you ’re doing. ” Dogs that are punished for growling may learn to inhibit their growl leaving them with nothing to do but bite. Ask the owner to describe the dog ’s body language before, during, and after the incident. Look specifically for signs that the owner can clearly read such as piloerection, growling, weight placed on front of body, weight placed on back of body, or an agonistic lip pucker.

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