The Dog Charmer by Tom Shelby

Barking, Biting and Anxiety

Dear Tom:

When we have visitors over, Bessie, our Aussie barks incessantly, and follows them barking if they move about. She’s not aggressive, but none the less her constant barking makes it virtually impossible to have company over. We’ve tried a bunch of stuff, to no avail. Dog Charmer, any suggestions will be appreciated.

Bill and Jean

Dear Bill and Jean:

Your Bessie is the second Aussie with this issue that I’ve encountered in the last few months. Sounds to me like her strong herding instincts are a bit confused and mingling with her territorial instincts, with a dash of fear or insecurity added to the recipe. You haven’t told me what the “bunch of stuff” you tried was, but my guess is it was all negative. Try going positive. Meet your guests with Bessie outside of the house, off the property. It can be as simple as across the street with Bessie on leash as you greet the friends. Make it an enthusiastic greeting as you hand the visitors special treats for them to give to Bessie when she sits for them, when asked. After a minute of that, all walk home together, letting the guests walk in the house in front of Bessie. Even better if the guest is holding the leash bringing Bessie into the house, and then having her sit for that special treat. Once settled in the house, this is the time, and only time, when guests are over that she gets the hollow marrow bones to play with. One has a piece of meat wedged in the middle, one a piece of cheese, and the third has some non-xylitol peanut butter smeared in the middle of the bone. She should work unsuccessfully at extracting the meat and cheese. When the guests leave, so do the special toys. Let me know how it goes.

Dog Charmer Tom

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Dear Tom:

Mona is our 3 yr old Boston Terrier and jumps on people to try to kiss them, which often results in them getting slightly nipped. (She uses her teeth when she kisses).She’s also ripped gloves off people’s hands by jumping up and grabbing. She’s drawn blood a few times and we’re afraid this can become problematic. Any suggestions?

Anxious in Town

Dear Anxious,

I remember working with a Maltese owned by a high-powered psychiatrist in NYC. The dog was not close to being housebroken and was totally mannerless, and she was 9 years old, and her name was “Puppy.” I both enjoyed, and was somewhat surprised at the shrink’s surprise, when I pointed out the correlation between the name Puppy and the fact that Puppy never grew up. I’ve found similar patterns with dogs named Baby, not to mention the patterns of aggression with dogs named Jaws, Satan, Killer, Trouble, etc.

Kisses don’t cause bleeding. Ripping gloves off people’s hands is the same “talent” as a large dog tearing off someone’s shirt. And this being America, land of litigation, you’re right about this possibly becoming “problematic”.

Mona needs to be taught to stop jumping on people, to come when called, to stay and lie down on command and, most importantly, teeth and flesh are a “no-no.” She should also be taught a “door turmoil routine,” the polite way to welcome guests. Most of these things are going to need to be taught to Mona by a pro.

However, until that time, I suggest the following when you have guests. When the bell rings and Mona is going crazy at the door, let her smell some special treats in your hand and toss them away from the door as you let the guests in. Then call her to you and have her sit for a treat when she arrives. If this attempt at redirection away from the guests doesn’t’ work, tell the guests to turn to stone and ignore her until she’s more interested in the tossed treats. I’d also suggest that she’s dragging a leash attached to a harness when you know guests are coming, so you can control her physically without having to grab her.

If Mona persists on annoying visitors once they’re in and settled, redirect her to an interesting toy like a Kong with some peanut butter or and interactive toy with treats. She’ll still be the same happy Mona, but a little more well mannered.

Good luck.

Dog Charmer Tom

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Dear Tom:

I have a question for you regarding my dog, Cosmo. He is a 1-1/2 year-old German shepherd. I have been working on getting him socialized and taking him into town for walks. He used to love going on car rides. Recently he’s been getting anxious in the car before we even get to town. During the car ride, when I drive into town with my brother, he tends to become very anxious and starts pacing and whining. He’s fine when we get out of the car for a walk. He’s also calm on the drive home. Is there anything I can do to help him not be so anxious when going for a car ride into town? I would like him to feel comfortable every time we go for rides.

Kat

Dear Kat,

From your description, it sounds like the anxiety may possibly be connected to the addition of your brother on the car rides. So, if feasible, have your brother offer Cosmo “special” treats on the ride into town. If the only time Cosmo gets pieces of chicken or hot dog is on the drive to town, he may start to love those rides! Or, you could try a “special toy,” a toy that he only gets in the car on the ride to town. A hollow marrow bone with a small piece of meat wedged in the middle is likely to keep Cosmo working at getting the meat out with little else to worry about. Be happy and upbeat throughout the whole process and it should become infectious for Cosmo.
Good luck!

Dog Charmer Tom

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Dear Tom,

Our female 4-month-old puppy toy poodle, Cutie, is soon to meet our daughter’s 4-year-old male Doberman, named Spoiler. My daughter says he’s friendly with other dogs. How would you suggest we introduce them?

Judy

Dear Judy,

Put the maligned reputation aside. I’ve had Dobermans for 30 years, both successful working search dogs as well as serving as playful siblings to my three children.

Socializing a dog is really critical to the stable behavior of any dog, so travelling with her and introducing her to new dogs and new experiences is excellent. I often recount the story of the overwhelmed hound that moved with family from rural Alabama to midtown Manhattan. Hearing a siren for the first time while exposed to the bustle of New York City streets and I was dealing with a seriously traumatized four-legged significant other. “Been there, done that, seen that, no big deal!” That’s my mantra for all dogs.

Prior to the visit, take a small cloth and rub it all over Cutie, then put it in a baggie and send it to your daughter, instructing her to let Spoiler smell it while receiving little pieces of chicken. Have your daughter do the same with Spoiler for Cutie. Dogs are all about scent, and this little trick may create a positive association for both dogs before they even meet!

As for the “meet,” do it in neutral territory, away from either home to eliminate most of a possible territorial response. Dogs are generally more aggressive on leash than off leash, and contrary to what most people believe, it’s not because they’re protecting you. They actually feel supported by you with the leash attachment. It’s like the kid who feels a lot tougher with his big brother standing behind him.

In this case, both dogs are leashed and you are all approaching each other sounding very happy and joyous and positive. Both dogs will be totally aware of your vibes and the positive attitudes will go a long way toward the relaxed and friendly “meet.” Lots of special treats should add to the positive associations.

When back at the house, have Cutie walk in first, and at this point I’d suggest no toys on the floor. Stay positive and upbeat while you enjoy the family reunion.

Dog Charmer Tom