DOG TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR

Most dogs are quite content to let the owner be the pack leader. But, a dog with dominant tendencies might attempt a "coup" if it perceives a lack of human leadership-for example, if the owner lets it get away with not obeying commands. "The dog might then think, "This group needs a leader, so I'll be it," says Dr. Flannigan. …

To curtail problem barking, it's helpful to determine why your dog is barking. Like most dog behavior, barking is typically a symptom of an unsatisfied need, so determining the cause from a laundry list of possibilities become an owner's first major challenge. Barking is simply a dog's means of communication, whether directed at other dogs, at members of the household, or at the world in general. It may be an attempt to stake out territory, or…

Q We have a two-year-old mixed breed dog, about 60 pounds. She spends evenings and nights indoors with us but is tethered during the day on a long tether with plenty of shade and water, close to the house.

In a book by a popular and generally well regarded dog trainer, under the heading Equipment to be avoided, and why, it says that a head halter is the wrong choice for walking your pet because It is very uncomfortable to be pulled around by the head. It…prevents the dog from looking around, choosing where to look and sniff, and giving signals to other dogs.

If you do want to try a head halter to train your dog not to pull and tug, or to keep her away from dogs and people in order to prevent altercations, its imperative that it fit right - both for her comfort and to work properly.A head halter most often comes with two soft, adjustable nylon straps. One goes around the nose (which is why a head halter is not for a brachycephalic dog, which has a very short nose), and the other rides high on the neck, just behind the ears (in front of the throat collar rather than under it).

[From Tufts December 2010 Issue]If your dogs barking when visitors arrive is an eager Yay, our friends are here! response, you may find it easier to modify than a reaction to anxiety. The reason: Youre teaching a new behavior rather than trying to change a negative emotional response. Simply teach your dog that the doorbell or a knock at the door are cues to go into his conveniently located crate or bed - I prefer a crate near the…

[From Tufts May 2010 Issue]

What do you do if your dog scoots out the door and calling the Come cue doesnt work? First, dont panic. If you run down the street screaming hysterically after your dog, chances are good hell run farther and faster. Instead, grab the tennis ball, squeaky bunny, tug toy, treats and shrill whistle you keep by the door for just this occasion, step outside, and invite your dog to play with you by running away from him and calling out in a happy voice. Squeak the bunny or blow the whistle to get his attention, and then do your best, Hey, Im having a party and youre invited! act.

[From Tufts October 2010 Issue]

It can be challenging to rehome a dog, especially one with major health or behavior problems. Here are options to consider:

Return him to the breeder, shelter or rescue group where you got him. Responsible breeders and adoption organizations contractually require this although some may allow you to rehome to someone you know whom they pre-approve. Caveats: If the place was less-than-reputable - overcrowded and in poor condition - you wont want to return the dog there. If you got him from a pet store or puppy mill (oh, dear), returning is not an option.

[From Tufts October 2010 Issue]

Dogs dont speak English, Russian, Spanish, Japanese or any other human language, for that matter. That doesnt mean they cant communicate with us. In fact, as any savvy dog owner knows, dogs can be quite proficient at communicating their desires. One of the first, most important communications that most owners want to teach their dogs to offer is I have to go out!

Paying attention is the key to successful interspecies communication. Some humans seem to think that their dogs should make the effort to understand English quickly, without realizing they need to make an effort to understand what their dogs are communicating.

Shouting the message

[From Tufts November 2010 Issue]

We had dinner at a friends one evening several years ago. She shares her home with an Australian cattle dog who is the love of her life. They enjoy many mutual communications, not just the I have to go out one. However, Luke the dog has a Ph.D. in I have to go out! and isnt afraid to use it.

Just as we sat down to eat, he barked at the door to go out. Linda rose to let him out and rejoined us. Three minutes passed and Luke barked to come back in. Linda excused herself from the table and opened the door for him again. Five minutes later he was barking to go out again, and Linda obliged. She calmly interrupted her meal no less than a dozen times to cater to his demands. It would make me crazy to live with this. She never turned a hair. Lukes repeated trips outdoors were his entertainment. Regular veterinary exams showed he had no health problems.

I have read on several Web sites that eating acorns and oak leaves can cause acute or chronic renal failure in dogs. Is this true? And, if so, how can you tell if a dog that eats acorns or oak leaves has damaged kidneys if he doesnt have any symptoms?

[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]

Last year I purchased a 3-month-old mahogany colored poodle with green eyes - a beautiful dog. I have had mostly springer spaniels for many years, and this guy has a habit that stumps me.Cappy will take my wrist or hand gently in his mouth and rub his tongue across my skin. I have asked many experts what he is doing, but none can come up with an answer except, He owns you. Is there some reason he does this?
Irene Byington
Shelter Island, N.Y.