didntwantnormal asks...

Hi! My black lab Hershey is terrified of storms. Part of the problem is probably because she has to stay outdoors because of where we live. She has always been scared of the storms, but ever since our 13 year old German Shepherd mix passed away she has gotten gradually worse. Now, when a storm comes she gets terribly destructive and terrified, and we have no idea what do to. Please help us!

I’m so sorry to hear about Hershey’s storm phobia. Since it’s storm season, there is really not much training that can be done at this time as there is always a chance that an actual storm may pop up and send her into panic. Every time she panics, her fear is renewed. For a training program to work you’d have to expose her to muted versions of key elements that make up a storm (e.g. sounds, flashing lights) without triggering panic. Gradually, over several training sessions, you’d increase the intensity of these elements to make it more realistic. Unless the fear is mild, a desensitization program such as this is not usually easy as not all dogs respond to recordings of storm sounds, and knowing how and when to make adjustments varies depending on the situation. Also, attempting this procedure without bringing her indoors would be difficult to implement.

The best thing you can do for her at this very moment is talk to your veterinarian about medication. Let him or her know about Hershey’s destruction and how terrified she is. The correct use of the right medication during thunderstorm season can help prevent the destruction as the fear response would, ideally, not be triggered. Medication along with minimizing her exposure to the storms with access to a safe enclosure will allow her to escape. If she absolutely cannot come inside, can she go to a basement, shed, or garage?

For some storm phobic dogs, the fear of storms is so intense that the triggers generalize and anything resembling a storm will send the dog into panic making training impossible. Without seeing her or having a complete history, I do not know the severity of Hershey’s problem. Based on the little bit that I know, it sounds like her fear response is intense. Once thunderstorm season is over, if you decide you want to give training a shot, you may want to consider continuing medication on days you plan to train as it may be needed to keep her clam and give you a place to start.

Thank you for your question!

Good luck with everything. Let’s get her the help she needs!

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Posted May 25, 2012 at 12:21pm

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Recognizing a Threat of Aggression

It’s Dog Bite Prevention Week so I thought it’d be good to go over threats of aggression. When dogs feel threatened, their response to the situation depends on many complex factors like hormones, age, genetics, sex, reproductive status, early and on-going learning experiences, and the health of the dog. In general, dogs have three scientifically recognized options for dealing with a threat: freeze, flight, or fight. One of my friends, a veterinary behaviorist, talks about a fourth option which is to fidget, like when dogs perform behaviors that appear out of context for a particular situation. An example would be when a dog suddenly starts sniffing the ground in the middle of a play bout.

Animal behaviorists would prefer to see a dog choose to flee from an uncomfortable situation. By leaving, they simply avoid conflict. Unfortunately this option is not always made available. If unable to escape, like when a dog is held still to be pet, he may freeze and become submissive and simply “give in” to the situation. With body postures similar to those of fearful dogs, a submissive dog will tuck or lower its tail, flatten its ears, avoid eye contact, or cower. All of these behaviors are intended to turn off a threat. If the perceived threat continues to approach, some dogs may choose to threaten back.

When a dog defensively threatens, he is signaling intent to bite as a last ditch effort to protect himself. Aggressive threats include freezing in place, staring, growling, barking aggressively, snarling (showing teeth), lunging, or snapping. These behaviors should always be taken seriously as they signal that a bite may follow if the situation does not change. If you ever see any of these behaviors, back up and give the dog plenty of space. Most likely, the dog is scared and can only be comforted by having distance between himself and the threat.

Remember, any dog, regardless of breed, can bite. Always look for subtle signs that the dog is stressed or fearful to prevent escalation to a bite.

Referenced

Hetts, S. and Estep, D. The aggressive dog. Animal Behavior Associates, Inc. (2008)

Update: changed fight to bite to be more clear. Thanks to waltzforagirl for pointing this out.

Posted May 24, 2012 at 10:15am

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Words of Wisdom from Veterinary Behaviorist Ilana Reisner

Couldn’t have said it better myself!

…growling is a dog’s clear message that he, or something in his possession, is threatened. The growl is an unambiguous signal that, if you don’t stop what you’re doing, a bite may follow. To be safe, turn away and stop the interaction. Don’t argue with, confront or even reassure a growling dog. Growling is certainly better than biting, but you may need help to understand the reasons and the best way to safely avoid it.

Posted May 24, 2012 at 8:26am

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Pack of Lies

I found this article on the New York Times opinion page from 2006 on how Cesar Millan has set dog training back 40 years. While my policy is to never criticize any individual, I do view the ‘Dog Whisperer’ as a detriment to the field causing humane issues for animals that need to be addressed. Also, it’s bite prevention week, and in my experience, I have seen many serious bites to well meaning dog owners who have tried to mimic Mr. Millan’s methods.

Mr. Millan brings his pastiche of animal behaviorism and pop psychology into millions of homes a week. He’s a charming, one-man wrecking ball directed at 40 years of progress in understanding and shaping dog behavior and in developing nonpunitive, reward-based training programs, which have led to seeing each dog as an individual, to understand what motivates it, what frightens it and what its talents and limitations are. Building on strengths and working around and through weaknesses, these trainers and specialists in animal behavior often work wonders with their dogs, but it takes time.

Posted May 21, 2012 at 9:52am

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Feature Friday Artist Emily Dove

Emily has always loved to draw animals, as you can gather from her work! Since she runs her freelance business from home, her dog, Lucy (bottom), is her constant companion and muse. Lucy’s also the perfect subject since she’s incredibly lazy and spends most of her time curled up in a ball nearby, quietly woofing in her sleep. Her love for comfy sleeping spots inspired a series of watercolor paintings appropriately named ‘The Sleepy Animal’ series.

Check out Emily’s ‘Sleepy Animal’ gallery here!

Visit Emily’s website to see more of her work!

Emily is also a part of a design boutique called The Nimbus Factory, where animals are frequently the subject of their illustrations and designs.

Visit The Nimbus Factory shop!

I believe this is what they call “networking”

If you are an independent artist or small business, I’d like to feature you! To reserve your spot contact me!

Posted May 18, 2012 at 8:19am

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Many dogs truly enjoy ripping things up. Not because they are being ‘dominant’ or vengeful, it’s just plain fun! If your dog has a need to rip up paper or cardboard, give him or her an appropriate way to do it with this easy environmental enrichment DIY for dogs.

Posted May 16, 2012 at 9:08am

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Helping Pets Behave

Recognizing a Threat of Aggression

Words of Wisdom from Veterinary Behaviorist Ilana Reisner

Pack of Lies

Feature Friday Artist Emily Dove

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