Dogs
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA
Dear Dog Trainer:
We got a new dog a couple months ago, and although she is generally well behaved, there is one problem that we can't seem to get past. When she gets scared, she runs onto one of the beds and urinates all over it.
------------------------------------------------
Dear owner:
That's a messy problem for sure. To begin we need to manage the problem and then start with some training to give your girl more confidence.
I suggest a product called Urine-Off sprayed on the mattress and pad and left for 10 minutes BEFORE you wash it, to help rid the bed of odor which might attract the dog again. I also suggest one of the mild essences called Rescue Remedy which may take some of the edge off of her fear. You can put drops in her water or right on her tongue when you expect some fearful things might be about to happen.
Another natural method is using a collar or plug in diffuser of DAP for Dog Appeasing Pheromone. These odors are undetectable to humans, but have a soothing effect on dogs. There is one for cats as well. DAP is available through vets, some pet stores, and the links above; call ahead to ask if you're going to try a vet or a store.
The products above are helpful when you don't know what is triggering her fear. And they will help her calm down enough so that she can attend to some of the behavior modification I'm going to suggest. Also the management tool of restricting her access to your bed, ie close the bedroom door, confine her to a 'safe' area with tile etc. and give her an appropriate place to feel secure, such as a dog crate.
There is a CD called Through a Dog's Ear (learn more about this here) which is music therapy to calm and soothe an anxious dog. I believe in this enough to carry some in my retail lineup. There are also two dog wraps which have helped many dogs: the Anxiety Wrap (learn more here) and the Thunder Shirt (learn more here). Both of these wraps come in a variety of sizes to fit most dogs.
I'm guessing yours is a dog adopted as an adult and not a puppy, in which case we need to gradually introduce her to the things that scare her, and help her feel more comfortable with them. A trainer's help is recommended here, as proceeding too fast can make the problem worse.
Puppies need to be acclimated to things when they are younger than 16 weeks, and allowed to explore and see new experiences as safe and wonderful, instead of scary. Puppies who are not carefully exposed often become fearful adults. She may never become bold, but we can help her become more confident. I recommend Nicole Wilde's book, Help for Your Fearful Dog.
Terry, the Paws Prof
Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at [email protected]
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Need help quick? I'll give away 1 copy of the Through a Dog's Ear CD to calm your canine companion. Enter with a blog comment or a Facebook comment. The winner will be announced next Friday.
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Follow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
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Dogs
ASK THE DOG TRAINER, with Terry Lynn Cuyler:Help with Fear Incontinence
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA
 |
| Fearful Dogs Need a Patient Introduction to their World |
Dear Dog Trainer:
We got a new dog a couple months ago, and although she is generally well behaved, there is one problem that we can't seem to get past. When she gets scared, she runs onto one of the beds and urinates all over it.
------------------------------------------------
Dear owner:
That's a messy problem for sure. To begin we need to manage the problem and then start with some training to give your girl more confidence.
I suggest a product called Urine-Off sprayed on the mattress and pad and left for 10 minutes BEFORE you wash it, to help rid the bed of odor which might attract the dog again. I also suggest one of the mild essences called Rescue Remedy which may take some of the edge off of her fear. You can put drops in her water or right on her tongue when you expect some fearful things might be about to happen.
Another natural method is using a collar or plug in diffuser of DAP for Dog Appeasing Pheromone. These odors are undetectable to humans, but have a soothing effect on dogs. There is one for cats as well. DAP is available through vets, some pet stores, and the links above; call ahead to ask if you're going to try a vet or a store.
The products above are helpful when you don't know what is triggering her fear. And they will help her calm down enough so that she can attend to some of the behavior modification I'm going to suggest. Also the management tool of restricting her access to your bed, ie close the bedroom door, confine her to a 'safe' area with tile etc. and give her an appropriate place to feel secure, such as a dog crate.
There is a CD called Through a Dog's Ear (learn more about this here) which is music therapy to calm and soothe an anxious dog. I believe in this enough to carry some in my retail lineup. There are also two dog wraps which have helped many dogs: the Anxiety Wrap (learn more here) and the Thunder Shirt (learn more here). Both of these wraps come in a variety of sizes to fit most dogs.
I'm guessing yours is a dog adopted as an adult and not a puppy, in which case we need to gradually introduce her to the things that scare her, and help her feel more comfortable with them. A trainer's help is recommended here, as proceeding too fast can make the problem worse.
Puppies need to be acclimated to things when they are younger than 16 weeks, and allowed to explore and see new experiences as safe and wonderful, instead of scary. Puppies who are not carefully exposed often become fearful adults. She may never become bold, but we can help her become more confident. I recommend Nicole Wilde's book, Help for Your Fearful Dog.
Terry, the Paws Prof
 |
| (c) courtesy TLC |
For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof. A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.
The PawsProf's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.
************************
Need help quick? I'll give away 1 copy of the Through a Dog's Ear CD to calm your canine companion. Enter with a blog comment or a Facebook comment. The winner will be announced next Friday.
Visit Adopt a Dog Park
Help protect our precious dog parks
© Carrie Boyko, all rights reservedFollow All Things Dog at Twitter Find me at Facebook
© copyright Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved
Bookmark this on Delicious
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Training For Indoor Potty Use
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © Carrie Boyko His and Hers Poodles Living Life in StyleDear Trainer: I am considering buying an indoor potty for my 2 toy poodles, so they will be able to take care of business if I am gone longer than...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Introducing Your Dog To A Fearful Visitor
Terry Cuyler APDT, CPDT-KA © Kim. L., reader copyright on file Skye Burns Excess Energy on the Agility Course Dear Terry: Any advice for introducing a rambunctious Aussie to a sister-in-law who is scared of dogs??? Jess the Dog Shopper ...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Help For Teething Puppies
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA Dear Terry, Oreo, my toy poodle, is teething. When I come home for the day he's very excited and just chews on your toes or fingers. I was told that when he does this, you're supposed to put your finger down...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Selecting A Train-it-yourself Assistance Dog
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © International Association of Assistance Dog Partners™ Dear Terry: I was on a waiting list for 5 years, and with so many problems I have to train my own assistance dog. I need a mobilty dog for the biggest...
- Ask The Dog Trainer, With Terry Lynn Cuyler: Crate Training A Puppy Mill Dog
by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA © P.S. reader copyright on file Pip is a Rescue Pup with an Uncertain PastDear PawsProf: I believe Pip is a puppy mill dog because of the circling he does. He needs to be crate trained because...