Posts Tagged ‘dog training’
Understanding and Addressing Common Pet Behavioral Issues
At Olsen Veterinary Clinic, we understand that pets, much like humans, can exhibit a range of behavioral issues. These behaviors can stem from anxiety, fear, lack of proper training, or even medical conditions. While some behavioral quirks are simply part of a pet’s unique personality, others can cause stress for both the pet and their owner. Fortunately, most of these behaviors can be managed or corrected with proper guidance and training.
Here’s a look at some of the most common behavioral problems in pets and practical solutions to help you manage or correct these issues:
1. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common issue, especially among dogs, where they become distressed when left alone. Symptoms may include excessive barking, destructive behavior, or even soiling in the house.
Solution:
- Create a safe space: Designate a comfortable area for your pet to stay while you’re gone.
- Gradual desensitization: Start by leaving your pet alone for short periods and slowly increase the duration.
- Use distractions: Toys or puzzle feeders can keep them occupied when you’re away.
- Consider crate training: For some dogs, a crate can offer a sense of security.
- Veterinary help: In extreme cases, medications or behavior therapy may be recommended by your vet.
2. Aggression Towards Other Animals or People
Aggressive behavior can include growling, snapping, or biting. It’s crucial to address aggression early, as it can escalate into more serious incidents.
Solution:
- Early socialization: Socialize your pet early on with other animals and people in a controlled environment.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet for calm, non-aggressive behavior.
- Training: Professional obedience training can help address underlying causes of aggression.
- Consult your vet: Aggression can sometimes be linked to pain or illness, so it’s important to rule out any medical conditions.
3. Destructive Chewing and Scratching
Both dogs and cats can exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or scratching walls. While these behaviors are natural, they can become problematic if not addressed.
Solution for dogs:
- Provide appropriate chew toys: Ensure your dog has plenty of toys to chew on.
- Redirect the behavior: When your dog starts chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to a toy.
- Exercise: A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Make sure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation.
Solution for cats:
- Scratching posts: Cats need to scratch to maintain their claws and mark territory. Offer them scratching posts or pads.
- Nail trimming: Regularly trim your cat’s nails to minimize damage.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward your cat for using their scratching post instead of furniture.
4. Excessive Barking or Meowing
Excessive vocalization can be frustrating for pet owners and is often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or lack of attention.
Solution for dogs:
- Teach the “quiet” command: Train your dog to understand a specific word or command that signals them to stop barking.
- Eliminate triggers: Identify what triggers the barking and address it. For example, close the blinds if they bark at passersby.
- Regular exercise: Ensure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation to reduce boredom.
Solution for cats:
- Rule out medical causes: Excessive meowing can sometimes indicate a health issue, so consult your vet if this behavior is new.
- Attention and play: Cats often meow for attention, so make sure your cat is getting enough mental stimulation and playtime.
- Avoid reinforcing meowing: Don’t give in to your cat’s demands every time they meow, as this can reinforce the behavior.
5. Inappropriate Elimination (Urinating or Defecating in the House)
Accidents in the house are one of the most common behavioral issues, particularly in cats and dogs. It’s important to rule out any medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal issues, before addressing the behavior as purely behavioral.
Solution for dogs:
- Consistent potty schedule: Take your dog outside at regular intervals, especially after meals and naps.
- Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog for going in the right spot.
- Address anxiety: Anxiety can lead to accidents, so work on reducing stress in your dog’s environment.
Solution for cats:
- Litter box cleanliness: Make sure the litter box is clean, as cats can be very particular about where they go.
- Multiple litter boxes: In multi-cat households, having one litter box per cat (plus one extra) can help reduce issues.
- Location matters: Ensure the litter box is in a quiet, easily accessible place.
When to Seek Veterinary Assistance
If your pet’s behavioral issues persist despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult your veterinarian. Sometimes, behavioral problems can be linked to underlying medical conditions that need attention. At Olsen Veterinary Clinic, we can work with you to rule out any health issues and recommend behavior modification strategies, or even refer you to a professional trainer or behaviorist if needed.
Addressing pet behavioral problems requires patience, consistency, and understanding. Every pet is different, and what works for one may not work for another. At Olsen Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help guide you through these challenges to ensure your pet lives a happy, balanced life. If you’re struggling with your pet’s behavior, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or assistance.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team and take the first step toward a more peaceful life with your furry friend!
5 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Snow
Keeping a dog safe in the snow is important, as cold weather can pose various risks to their health and well-being. Here are five ways to ensure your dog stays safe in snowy conditions.
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- Ensure Adequate Shelter: Ensure that your dog has access to a warm and dry shelter, such as a well-insulated doghouse or a heated indoor space. Limit the time your dog spends outdoors in extreme cold weather, especially during snowstorms.
- Use Protective Gear: Invest in appropriate winter gear for your dog, such as a waterproof and insulated coat. Booties can protect their paws from ice, snow, and harmful chemicals like de-icing salts. Make sure the gear fits properly and doesn’t cause any discomfort.
- Monitor Paw Health: Snow and ice can accumulate between the paw pads, leading to discomfort or injuries. Regularly check your dog’s paws for ice balls, cuts, or signs of frostbite. Wipe their paws with a damp cloth to remove any salt or chemicals.
- Keep Them Hydrated: Cold weather can be dehydrating and dogs may be less inclined to drink water when it is cold. Ensure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can contribute to health issues, including susceptibility to hypothermia.
- Adjust Diet and Monitor Weight: Dogs my burn more calories in cold weather to stay warm. Adjust their diet accordingly and monitor their weight. A well-nourished dog is better equipped to handle the challenges of cold weather.
Remember that individual dogs have different tolerance levels for cold weather, and factors such as breed, age, and health should be taken into consideration. Always obeserve you dog for signs of discomfort or stress, and consult with your veterinarian if you have specific concerns about your dog’s well-being in snowy conditions.
If at any time you have concerns or questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. Have a safe and fun winter with your pup!
Should Your Dog Get a Choker Collar? Here’s What You Need to Know
Whether or not your dog should wear a chain choker collar is a matter of debate among dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations. There are several factors to consider before deciding to use a chain choker collar:
1 Training Methodology: Chain choker collars are often used in training as a correction tool. However, they are associated with aversive training methods that rely on punishing undesirable behaviors through discomfort or pain. Many modern dog trainers advocate for positive reinforcement-based training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones.
2 Breed and Size of the Dog: Smaller or more delicate dog breeds may be more vulnerable to injury when using chain choker collars. Breeds with thin necks, like Greyhounds, may be at a higher risk.
3 Health and Behavior Issues: Some dogs may have underlying health issues or behavioral problems that make the use of chain choker collars risky or inappropriate. For example, dogs with respiratory problems, brachycephalic breeds (i.e., Bulldogs), or fearful and aggressive should not be subjected to such collars.
4 Training Experience: If you are not experienced in using chain choker collars correctly, there is a risk of causing harm to your dog or reinforcing negative behaviors unintentionally. It is crucial to learn how to use these collars properly if you choose to use them.
5 Alternatives: There are many alternative training tools and methods available that can effectively train dogs without resorting to aversive methods. Positive reinforcement, clicker training, and head halters are examples of more humane and effective training tools.
6 Consultation with a Professional: If you are considering using a chain choker collar, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a professional dog trainer or behavioralist who can assess your dog’s specific needs and help you make an informed decision.
7 Local Laws and Regulations: Some places have laws and regulations that restrict or even ban the use of certain dog collars, including chain choker collars. Be sure to check your local laws and follow them accordingly.
If you have any questions about this or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact our office.
National Pet Theft Awareness Day
Our pets are very important to us and we rely on them for comfort and support every day. So it is devastating and hard to believe that a pet would be stolen. Every year about 2 million pets go missing with only about 10 percent returned home. These figures have alarmingly risen about 37 percent since 2007. So in honor of National Pet Theft Awareness Day which is being celebrated on February 14, I am going to blog about why they are stolen and how to reduce the possibility of your pet being dog- or cat- napped.
There are quite a few reasons why someone may steal a pet. According to PetFBI, these are the most common:
- Pet Flipping: Popular breeds of dogs can be “resold” online or in the paper.
- Reward: Some pets are stolen in hopes the owner will offer a reward, which the thief will then claim
- Puppy Mills: Pets that have not been spayed or nuetered may be turned over to backyard breeders or puppy mills
- Dog Fighting Rings: Small dogs and cats have been stolen to be used as “bait” for dog-fight training. The large breed dogs are often used as dog fighting candidates.
- Neighbors: If pets have been known as “nuisances” neighbors have been known to take animals and dump them in other locales.
- Relatives: Sadly, many pet thefts come from family members who are upset with you like in a divorce or family dispute
- Good Intentions: Not all pet-nappings are maliscious. A good-hearted person may believe that they are helping your pet if they feel that the pet is being neglected in some way. This is why you never leave your pet tied up in your yard, keeping them outside only, or have a pet that has signs of being neglected.
There are steps that owners can take to prevent their pets from being stolen. First and foremost, HAVE YOUR PET MICROCHIPPED and make sure that their records are updated. Remember that the microchip is only as good as the registration, so make sure that they are microchipped. In addition, you can:
- Your pets should not be allowed to run free outdoors unattended and make sure that your pets are always wearing a collar and identification.
- Spay and neuter your pets
- Don’t tie up your dog outside of a restaurant or store and never leave your pet in a car.
- Keep dog doors and fence gates locked when you are not at home.
- Have updated photos of your pet with emphasis on special markings
- Install cameras. Indoor and outdoor camera networks are ideal for keeping your pet safe.
Nothing is scarier or upsetting to come home and find your pet missing. It is of most importance to act quickly as every minute matters when you are looking for your pet, whether they have escaped from your yard or have been dog-napped.
If you believe that they have been stolen, immediately report it to the police. This provides a record that is documented and can be used for further action. It is important to canvas the area on foot every day. Creating a “Lost Pet” poster and placing throughtout the community helps others watch for your pet in cars, on the street or at neighbors. Post a lost pet report through your microchip company and your animal control. Avoid posting a reward is being offered.
If you have any other questions about microchipping or keeping your pet safe, do not hesitate to contact our office today.
New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Welcoming Your New Furry Friend into Your Life
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time but requires some preparation for your home. Puppies require a lot of attention and care, so this checklist will be beneficial if you are unsure where to start with the basics for your new puppy.
Some companies have created puppy starter kits. For example, this box made by Chewy has a set of toys, treats, and potty-training materials to help you with your new puppy. All top-rated items, new puppy owners are sure to appreciate it. It also makes a great gift. It can be found here.
Beyond toys, treats, and potty-training materials, puppies need food and water bowls. There are a lot of different options, but one that is slightly lifted is easier for your puppy to eat from. If you get one with walls, it is more likely your floor will stay cleaner.
Also necessary is a bed for your pet. An elevated bed is good for keeping your dog lifted and is helpful for teaching different cues. Other more traditional options are great too, especially as your pups are growing quickly.
Some owners choose to crate their puppies, and there are a lot of options but must be replaced as dogs grow. Crates help dogs have a safe place, especially as they adjust to a new space and lifestyle.
Also important for your new puppy is a leash. There are many kinds of leashes, with different uses. It will most likely be trial and error to find what works for you and your puppy, so be prepared for a trial period.
Puppies require hygiene efforts. This includes toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, brushes, and bathing supplies. Providing exposure to these items while young makes it less scary for adult dogs and easier for their owners.
Lastly, a collar is a great way to express your and your pet’s personality. Be prepared for your new pup with a collar and tag to provide some protection and peace of mind.
The last step for a new puppy is establishing an appointment with your veterinarian to get started on vaccinations and discuss your new dog’s life! Feel free to contact Dr. Olsen of Olsen Veterinary Clinic at 618-656-5868 to set up an appointment or discuss any questions!
Tips For Socializing Your Dog
Socializing your dog teaches them how to react to the world around them healthily without any unnecessary fear or aggression. It is important to start socialization early, so it becomes their normal behavior. Ideally, it should be between three and 12 weeks of age, but not everyone is with their furry friend at that point in their life. Beyond 18 weeks, socialization gets a lot harder, but it is not impossible.
An important first step is to take your dog out on daily walks in public. This allows your dog to be exposed to many different experiences such as cars, other dogs, and strangers. The world becomes less scary after a few trips outside. Keep them on a short leash and take your dog on different routes to expose them to new sights and smells. Typically, new puppies should be exposed to different places, bodies of water, woods, beaches, and common neighborhood objects like street signs, bikes, strollers, skateboards, and benches.
Related, expose your dog to a wide variety of people such as men, women, and children so that they can get acclimated to the idea of people other than its owners. If your dog isn’t exposed to people other than its owners, it could become wary of anyone who isn’t their owner, so it is crucial to diversify whom your dog interacts with. Included in socialization is allowing your dog to meet unfamiliar people in unfamiliar clothes like hoods, jackets, sunglasses, and hats.
If your dog acts scared, stay calm and confident. Don’t push them, but don’t make a big deal out of their scared behavior. Use treats to give your dog a positive association with new people and experiences.
Socializing your dog allows them to enjoy the world around them and new experiences. To help your dog not fear new surroundings and people, start early, and show them all that your area has to offer! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Olsen at Olsen Veterinary Clinic at 618-656-5868.
What to Do to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer – and What NOT to Do
Keeping your dog cool during the summertime is difficult yet very important. The most important thing to remember is having plenty of fresh, cold water available for your pup. Whether it is just for playing in the back yard or going on a long hike, be sure to keep fresh, cold water available and accessible for them. When you are out on the go, bring a collapsible water bowl or a squirt bottle. Give your dog small amounts of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to have enough cool water with you to last the entire time you’re gone. If your dog starts panting excessively, get your dog shade and more water right away.
Similarly, an easy way to keep your dog cool while spending summer outside is to play in the water. A wet dog is a cool dog. You can play with your pooch in sprinklers, pools, and lakes. Swimming can help lower your dog’s body temperature and help them stay cool while having fun.
While there are things you can do to keep them cool, there are also things you should NEVER do. The biggest rule is to never leave your dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Even on milder days, temperatures inside your car can quickly rise to dangerous and life-threatening levels. The CDC says that cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131ºF-172ºF when it is 80ºF-100ºF outside. These temperatures are extremely dangerous, and your dog should never be subjected to it.
Also, avoid being outside with your dog during the midday heat. It is ok to be outside with your dog on mild, overcast days with low humidity. However, if it is sunny, 80º and high humidity, it is better to avoid the midday heat. On days like these, go early in the morning or later in the evening when it is not as hot. It is important to remember the danger of asphalt during the summer. Asphalt can get extremely hot in direct sun. Put your hand on the pavement to test the temperature. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog. You can also pour some water on the pavement. If it steams, it is way too hot. You can buy booties for your dog, so their feet are not on pavement, but it is easiest to avoid it all together. It is best to find trails. Because they aren’t hard surfaces and typically shaded, they’re less likely to cause injury.
During the summer, it is very important to know the signs of heatstroke in dogs. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior, body language, and more. Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, excessive salivating, obvious discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, and seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your dog to a cooler environment as soon as possible and calling your veterinarian for further instructions. You can use a thermometer to check their body temperature. If it is above 104º, it is time to get them out of the sun and decrease the level of activity. 104º is not dangerous, but it is the threshold to where it could become dangerous. When your dog’s temperature stays elevated, even after stopping activity and getting out of the heat, this is a sign that you need to intervene and call your vet. Please feel free to contact Dr. Olsen at Olsen Veterinary Clinic at 618-656-5868 with any questions.
9 Dog Training Tips
Every puppy needs training, and sometimes it is hard to know what is best for your dog! With these tips, training can be fun and efficient!
1. Choose your Dog’s Name!
While this step may not seem to affect training, short names with strong endings are easier for your dog to pick up while training. These include Jasper, Jack, and Ginger. If your dog is an older dog when you begin training, they are probably used to their name. This doesn’t mean that you can’t change it. If your new pal is coming out of an abusive situation, a new name may even represent a fresh start. Dogs are very adaptable to new situations. If you decide to give them a new name, use it consistently and soon enough your pup will respond to it. Whatever you choose to name your dog, be sure to associate it with fun, pleasant experiences as much as possible, rather than negative ones. Ideally, your dog should think of their name in the same was they think of other fun things like walks and dinnertime!
2. Decide on the House Rules
This tip is like number one. Before your pup comes home, decide what is and is not allowed! This can include whether they are allowed on the bed or the furniture. Are parts of the house off limits? Will they have their own chair at the dining table? Setting the rules and expectations early can avoid confusion, for both you and your dog.
3. Help your Dog Relax
When your dog gets home, give them a warm hot-water bottle and put a ticking clock near their sleeping area. This will imitate the heat and heartbeat of litter mates and will soothe your puppy in their new environment. This tip may be even more important for a new dog that previously lived in a busy, loud shelter, particularly if they’ve had a rough time early in life. Whatever you can do to help your new pet get comfortable in their forever home will be good for both of you.
4. Reward Good Behavior
Training is based on rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. Use toys, love, praise, and treats of course. Let them know when they are getting it right. Similarly, never reward bad behavior. It will only confuse them.
5. Teach your Dog to Come When Called
The first command you teach your dog should be to come. Get down on their level and tell your pup to come using their name. When they do, get excited and use lots of positive reinforcement. Next time, try the “come” command when they are distracted with food or a toy. As your puppy gets older, you’ll continue to see the benefits of perfecting this command.
6. Train on “Dog Time”
Puppies and dogs live in the moment. Two minutes after they have done something, they’ve forgotten about it. When your pup is doing something bad, use your chosen training technique right away so they have a chance to make the association between the behavior and the correction. Consistent repetition will reinforce what they’ve learned.
7. Discourage Jumping Right Away
Puppies love to jump up in greeting, and some adults have learned bad habits. When your puppy or dog jumps on a person, don’t reprimand them; just turn your back on them, ignore the behavior and wait until they settle down before giving positive reinforcement. Never encourage jumping behavior by patting or praising your dog when they’re in a “jumping up” position.
8. Say No to Biting and Nipping
Instead of scolding your new pet, a great way to discourage your mouthy canine is to pretend you’re in a lot of pain when they bite or nip you – a sharp, loud yell should work. Most dogs are so surprised that they stop immediately. If verbal cues don’t work, try trading your hand or pant leg for a chew toy. This swap can also work when a puppy discovers the joys of chewing on your favorite shoes. They tend to prefer a toy or bone anyway. If all else fails, interrupt the biting behavior and respond by ignoring them.
9. End Training Sessions on a Positive Note
Your pup has worked hard to please you throughout their training. Leave them with lots of praise, a treat, some petting, or five minutes of play. This almost guarantees that they will show up at their next training session with their tail wagging and ready to work!
We hope you find these tips useful. For any other questions about training your new pup, or anything else, please contact us today!
You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks!
We have all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Not true! Yes, you can!
Most people associate training with young puppies, but the reality is that dogs are able to learn at any age. Surprisingly, adult dogs are often easier to train than younger puppies because they have more self-control. Whether you just adopted an adult dog, or your older pet needs to learn some new tricks, training offers mental stimulation and keeps your dog’s mind sharp. It is important that you be patient when training both adult dogs and puppies. If you have just brought an adult dog to your home, allow the dog time to adjust. Adult dogs have their own histories that may make them nervous about new surroundings. Don’t give up on the dog after only a few days. Adult dogs may need a period of adjustment which can take anywhere from a few days up to a month. Once the dog realizes that they have found their forever home, it will soon settle into being a part of the family.
Similar to housetraining a puppy, you should use a crate when housetraining an adult dog. You cannot assume that an adult dog is housetrained so you should keep it in a crate when you are not able to supervise it. When you release your dog from the crate, take your dog immediately to the place outside where you want your dog to relieve himself. If it does not relieve itself, re-crate your dog and try again later. Be sure that your crate is large enough and strong enough for your dog to fit comfortably. Your dog should be able to stand up, move around, and stretch out without difficulty. Soft-sided crates are often too flimsy to stand up to the needs of an adult dog so the best option is usually a metal crate that can be folded for easy transportation. Be sure to provide your crated dog with water, soft blankets, and chew toys as well as enough attention, exercise, and outdoor time so your dog can relieve itself.
If your dog is new to crates, introduce the concept slowly. Entice your dog to enter the crate by offering food and keep it in the crate for only a few minutes at first. Be sure to avoid using the crate as a form of punishment or leaving your dog isolated in its crate for long periods. The housetraining process usually goes by quicker for older dogs as they have more control over their bladders and bowels than young puppies do.
Whether you just brought your adult dog home, or your adult dog needs some training, an obedience class is a great place to do it. Obedience classes allows you and your dog to learn basic commands, such as lying down and walking on a loose leash. Even if your dog has never had any obedience training in the past, your adult dog will benefit from the class. Obedience classes also allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and people. You will be able to see how it reacts to other dogs and strangers and gives you the comfort of having a safe environment and a professional dog trainer on stand-by to offer advice.
If you bring an adult dog into your home, they may do things that they were allowed to do in their previous home that you do not want them to do in your home such as jumping on guests or lying on the furniture. To help your dog learn the rules of your house and more importantly, retrain them, be sure to start teaching the rules to your adult dog as soon as possible. The “Nothing in Life is Free” (NILF) dog training method is an effective way to teach your dog self-control. It requires that your dog behave appropriately before getting a desired treat, walk, or positive attention. Lastly, it is important that everyone in the household is on the same page. When different members of the family have different expectations on behavior, commands, and expectations, it can be confusing for the dog. When everyone agrees on appropriate behaviors and uses the same commands and rewards, your dog will learn faster and retain the training longer.
Most often, new owners of adult dogs do not know the experiences that the dog has had with training in the past. Positive reinforcement methods are the best bet for training. Using treats and plenty of praise is an effective method for training dogs of all ages and breeds. Keep things fun and upbeat instead of punishing your adult dog. It is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It may take some work at the beginning, but teaching your dog the basic commands and working on solving behavior problems from day one means that your dog will soon settle into being a happy and healthy part of your home.
We are here to help you regardless of the age of your pet. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office!