WHY DOES MY DOG HATE TO GO OUT IN COLD WEATHER?
HOW CAN I RELIEVE MY DAUGHTER’S FEAR OF DOGS?
WHAT IS THE EARLIEST AGE TO START TRAINING?Q: Last winter we had a terrible time getting our Maltese to go outside to do her business. She hates the cold. We have fleece vests and jackets for her but that doesn’t matter. Any suggestions?
Tara and Jim, Towson
A: Small-boned dogs usually do not like snow, rain or the cold. Since your Maltese falls into that category, there are several things to try. Create a space for her to go potty that has a bit more shelter. For example, a large box with a side cut out so it has three sides and a roof, will shield her from the wind and provide a warmer and safer spot for her to go. Also, playing with her a bit to get her heart rate up and make her “warm” before going out to potty should make it more positive. Always give her a unique treat that she only gets when she goes outside, even if she is housebroken, and she will associate the outside with that yummy treat. Depending on your living area, if all else fails you could buy an indoor yard, aka a doggie litter box. This sounds worse than it is; they do a great job of simulating the outdoor space and are very clean.
Q: Our daughter is petrified of dogs. My husband and I both love dogs. We had a Shepherd mix before our daughter was born. Both of us were looking forward to having a family dog, as my son has been begging for one. Have you ever run across this before? My daughter is 6 and my son is 9.
William and Margie Zellner
A: As someone who teaches children about the nuances of being safe around dogs, this issue is close to my heart. I have seen children paralyzed with fear and some with no fear. Since the rest of your family isn’t afraid, that is half the battle. Finding out exactly what she is afraid of is the key; typically it is the nipping, barking and jumping. There are several endearing and silly dog books for children; the McDuff series, Good Dog Carl series, and tons more! Start by reading them to her and ask if that particular dog in the story scared her and why. Then discuss what was good about the dog. Getting her a dog webkinz could help too. It would be a virtual dog she has to take care of and love. Also, there is an amazing organization in Baltimore called Karma Dogs. These wonderful, dedicated owners and their dogs go into libraries and read to children. It is primarily a literacy based program, however it also works wonders with kids who are fearful of dogs. Their website is www.karmadogs.org. The exposure to a dog at the library is unique and “humanizes” the dog in a way, so your daughter may feel safer. During the time you are working to get her over her fear, stay away from puppies or dog related stores. This is when dogs are most excited and could exhibit the behavior she fears.
Q: What is the earliest age to start training? I have a ten-week-old Scottish Terrier who is a mad man, but the breeder suggested we wait until he is twelve weeks old. Is that typical?
A: Actually, it depends. In-home training can start the day they come home. Many first time dog owners actually have an experienced trainer do a temperament test and chose a puppy well before it can even leave the litter. Puppy kindergarten classes generally require all of the puppy vaccines including kennel cough, before attending. That age is then closer to 14 weeks depending on health and shot records. Also, check your purchase contract; some breeders require training start at a certain age, and specific types of training as well.
Q: My family and I rescued a dog eight months ago; a beagle mix that is about six years old. He has always been a bit fearful of men but was fine with my husband and son. In the last two months he has taken to growling at my husband when he comes to bed and yesterday actually tried to nip him. I am at a loss as to what to do. Please help!
Janet Daley
A: Since your dog already had a fear of
men, it is an easy progression for him to become leery of your husband and protective of you. Where rescues are concerned there is generally no knowledge of past history, abuse, neglect, lack of exposure, etc. However, our concern now is moving him forward. Specific to the bed, sit next to your dog and if he starts to growl when your husband approaches, put the dog on the floor immediately. Your dog has to see the pack (you and your husband) as one. Pick him up and repeat this exercise as often as possible. Practice with your family sitting on the floor in a circle calling him and giving him a small treat or kibble. This would be most productive if done with a male family friend or two. The men should avoid eye contact so your dog does not feel threatened. Also the feeding should be done, if at all possible, by your son and spouse. Giving them a role in the pack helps the beagle to see all of you as pack leaders.
Q: We rescued a Catahoula Leopard Dog about three months ago, and from the beginning have had challenges when walking her around other dogs. As soon as she notices a dog coming towards us — mind you they could be 20 yards away — she lowers her head and often gets into a crouching walk. It is hard to break her focus and as the other dog gets closer she just lies down. She will not move until the dog passes or the dog comes over to smell her and then she will hop up. We have tried so many things — collars, running, treats, etc. We want to know the reason behind this behavior and what we can do to help her. Is it a submissive move, playful move, aggressive move, sign of low self-esteem? We are all desperate for a good walk! Thank you for your help!
Ameila, Fells Point
A: This is very common, so take a breath! She is a herding dog and, true to form, she is herding; getting as low as possible until the sheep, cattle, or dog in your case, is close enough. Depending on what she feels her job is, she has to focus on it and direct it or stop it. There are ways to break her out of her “crouching tiger” position, although they all depend on her motivation and temperament. A training class where she is exposed to other dogs in a more focused setting will help all of you tremendously. Perhaps giving her an object such as a Frisbee or ball to carry, would help alter her focus as well..
Joy Freedman is a Dog Behaviorist/Obedience Instructor who has been changing the behavior of dogs and their owners for more than 10 years. Joy is a Baltimore native and is the owner of 4 Paws Pet Services. www.4pawspetservices.com
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