Illustrated Articles
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Reducing Fear and Stress with Desensitization and Counterconditioning
El contra-condicionamiento y la desensibilización sistemática son formas muy eficaces de cambiar las conductas. Generalmente se usa una combinación de ambas técnicas para reducir ciertos comportamientos (miedos, excitación, agresión) asociados a situaciones específicas.
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Most dogs seem to take moving in stride, if they are with are with their familiar social group. Try to anticipate changes in the dog’s routine and introduce the changes prior to the move. Familiarize your dog with any novel noises that might be associated with the new home. If there will be new pets or people in the new home, arrange introductions ahead of time in a neutral location. When you arrive at your new home, give your dog plenty of time to adjust before trying to leave him alone.
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In an emergency situation, a dog that can easily wear a muzzle can be easily and safely handled. Dogs may show aggressive behavior when frightened or in pain and having a muzzle ensures that no one will be injured and that your dog will be able to be taken to the hospital. Muzzles can also be helpful as part of treatment for behavioral conditions such as fear-based aggression.
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Picky eaters are often created by their humans offering too much variety of food. It is safe for an otherwise healthy dog to not eat for up to a week. To decrease pickiness, having food available for only 15-30 minutes 2-3 times a day can be beneficial. Human food should not be used as a diet as it will lead to nutrient deficiencies. Certain foods are okay to mix with dog food to make them more appealing but check with your veterinarian before including these in your dog’s diet. Many dogs are not programmed to eat every day.
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Children and Pets
El nacimiento de un bebé o la adopción de un niño/a siempre van unidos a una gran excitación, ansiedad y estrés, pero no sólo para la familia, también las mascotas se ven afectadas.
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Although some dogs like to run free more than others, all dogs need to be trained so they will respond when they are off leash. Dogs instinctively want to explore new sights, sounds, and smells so it's important to teach them to return to home base. Start by teaching your dog basic verbal commands without the tug of a leash at home. When your dog becomes proficient close to home or in confined areas, you can both venture out further or add more distractions. Incorporating off-leash training into ordinary daily activities reinforces the learning. Your dog's response may be enhanced if he receives a reward for his prompt attention. The reward can be as simple as a “Good dog!” accompanied by a pat on the head, a treat, or toy. Be careful not to create a dependency on treats as motivation for good behavior.
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Barking in Dogs
Una de las quejas más frecuentes de los propietarios y de los vecinos es que el perro ladra demasiado. No obstante, ladrar es natural en el perro y sirve como señal de alarma y de advertencia. Algunos animales también pueden ladrar cuando se separan del grupo o de la familia, así como en momentos de indecisión, ansiedad o frustración.
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Controlling Pulling on Walks
Hay perros que tiran demasiado de la correa porque son especialmente juguetones, les gusta explorar e investigar el entorno y se sienten atraídos por muchos estímulos (niños, otros perros, etc.).
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Mouthing, nipping, and biting are used by all puppies during social play with their littermates. Once they leave their littermates, you can easily teach them a new set of games that are appropriate for social play with people. It is important to provide puppies with outlets for appropriate play from the start. Puppies should never be punished for playing with their teeth, as it can cause them to become permanently fearful of people.
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Guarding desired items can be a normal behavior in dogs, but when it escalates, the safety of both people and animals is compromised. Exercises to prevent and reverse guarding behavior can be beneficial to any dog. Professional guidance is needed for any dog who repeatedly conflicts with people or pets because of guarding behavior.