Misbehaving dogs: What a vet wants you to know
By 9Honey|
By Greencross Vets veterinarian, Dr Lucy Asher
Our canine friends, like our human friends, are an incredibly diverse and complex group with their own quirks, passions and eccentricities.
Unfortunately, also like us, they can suffer from a range of mental health conditions we are all familiar with such as OCD, phobias, anxiety, depression and PTSD.?
When a human is diagnosed with one of these conditions, medication is often part of the treatment process, but when it comes to treating these conditions in dogs, it is often seen as a last resort or worst, as a failing of the pet parent.
READ MORE: How much does a dog really cost? What to expect as a new owner?
At the recent Greencross National Clinical Symposium, I discussed the importance of removing the stigma around medicating a pet as, contrary to popular belief, medicating your pet shouldn't be seen as a last resort.?
In fact, it's a sensible measure to take if your pet is displaying symptoms such as aggression, shyness, or going to the toilet inside.
Similar to this misunderstanding, here are some of the others myths when it comes to improving pet behaviour.
Myth: You need to be more dominant with your dog
Dogs do not need you to be the "pack leader" or an "alpha". Dogs form flexible family groups and there is often no clear leader. Don't be a walkover but, equally, don't feel that you have to dominate or intimidate your pet.
READ MORE: Dr Katrina Warren reveals the dangers of dog parks?
Myth: More exercise is the answer
A common myth is that exercise can be a cure-all for dogs. While this might be true in cases where a dog's behaviour is linked to a lack of physical activity, if your dog is behaving badly for any other reason (an undetected injury, anxiety, phobias etc.) this can actually make the problem worse. An aching, scared and exhausted animal isn't a happy animal.
Myth: It's not OK to comfort a scared dog
Some people believe comforting a distressed animal can reinforce poor behaviour จC i.e. they will learn that being scared will gain them attention. This isn't true. When you comfort a scared animal, you are reacting to an emotion, not a behaviour so there will be no reinforcement. Dogs don't like being scared any more than you do and, like you, appreciate comfort when it's offered.
READ MORE: How to manage your puppy's chewing behaviour?
Myth: Medication will turn your dog into a zombie
If your dog is on medication and suddenly becomes lethargic or less responsive, your dog is on the wrong medication.
Myth: Behaviour medicine only masks the problem
Like in humans, medication is not a silver bullet to problematic behaviour, instead it can help put your dog in a better headspace to respond to instruction and learn new behaviours.?
Visit your vet?
So, if your dog is exhibiting problematic behaviour, what should you do? In the case of a severe behaviour problems such as aggression, toileting inside or heightened separation anxiety, then a vet should be the first port of call.?
Similarly, if you notice a sudden change in their behaviour, a vet should be your first destination as there's a good chance that this is a result of a medical problem (e.g. bladder issues, injury) rather than a mental issue.
However, if your pet's symptoms are less severe, the problem may be environmental so it can be worth adjusting your pet's surrounds and routines to see if it has any sort of positive effect or a competent force free trainer can be a good first option and can identify the best course of action and, when needed, refer back to a vet.?
And if it gets to the point where your vet is recommending medication, don't see this as a failure on your part. The fact that you're at the vet discussing the issue shows you're a caring pet parent.
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