Albuquerque Journal Articles
A recently published study established what veterinary behaviorists have long understood about separation anxiety: physical discomfort is often a major factor.
If the pacing, panting, barking/howling, and damage of separation anxiety keeps repeating, it will continue to worsen. People get frustrated. They’ve tried everything – except the right medication. Some worry about drug safety as their dog’s suffering reaches new depths. There’s no need for that.
Those videos of your sweet dog, home alone and suffering with separation anxiety, have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that it is he who has desecrated your house and not some lurking poltergeist. Step #1: lose the crate.
You drag yourself through the door, after a long day, and in your face is the wreckage inflicted by your desperate and repentant dog. How do you feel? Angry, sad, guilty? Why is this happening? Where did you go wrong?
First in a series
Question:
I am trapped in my own home because of my Shih Tzu. He is a wonderful dog, but he goes bonkers when I leave. I have him caged because of his destructive behavior. Now he is sopping wet when I come home, panting his head off, his cage is all wet and his feet are a mess. Please help me, I love him.
Question:
My daughter is an avid gardener. Local cats are attracted to her vegetable garden and use it as their litter box. I am concerned about her contracting toxoplasmosis. She wears gloves.
Question:
We have a neutered German shepherd/husky who is 2 years old. He never behaves aggressively with people outside our home but he will sometimes unpredictably nip people in our home without warning.
Last in a series
Most people want a peaceful life for themselves and for their pets. Sadly, some of the problems I treat are avoidable. Nothing is for sure, but if you spend the time to observe and quietly interact with the applicants for the job as your best friend, you may never need a veterinary behaviorist.
Fourth in a series
Nobody starts out with a totally clean slate. The research is clear: much of our pets’ behavior is genetically prewired, while heavily influenced by life experiences – even in youngsters. The probability of separation anxiety, noise phobia, fear, and aggression are often passed from generation to generation.
Third in a series Dogs can be wonderful companions but some are demanding. Decide how much time you’ll have for play and training before the first happy barbarian leaps into your arms. Aargh! Why can’t this be simple? Have you ever heard of hassle-free marriage or effortless child raising? Me neither. Bringing out the best in a dog can be challenging. Set yourself and your excellent new pooch up for success. Pick the right one. Remember Rodney Dangerfield? Just like small dogs, he couldn‘t get no respect. People fuss about yapping and ankle biting. It’s true that some pint-sized pupsters…