Punishment teaching good behavior?

Second in a series

Izzy, Willa, and Rosie could have been allowed to fight it out until the last dog was standing. Wouldn’t the thumping the smaller dogs endured teach them to mind their place in the pecking order? Really? Some people actually believe that. The more common mistake is to punish the perpetrator.

Izzy had been severely reprimanded but not for a long time; it had been over a year since she’d been busted for bullying. Back in the day, though, Jerry had gotten really upset when seeing her push the small fry around. He’d yelled and contorted himself until he risked a hernia. Each time, Izzy appeared duly chastened. It seemed to work; nobody had witnessed her odious behavior in quite a while. They’d moved on.

Our dogs share a lot with us “higher” mammals but there are differences. Canine hierarchies, whether free-living or domestic, are about survival. Most melees involve resource competition over food, toys, proximity to a human leader, a favored resting area, or access through a doorway. None of that happened at the Cline home.

Rosie and Willa weren’t crazy about big Izzy. They never invited her to join them in a rousing game of pinochle. If she was nearby they watched her body signaling carefully, never trusting her. Whenever her agitation escalated they quickly took cover. Remember Izzy’s postures that belied her nervousness in the veterinary clinic? More observations from Charlene and Jerry were clear indicators of anxiety at home too. The resulting chaos in indoor confined spaces can be dangerous.

People who follow instructions are priceless. My practice manager asked the Clines to shoot video of their pets, home alone, to bring to the consultation. Big as life, right after the dogs heard the family car rumbling away, Izzy’s ears rotated forward as she assumed a stiff stance. She glared at Rosie.

Rosie and Willa ran under a table with Izzy in hot pursuit. Furniture was upended as the little tykes snapped at their tormentor. It was upsetting to watch. Jerry commented that Izzy had learned nothing from his past tirades. He was wrong.

Next week: Who learned what?

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.