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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?
If you think your dog has separation anxiety you need to know if that’s what’s really happening or only a guess.
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.
Helping dogs who freak-out when home alone is complicated. Improvement requires lots of changes but do you have to completely ignore as you leave and return?
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.
Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. A freaked-out dog or cat needs serious relief from fear. I’ll make it easy for you to help. Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations by Zoom group and individually/in-person. Sign up for his weekly blog or post questions (drjeffnichol.com) or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.
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.
A dog who obeys fast and reliably can overcome the urge to lunge and bark and lose its mind on leash walks.
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.