Articles and "Tidbits" August/September 2007

In this edition:

• Welcome
• Attention Seeking Behaviors
• Ten Commandments For Responsible Animal Owners
• Animal Tidbits

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Welcome

I hope you find my articles this month to be inspiring and educational. I welcome articles from my readers. In this issue is an article from a long time dog trainer who was trained by "Uncle Matty" (Matthew Margolis). I will be posting her articles periodically throughout the months to come. Feedback on subjects you would like to read and learn more about will be considered for my upcoming articles.

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Attention Seeking Behaviors

Attention seeking behavior can be defined as any act your dog performs in order to get your attention. These behaviors can range from nudging, pawing, jumping, barking, dropping a toy at your feet or in your lap, stealing inappropriate objects and running away from you, etc.

It has been my experience that dogs are pretty darn smart and learn to out maneuver us very easily. Many of the behaviors start out as normal dog behaviors and are rewarded by the owner. Most of the time we do not even realize we are rewarding these behaviors. As an example, I had a client who would not allow their dog in the house. Out of boredom, the dog started digging. The owner’s were horrified and each time the dog started digging, they came out of the house to reprimand him. The dog soon learned that by digging, he not only got the owner’s attention but the owner’s actually came out and interacted with him. He didn’t care whether the attention was negative or positive. He just wanted attention.

One of the most common attention seeking behaviors I see is puppies grabbing inappropriate objects and running away when the owner chases them to get the object. Suddenly, the puppy learns that he not only gets lots of attention but the owner has turned the “grab and run” into a very fun game.

A lot of attention seeking behaviors are rewarded out of guilt. My first visit to a couple with a beautiful six month old Golden Retriever is a perfect example. When I walked in the door I informed the owners that I was going to completely ignore their dog to see how he reacted. For one hour and a half, this dog nudged me, pawed me, leaned on me, jumped on me, whined, paced, panted, barked, dropped every toy it had on my lap, tried to jump in my lap and finally bit me on the arm! I must admit, this was quite excessive. How did the dog get this way? This is not natural behavior. Although the owners had a dog walker come during the day, they worked very long hours. Sometimes twelve to fourteen hours a day. So, out of guilt for leaving their dog for such a long period of time, the dog got constant attention from them every minute they were home.

Not only can these behaviors become a nuisance, but, in my experience, they can set the dog up for some serious separation anxiety when the owner needs to be gone from the house. If your dog tends to be on the clingy side constant attention when withdrawn can cause anxiety in the dog. As a result, your dog will remain in a constant state of anxiety while waiting to be the center of attention again.

Although the following will be the most difficult behavior modification technique for you emotionally as an owner, it will usually work very quickly if you are 100% CONSISTANT. Assuming your dog does not have aggression issues, simply ignore your dog EVERY TIME he attempts to solicit your attention. Don’t look at your dog, don’t talk to your dog, don’t touch your dog, walk away if he jumps on you and if you are sitting down and he jumps on you or drops a toy in your lap stand up (without acknowledging him) and walk away or turn your back to him. The good part of this technique is that you can give your dog all the attention you want, as long as, YOU initiate it. Wait until your dog is calm (sitting or lying down) and this will teach him that being calm will get him the attention he wants. Also, exercise your dog often and obedience train him. These are good healthy ways to give your dog attention.

Be aware that the dog’s attention seeking behavior will increase (as described above with the golden retriever) when you first begin this technique. This is because what used to work is no longer working and he will become more assertive. Do not give in. If your dog gets aggressive while demanding attention, contact a professional to work with you individually.

Written by Rebecca Lans
A Better Canine

Rebecca is original from Manhattan Beach, CA and is now living Hawaii.

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Ten Commandments For Responsible Animal Owners

• My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful.
• Give me time to understand what you want of me.
• Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well being.
• Don’t be angry with me for long & don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends for your entertainment, but I --- I have only you.
• Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when you are speaking to me.
• Be aware how ever you treat me --- how ever you treat me, I will never forget it.
• Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose to not bite you.
• Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or, my heart may be getting old and weak.
• Please, take care of me when I get old. You, too, will get old.
• On the difficult journey, on the ultimate, difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Never say, “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there, --- because I love you so.

Author Unknown

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Animal Tidbits

• The meow of a cat is only reserved for humans with 100 different vocalization sounds.
• A purring cat doesn't always mean it is happy but could mean it is in pain.
• The aveage life span for a horse is around 20-25 years.
• Horses use their ears, nostrils, and eyes to show their moods.
• The amount of light is what stimulates a hen to lay eggs.
• 1lb off sheep wool can make 10 miles of yarn.
• Wolves mate for life.

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Grass Valley, Ca 95945
(530) 575-8102
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