How can I stop my dog from rolling in smelly things?

For some reason, things like dead animals, manure, and garbage are magnets to dogs, and there is nothing in the world they'd rather smell like.

Some theorize that dogs' instinct tells them that the terrible smells will cover up their scent and make it easier for them to sneak up on prey. Regardless of why they do it, the best way for you to stop your dog from diving into the garbage pile is to never giving her the chance. Some ways to do that:

Keep her fenced in your yard and pick up any manure in the area

Use trash cans that won't pop open if she knocks them over

Keep your dog on a leash when you go on walks and keep a sharp eye out for any smelly things that may strike her fancy

Practice the “come” command over and over again in your yard, and reward your dog every time she comes. Repeat it until she comes to you consistently, so that the next time you see her start rolling, you can call her back.

Panic Attacks

Question What can I do about my dog's "panic attacks?"

Answer The first question you need to answer is whether your dog has any physical problems. She could be having mild seizures, muscle cramps, or stomach or intestinal pains. Your veterinarian can investigate with a physical exam, blood test, and urinalysis.

If she checks out physically, you should look at whether she is receiving any reward for her "scaredy-cat" behavior. When she has an "attack," do you pet her, cuddle her, and talk soothingly to her? Though it seems like the right thing to do, you're actually praising her behavior and teaching her that being afraid will bring her love and affection.

Instead, when she behaves this way, make sure she's in a safe place and can't hurt herself, then ignore her. When she calms down and comes back out, give her lots of praise and affection. Do this for several months consistently. If you still see no change in her behavior, you may want to consult with a behavior specialist.

My dog stopped eating.

Could he be depressed?

If your dog stops eating, you should make sure it isn't related to a serious physical problem. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination and some blood work to rule out any other potential causes

How do I stop my dog from pulling her leash?

It is pretty common for dogs to yank on their leashes when they're walked, but it can become a problem, particularly if the dog weighs almost as much as you do. It can be hard on your dog, too, because she’s putting a lot of pressure on her neck.

A Gentle Leader – This may be the simplest solution to this problem. Gentle Leaders hook onto a leash just like collars. They look something like muzzles, but they don't keep dogs' mouths from opening unless the person holding the leash applies pressure.

When your dog is wearing a Gentle Leader and tugs against her leash, the force turns her head back toward you. She’ll learn pretty quickly that it won't get her anywhere. You can find Gentle Leaders at almost any pet store.

Remove positive reinforcements – Another option that works well with smaller dogs is taking away all the positive reinforcement they get from pulling on the leash. Your dog is tugging on the leash because she wants to go faster, so whenever she tugs, stop in your tracks and refuse to move. When she calms down and stops pulling, you can start walking again. If you're patient and do this consistently, your dog can learn that the only way she’s going to get to walk around and sniff all the wonderful things she wants to sniff is by walking calmly and politely beside you.

How can I stop my dog from drooling so much?

Though it may not be the most attractive thing your dog does, a little drooling is perfectly healthy and there's no need to stop it.

Dogs drool for many reasons, including:

• Nervousness
• Excitement
• Anticipation of food

Certain breeds are more prone to drooling than others.

To save your carpet and furniture from a drooling dog, you can:

• Wipe her mouth periodically
• Use chew toys to encourage your dog to work her mouth and swallow more
• Chew toys also can help concentrate the drool on a couple of objects

Health problems – Some health problems can cause drooling, including nausea, anxiety and painful teeth. A veterinarian can rule out these health problems.

 

How can I help my dog get along with family/friends?

Just like with people, dog behavior doesn't always have a logical explanation. Dogs can sometimes dislike a person for no apparent reason. You can make your dog happier to see those he illogically dislikes by making sure their visits are associated with something pleasant.

Some suggestions:

Ask the person not to stand directly over your dog in a dominant position. Instead, ask them to approach from a sitting or kneeling position.

Supply the disliked person with a special treat that your dog particularly loves, and have only this person give your dog that treat.

Have the person avoid making a fuss when they give the dog the treats. Making a fuss can cause your dog to become more nervous.

Once your dog associates the treats with the disliked person, the person can begin to give your dog simple commands with the treats as rewards.

Over time, your dog should come to accept the person and may even start to like them.

My dog suddenly doesn't want to lie down.

Answer Any time you see a sudden change in your pet's behavior, you should take him to your veterinarian. A behavioral change like this can be caused by something as simple as arthritis; aching joints may make it painful for your dog to lie on the floor. With an older dog, cognitive dysfunction could cause him to forget how to lie down.

Dangerous lung problems could be making it difficult for him to breathe lying down. There are also serious, but less likely, neurological conditions that could cause this problem as well. Your veterinarian can help you understand what caused the sudden change and how best to treat it.

How can I get my puppy to play without biting?

Sometimes puppies like to bite when they play.

You can work to solve a puppy's biting problem by doing the following:

• Divert your puppy’s play activities away from your body by encouraging fetch games and discouraging wrestling or tug-of-war

• Remove any positive reinforcement when biting occurs. This means that you walk away and ignore your puppy for five minutes each time he performs a behavior that you don't find acceptable. You're not even allowed to talk to your puppy during this time.
• Provide a negative reinforcement for the objectionable behavior. You can do this by painting your skin with vinegar in the vulnerable places you know the puppy will bite.
• Make a noise maker with an empty soda can and a dozen pennies that you can shake vigorously when the biting occurs. Use a firm and loud "NO!"
• Offer positive reinforcement and praise when your puppy plays nice.
• Make sure everyone in the family has the same game plan and follows through consistently
Why does my dog scoot his rear end on the ground?

Question Why does my dog scoot his rear end along the ground?

Answer This is not an uncommon problem. It probably means that your dog has full or infected anal glands. These glands help dogs to mark their territory through scent. They usually empty themselves every time a dog defecates. They can become clogged, however, and unable to empty, and sometimes infection can develop. When this happens, your dog feels a constant, itchy pressure. It can be very uncomfortable.

To get your dog relief, make an appointment with your veterinarian. She can empty (or "express") the glands, a messy and extremely smelly job, but one that will make your pooch feel much better. If the glands are infected, she can clean them and prescribe an antibiotic. If your dog has a chronic, recurring problem with infected anal glands, they can be surgically removed. For more information, talk to your veterinarian.

How can I stop my dog from burying his toys?

It's perfectly normal for dogs to bury their "treasures." They usually do go back and dig up their private stash. But it may be months later, when you’ve already purchased costly replacement toys.

Keep all toys inside– You can avoid the problem by making sure your dog's toys and treats always stay inside. Some determined pooches will carry on their digging behavior inside, "burying" toys and bones under pillows and behind the couch, where you can find and reuse them.