June2011_BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN DOGS
Did you know dogs can suffer from some similar mental issue to humans. Dogs can have separation anxiety. This is where they fret so much while you are absent that they can be destructive, or bark a lot and other ‘tell tail’ signs. Diagnosis has to be a holistic affair.
Treatment can vary from changing your habits to needing medication. Dogs also can have obsessive compulsive disorder. This can be behaviours like chasing his tail, to snapping at shadows and all sorts of weird things. Again this can range from mild to extreme. And of course we all know someone who has a dog that is afraid of storms. Dogs that are taken for walks and meet another dog or even a human can suffer from fear and lunge and bark which is not only frightening to the on-comers, but difficult for the owner. This is not usually an ‘aggressive’ dog, just a dog that needs help. Dogs that are too pushy at home – that is they barge in through a door nearly tripping you up – or those that won’t get off the couch and even growl at you have behaviour problems.
What can you do? Well sometimes it can be a medical issue, so often a visit to the vet is a good place to start. However, when they out rule any medical issue, what next? Well, one place you can start is call in a dog trainer, who will assess the problem and hopefully be honest with you as to if they themselves can help or if you need to go to a Veterinary Behaviourist. The other problem is the dog industry does not as yet have too many rules and regulations. So check the trainer has some training and also keeps up to date with new treatments and ways to modify dog’s behaviour.
I have had K9 Potential for a while now; I am local and trained and belong to Australian Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) check out their web site. They run a great conference each year in Sydney having international guests and Australian speakers. I love the learning aspect of this job and it’s always ongoing.
So if you have a dog with any problems, big or small, give me a call. I am always happy to chat first. I do not charge big upfront fees like some organisations.
Hilary Paull K9 Potential Ph: 32894152 Mob: 0401935750
What can you do? Well sometimes it can be a medical issue, so often a visit to the vet is a good place to start. However, when they out rule any medical issue, what next? Well, one place you can start is call in a dog trainer, who will assess the problem and hopefully be honest with you as to if they themselves can help or if you need to go to a Veterinary Behaviourist. The other problem is the dog industry does not as yet have too many rules and regulations. So check the trainer has some training and also keeps up to date with new treatments and ways to modify dog’s behaviour.
I have had K9 Potential for a while now; I am local and trained and belong to Australian Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) check out their web site. They run a great conference each year in Sydney having international guests and Australian speakers. I love the learning aspect of this job and it’s always ongoing.
So if you have a dog with any problems, big or small, give me a call. I am always happy to chat first. I do not charge big upfront fees like some organisations.
Hilary Paull K9 Potential Ph: 32894152 Mob: 0401935750
