Training or behaviour problem

Think about a training or behaviour problem you have had with your own dog.  Outline what the problem was, and describe what steps you took to achieve the response you wanted.  Was what you did successful, or is this an ongoing problem.  In light of what you have now learnt, would you tackle this problem in a different way?  If so, describe what you would do now.

Background
I purchased my Curly Coated Retriever, Tabasco, when he was ten weeks old.  Prior to collecting him I spent a good deal of time investigating his breed, reading books about puppy training, and understanding what equipment I would need to make sure I looked after him well.  I had never owned a dog before, and I had not been brought up with one.

I also took advice from as many dog owners as possible as to the best way to train and care for Tabasco.  This was perhaps my first mistake.  The ‘advice’ I got ranged from terrible stories of mass kitchen and furniture destruction, to phrases like “they get used to a routine”, “they are happy to be by themselves”, “they sleep most of the day anyway” and “they are only dogs”. Hmmm. If only I knew then what I know now!

I had just finished refurbishing my home and garden, and in order to avoid possible ‘puppy damage’ to my new kitchen, I had a purpose-built dog run constructed at the end of the garden.  It has a roof and a stand alone wooden kennel.

I took a week off work when I first got Tabasco, and I also made arrangements with my employer to work two afternoons per week at home.  I would pop back home at lunchtime for 20 minutes on the other three days to take Tabasco for a quick walk.

I thought everything would be fine.

Problem behaviour symptoms
I perhaps should have noticed that things weren’t quite right when I had to cajole Tabasco into his run every morning before going to work.  He would bark when I left, but I did as the books suggested, and ignored him.  I also left chewy snacks around his run, and stuffed Kong toys in case he got bored and needed a soothing chew.

Unfortunately, the barking didn’t ease up.  In fact, it got worse, and my neighbours who were home during the day politely mentioned this to me.  Luckily for me I have very nice neighbours, who are not the complaining type.

Tabasco also managed to successfully tear apart his dog kennel - piece by piece, including the insulation layer - as well as parts of the wooden trellis next to his run.  The plastic kennel I then bought him lasted a day.

Excessive barking and destructive behaviour - two of the classic symptoms of separation anxiety.

Fixing the symptoms, but not the cause
I attempted to cure Tabasco’s excessive barking by putting a citronella-spray bark collar on him when I left for work.  I’m not entirely sure how successful this was, as the citronella canister regularly needed refilling, but my neighbours did say he had quietened down somewhat.

With regard to his kennel demolition, I sprayed the kennel with bitter apple and put aluminium strips around all the edges to deter him from getting a secure grip.

I can already see you shaking your head..... I tried to fix the symptoms of Tabasco’s separation anxiety but didn’t tackle the root cause.

Successful treatment
I decided to enlist the help of the professionals.  I needed to find Tabasco a dog sitter and contacted a local lady (Maria) who was recommended to me by a friend.  Maria suggested I speak to an experienced dog trainer (whom she also receives regular training sessions from) about Tabasco’s separation anxiety and any other issues we may have had.

The trainer came to my home and could see immediately that Tabasco didn’t like being outside in his run.  She suggested moving him into the kitchen during the day and putting up a child gate across the kitchen door.  She also recommended that I have Maria take him on a dog walk on the days that I worked all day in the office (three days a week).

The trainer did not consider that Tabasco’s separation anxiety would be difficult to conquer as she could see that he was a well-natured and obedient young dog.

By moving into the kitchen and being relaxed in his ‘own space’ Tabasco has overcome any issues he had with being alone.  He is content to go to sleep in a place he is happy.  Each morning he now obediently (and without any reluctance) trots into kitchen and into his bed when I leave for work.

Maria arrives at lunchtime to take Tabasco on his walk - actually it’s probably more of a mad romp in the fields with his doggy pals.  She has told me that when she brings him home, he goes straight to bed, exhausted.

I’ve noticed a great change in Tabasco since moving him inside and arranging daily company for him in-between nap times.  He is altogether a calmer dog, which in part can be attributed to his age (he’ll be three in April), and has settled well into his routine.

What I will do next time
If and when I get another puppy as a daily companion for Tabasco and myself, I will definitely speak to my dog trainer to get advice from her on sleeping arrangements for both dogs and how to deal with any behavioural problems that might arise, such as jealousy or aggression.  I will take my advice from her directly and up-front, instead of overloading my brain with too much information, and wasting time (and money) on equipment that isn’t required or necessary.

I’ll ensure that I take two weeks off work to help the new puppy get acclimatised to my home, but more importantly, I’ll start appropriate ‘alone training’ as soon as possible, instead of ‘throwing him in the deep end’ as I did with Tabasco.

Depending on my work patterns, I’ll also start the puppy off with dog walking sessions along with Tabasco.  This will help him to meet new dogs in a controlled environment and help with his early training and socialisation.



Bibliography
Puppies For Dummies (Hodgson, Sarah 2006)
Puppy Behaviour and Training (Heath, Sarah 2005)
Take The Lead (Watson, Heather 1998)
The Culture Clash (Donaldson, Jean 2005)
The Dog’s Mind (Fogel, Bruce 1990)