Camp Good Dog - dog kennels Vancouver, dog kennels lower mainland, pet sitting, dog boarding, dog camp, dog training, pet radio, free pet advice, doggie daycare,dog walking

Introducing a New Pet

Dear Deborah: I want to get a second dog to keep our first dog happy while I'm at work now that I'm increasing my hours and will be home less. The first dog, a four year old shepherd cross, is cranky with other dogs and strangers.
How can I prevent that dog from learning the same habits? Cranky Canine

Dear Cranky : Take some time before your increase in work hours -a month or two if you have it- to introduce a new dog and adjust both to new routines. Otherwise, your cranky dog will get crankier if he loses you to work and to another dog vying for attention and territory in his home.
     To adjust your dog to your new schedule, make sure to leave him alone for at least a few hours every day, even on days when you're not at work. When you are home, make sure that he is sometimes made to stay in a different area, such as the yard or a different room in the house.
     If you decide to get a second dog, train your first dog first. Once he is behaving well and listening to your heel commands as you pass other dogs, then you are ready for the extra job of another dog to control.
     Make sure your second dog is the opposite gender of your first dog, and submissive and friendly with other dogs. Introduce them at first on neutral territory, and muzzle or face harness your first dog to keep leash control and prevent fights.
    At first separate them when you leave, Feed them separately at the same time in different areas. Teach them different tricks so that they each have special ways of earning your praise.
     Always give your first dog attention and perks first. That means he eats first, gets put on the leash first, out the door first, etc.

   Dear Deborah: My dog "Tika", is very jealous of my fiancé. She is very devoted to me and extremely lovable, but she growls and barks whenever he comes over.
     I know Tika is afraid of many things - airplanes, cars, people - but she's little, only 14 pounds, and the rest of the world is so big. I manage to protect her from everything she's afraid of without too much trouble.
     My fiancé is 220 pounds and six-feet two. He refuses to talk baby talk to her. It is no wonder she is scared of him. How can I get her to like my fiancé?
Tiny Tika

Dear Tika:
     Your letter is full of details about the vet's opinion, the good grades your dog got at obedience school and the trainer's assessment, and that helps me a great deal to focus on the problem and understand the history.
     Your letter was also full of excuses. If you make excuses for Tika's bad behavior, you are signalling her that being naughty is okay with you.
     Tika may be small, but she can learn that she is safe when in your company. Instead, overprotecting her has made her rely on protection.
     Start with her on a leash to heel properly like she did in obedience class, beside and behind your left leg. Praise her for good behavior, correct her and redirect her when she's pulling. She should heel no matter how many cars or dogs pass.
     Approach situations she fears, at first at a distance, and later, when she's more confident, close up. Practise and reward a good heel. Eventually, you'll ready to let her meet and greet another dog.
     Now that we have addressed Tika's fear habits, let's deal with her attitude toward your fiancé. Tika is not afraid of him: she's trying to be in charge of him, controlling you and everyone else in HER home.
     She should be scolded and redirected or kennelled for such awful manners. You are the ruler of the home and that means your guests are welcome. She must behave in order to earn the right to visit with you and your company.
     Once you have shown Tika she must be nice to your guests, she will learn to accept them.
     Your fiancé does not have to use baby talk to win Tika over. Instead, see if he'll agree to a ritual evening walk, just the two of them, or a late night snack after you've gone to bed.

Dear Deborah: Our two year old male Doberman is very uptight and has lunged and growled at visiting friends. He's even snapped at us when he wants to be left alone.
We have never used force or raised a hand to this dog - we tell our visitors to let him approach them and not the other way around. He's passed obedience classes with flying colours but his biting problem is getting worse, not better. What can we do to nip this in the bid?
Willing To Try Anything

Dear Will:
Anything? Try neutering your male Doberman to remove some of the stresses on his already overloaded system.
     Next, purchase a training collar that gives you full control of your dobie. I suggest a face harness since you can use it for all walks untill he likes it and then leave it on him at all times untill his aggression has disappeared. Attach a three-foot leash to the face harness and use this to control your dog to behave around guests.
     Reward him with praise and a loose leash when he's good, redirect him with sharp tugs, and commands like sit and down when he's exhibiting aggression. When he's listening and earning praise for each trick, command him to "Be nice" and praise him if he remains calm. If he reverts to aggression, repeat the earlier steps.
     Focus on the positive. Start slow with people he knows well in small groups. There must be no struggle and no chance of anyone getting bitten, so keep the leash and collar on for all training. Stay relaxed and in control throughout the session. You must not allow your dobie to get his way when he snaps, instead redirect him and control him with "Be nice" and praise. Do not expect the impossible.
     Dobermans are not social butterfly golden retrievers, they are intensely loyal protection dogs. When you have a house party, kennel him in a quiet off-limits room and avoid confusion. Pick up a copy of my book Good Dog! for more details on handling biting, fear and aggression.

For more tips, get Deborah's book, Good Dog! from your local book store.
Deborah also writes for the Family Dog Magazine.
Available at Save-On Foods, London Drugs, and in Free boxes everywhere.
Send your pet questions to: Fax 604-732-2088