Behavioral issues are not only the leading cause of of pets being relinquished to local shelters, but also the number one reason for euthanasia of pets in the United States. Many pets lose their lives because of myths like the following:

1) I can’t take my puppy to puppy classes until he’s had all of his vaccines. The fact is that dogs are more likely to be euthanized due to a behavior problem than to die from contracting parvovirus or distemper at a training class.

a. Puppies properly socialized between 8 and 14 weeks of age are more tolerant of new stimuli and people and are less likely to grow into nervous, fearful dogs.
b. Find a class that is held in an indoor (and easy to clean) facility that requires the puppies be vaccinated and groups them by age.

2) My dog was abused as a puppy. By focusing on this unlikely scenario, pet owners and veterinarians often miss opportunities to address more common causes of behavior problems.

a. Problems associated with fear and/or anxiety will only worsen with time if ignored.
b. Fearful and shy behaviors are highly heritable traits, but the expression of these behaviors is a complex interaction between the genes and the pet’s environment.

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Dr. Carol,
We have two black labs Coal & Belle; they are 1 yr and a couple weeks. When they were younger they played with rocks and chewed on them. Then they started swallowing them. When we would catch them chewing on them we would tell them to “drop it” then pick up the rock and tell them “no”. Coal would and still does it the worst.

He throws up and sometimes, out come the rocks that way, and the smaller ones pass through. He loses his appetite for a day or so but gets it back. Yesterday morning I woke up to his vomiting, no rocks, ate breakfast which didn’t stay down. He hasn’t had a bowel movement since yesterday morning; he threw up quite a bit in the morning and a couple of times later on. Now this morning he only vomited once and it was bile because he hasn’t eaten since yesterday. He just lays he won’t eat I even tried to give him his favorite treat he sniffed and turned away from it. I am suspecting a rock has gotten stuck.

He did drink some water awhile ago. I don’t know what to do. I can’t really afford to take him to the vet. I am on a limited income with 2 kids too. I don’t think the vet would let me make payments if it comes to something expensive.
Help, I love my puppies like my own kids. But am lost about what to do, I sit with Coal a rub his belly which and he rolls over like he is saying that feels go keep doing it.
Thank you, Debbie

Hi Debbie,
It sounds like he is either impacted and his intestines are blocked perhaps with the
rocks, or he is constipated as a result of eating the rocks. Bloat is a remote possibility. As a veterinarian for over 25 years, this sounds like an emergency and although this is not what you were hoping to hear, I would take him to your vet today to avoid further problems!!
I am glad to talk to you and offer suggestions.
Thank you,
Dr. Carol

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* If you are lucky enough to start out with a puppy teaching her good habits from day one is your best bet the minute she walks through your door. By giving her a toy to play with , a post to scratch and a litter box to use, you are teaching her what is appropriate to play with and scratch and where it’s acceptable for her to do her business. Using positive reinforcement helps achieve the best results. Observe your dog’s natural behaviors; figure out what she likes the most; a toy, treat, or affection and use that to reward correct behavior. If you see your puppy doing something dangerous use negative reinforcement to stop her right away so she doesn’t hurt herself. For example, if she’s chewing on a electrical cord, immediately redirect her attention to an appropriate toy or activity.

* Your puppy must not associate you with the unpleasant stimulus or she might blame you or become afraid of you. Instead, she’ll blame the item used i.e. the whistle or water.

* Medical conditions that may be responsible must be eliminated first by your vet. Generally a thorough physical exam with or without laboratory tests are required. Referral to a Behavioral Specialist is the next step. A written, detailed history is essential. An at home visit is best, but telephone consults are an option. Behavioralists try to pinpoint the exact problem and the stimulus (what triggers the bad behavior) then make recommendations accordingly.

* Methods used for behavioral modifications vary according to the specific problem. A variety are available but a combination of physical (termed behavioral redirection) and medical intervention work best to resolve most problems. Physical methods used include positive (toy, treat, love) and negative (loud noise, horn, whistle) reinforcements and obnoxious stimuli. Obnoxious stimuli are strong tastes, like red pepper, that dogs dislike. They are used to get dogs to avoid certain items, furniture and areas by making them taste bad.

* If “toxic” plants can’t be removed from the environment, do not allow your dog access to that area. “Dabbing” the leaves of non-toxic plants or dabbing items like furniture with hot pepper sauce also helps deter pets.

* Use booby traps on items or areas to prevent chewing a plant or item. These are also an option when you’re not home for example, a balloon or an upside down cocked mousetrap, they “self-startle”, the dog startles himself and avoids the item which stops the unwanted behavior.

Barking excessively is one of the biggest complaints pet owners hear. Constant barking is a nuisance to owners as well as their neighbors. Sometimes a simple change solves the problem, for example, bringing your dog inside at night. More often, excess barking is your dog’s response to being confused emotionally or otherwise.

CAUSES
* Barking is a normal behavior for dogs. Some dogs bark to defend their territory, as a greeting, an invitation to play, or because they’re happy. Other dogs bark as a threat, because they’re lonely, do not have enough exercise, or are frightened by thunder or fireworks.

* Certain breeds are more vocal than others. For example, beagles bark a lot while greyhounds hardly ever make a sound.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* The first step in dealing with your dog’s barking is to gain an understanding of what stimulates his excessive barking behavior. Keep a note of when and where the problem seems most persistent.
* Since barking is a normal behavior, trying to reduce rather than eliminate it is most realistic. For example, try teaching your dog to bark on command, then teach him to be quiet on command, and release excess energy with exercise.

* Recently several antibark collars have been marketed as a quick fix for barking. These collars produce an adverse stimulus in the form of an electric shock of variable intensity, an ultrasonic or audible noise, or a spray of citronella oil that is released under the dog’s chin. Shock collars almost always stop the barking but dogs may become fearful and/or aggressive as a result. Ultrasonic collars work for some dogs, others get used to the noise then resume barking. Citronella collars are as effective as shock collars for most dogs but are more acceptable to most owners and to me. Always check with your veterinarian before using any product or device on your pet.

Some dogs that eat their own feces or are coprophagic are deficient in B vitamins and/or minerals. A few may have a pancreatic enzyme disorder. This is called Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and occurs primarily in adult German Shepards. Most dogs that are coprophagic do not have a medical or psychological problem. Research now indicates that this may be a normal behavior associated with evolutionary factors that have been previously under appreciated.
Wild dogs and wolves scavenging for food are coprophagic and mothers with young pups are normally coprophagic. In puppies, the behavior may stimulate nervous system development through exposure to deoxycholic acid. This behavior may also somehow be involved in playing and learning.

To prevent dogs from becoming coprophagic, keep your yard free of feces and take your dog out on a leash.

Food additives such as monosodium glutamate make feces distasteful and are somewhat successful in deterring this behavior.

Some dogs with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) stimulate themselves to defecate and ingest their own feces from their rectum. These dogs suffer from extreme anxiety and should be referred to a behavioral specialist.

Dogs can develop bad habits because of a lack of training or poor initial training. In some cases behavior that was permissible in a puppy is no longer acceptable when the dog is older. This is generally the case with thievery, which might have been fun as a puppy, now that he’s all grown up this behavior is suddenly unacceptable. But dogs that steal can make themselves sick. For example, chocolate candy contains a chemical called theobromine, large quantities of which are toxic to the nervous system. The dose of chocolate depends on the size of dog and the type of chocolate – baking chocolate has more theobromine than milk chocolate.

CAUSES
* Dogs can steal for a variety of reasons but in most cases they do it because it’s fun. When your dog steals your turkey off the kitchen counter or your underwear out of the laundry room, you chase him and he runs around the house and that’s fun.
* In rare cases dogs steal food because they are hungry. This may occur in a dog that previously had good manners and suddenly begins to steal. If the dog is thin he either needs more meals, better quality food or he might have worms. Take him to the vet to be sure no underlying health problems exist and check a stool sample to rule out worms.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Once you know the thieving is just bad behavior, then it’s time for a program of “behavioral modification” to eliminate the bad habit. The solution is to set up a situation that is not fun. Use a negative reinforcement to interrupt the behavior and cause an unpleasant result. In most cases, after a few experiences and regardless of the temptation, the item won’t look good anymore.
* For the negative reinforcement you can use anything that startles the dog sufficiently to interrupt the behavior and prevent the dog from immediately trying it again. For example, blow with a horn or use a shake can. You could toss a water balloon or a large key ring. You can also taint the item with hot pepper sauce or a mix of equal parts of alcohol, lemon juice, and vinegar. It won’t hurt your dog, it just tastes terrible. As an example: put a portion of fresh-cooked roast on the kitchen counter and taint it with hot pepper sauce. Wait for your dog to investigate – when he does he’ll be sorry.
* Avoid feeding your dog from the table. When you sit down to a meal, put the dog in another room until you’re done.
* Dogs – especially puppies – are curious and like to investigate. Be sure to put things away, well out of your pet’s reach. This is especially important at holiday time, when you need to be particularly careful not to leave temptations in areas accessible to your pet.

A lick granuloma is also referred to as an Acral Lick Granuloma. It is a self-inflicted circular skin lesion usually located on the lower third of the front or hind leg, just above the paw. The area involved is always one that the dog can reach by licking, which he or she does continuously and compulsively.

CAUSES
* The true underlying cause of lick granulomas remains unknown, although a combination of medical and psychological factors appears to be responsible. The lesions are thought to be associated with stress or boredom in some dogs and even to be an obsessive/compulsive disorder in others. The continuous licking helps these dogs pass the time.
* Psychological disorders such as Separation Anxiety, a new pet or child in the home, or a nearby animal invading the dog’s “territory” create anxiety and stress. These dogs relieve their stress by picking out new areas to focus on, then lick them for extended periods of time.
* Lick granulomas can also occur secondary to allergies. For example, allergic inhalant dermatitis results in inflamed, uncomfortable itchy skin which may trigger the dog to begin licking. In this case, appropriate treatment for the allergy usually resolves the problem. Allergy testing is a valid consideration in these cases.
* Lick granulomas can occur secondary to pain from an arthritic knee or ankle. Discomfort from an old fracture that healed poorly can also act as a stimulus for licking.
* A foreign body such as a thistle spine or splinter could provoke a reaction that draws the dog’s attention to that particular spot and elicits a licking response.
* Thyroid Disease resulting in low levels of thyroid hormone can be an underlying cause. Blood tests confirm low thyroid hormone levels and oral supplementation with thyroid hormone effectively resolves most lesions in these cases. Certain breeds are predisposed to Thyroid Disease .
* This type of foot-chewing may be compared to nail-biting in people. We chew our nails when we are bored or worried, out of habit, or even as an obsessive/compulsive behavior. Often, we find similar motivations in these foot-chewing dogs. Frequently, there has been a change at home such as:
    o stress
    o lengthy confinement
    o addition of a new pet or human house guest to the family
    o death or loss of a companion pet
    o loss of owner or absence of a family member
    o moving to a new home
    o boredom
For many dogs, treating the skin lesion is not enough; the dog must be palliated psychologically as well. Extra attention to the pet on a reliable basis may be all that is needed; however, some dogs actually require psychoactive drugs.

TOXINS
* The most common source of accidental pet poisoning in California is SNAIL BAIT.
* ONIONS are TOXIC to DOGS and CATS (and horses).
* Raw sour dough (as in breadmaking) can have enough ethanol for a pet to be poisoned.

TREATMENT
* Elizabethan collar.
* Antibiotics for a minimum of three weeks.
* Reduce stress or depression.
* Amitriptyline – helpful in only 30% of dogs.
* Prozac – helpful for 50% of dogs that lick.
* Naltrexone taken for one month – helpful in 50-60% of cases. Licking usually stops for weeks to months.
* Acupuncture
* Cost for one month of treatment for a 50 pound dog = $210.00.
(NOTE: Clean lesions daily with iodine-based solutions, rinse well with water and pat dry. Blotting with alcohol helps dry out the lesion.)

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Identify and treat the primary cause. Symptomatic treatments consist of topical antibiotic ointments, cortisone creams, and/or topical anesthetic preparations. Injections of Cortisone into these granulomas usually causes them to resolve but sooner or later most dogs start licking again.
* Dogs with psychological disorders may respond to simple changes in environment geared to reduce stress and prevent boredom. Anti-anxiety drugs like Prozac have been advocated and acupuncture is also an effective alternative in certain cases. Stress and anxiety management plus medical intervention is the best choice for most cases.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Apply a solution of plantain (Plantago major) to the lesion. Preparation involves adding the leaves of the plantain plant to one cup of water. Boil for five minutes then let stand for five minutes or until cool. Use cheesecloth to strain out the solution. Apply the solution topically twice a day or as needed.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Arsenica album 30c helps reduce constant chewing and licking. Give one pellet every four hours for three treatments. Rescue Remedy, three drops, three to four times daily, given by mouth or added to the water bowl has a calming effect.
(NOTE: Kava Kava, Hops, Skullcap, Valerian Root, and Passion Flower reduce anxiety.)

1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, (OCD) includes a group of abnormal behaviors that occur as a reaction to stress. Dogs react to stress in different ways which varies depending on their personality just like people do.

2. Some dogs focus on a certain area of their body continuously and lick it causing a lesion called a Lick Granuloma. A lick granuloma is also referred to as an Acral Lick Granuloma. It is a self-inflicted circular skin lesion usually located on the lower third of the front or hind leg, just above the paw. The area involved is always one that the dog can reach by licking.

3. The exact cause is not known but stress seems to trigger the behavior.

4. Sources of stress for dogs include:
    a. Boredom and loneliness
    b. Changes in their home, as with:
         o The addition or loss of a family member or pet, or
         o a new house guest.
    c. Changes in daily routine affect dogs. For example, the holidays cause anxiety for a lot of dogs and owners.
    d. Moving to a new house can also be traumatic.

DIAGNOSIS
Your vet must rule out all medical conditions because these signs can be caused by an underlying problem.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO

Therapy involves:
1. Identify and treat the underlying cause in which case the lesion usually resolves.

2. Remove or reduce the source of stress.

Eliminate underlying causes which may include:
1. Lick granulomas can occur secondary to pain from an arthritic knee or ankle. Discomfort from an old fracture that healed poorly can also act as a stimulus for licking.

2. A foreign body such as a thistle spine or splinter could provoke a reaction that draws the dog’s attention to that particular spot and elicits a licking response.

3. Thyroid Disease resulting in low levels of thyroid hormone can be an underlying cause. Blood tests confirm low thyroid hormone levels and oral supplementation with thyroid hormone effectively resolves most lesions in these cases. Certain breeds are predisposed to Thyroid Disease.

4. Lick granulomas can also occur secondary to allergies. For example, allergic inhalant dermatitis results in inflamed, uncomfortable itchy skin, which may trigger the dog to begin licking. In this case, appropriate treatment for the allergy usually resolves the problem. Allergy testing is a valid consideration in these cases.

TREATMENT
* A wide variety of topical preparations are used that usually do not resolve the problem.
* Antibiotics are often used for 3 weeks or longer.
* The best long-term resolution of this problem is usually a combination of medication and behavioral modification, which involves consulting a behavioral specialist and often also involves the use of anti-anxiety medication. Antianxiety medications used include:
* Amitriptyline – helpful in only 30% of dogs.
* Prozac – helpful for 50% of dogs that lick. Dogs are treated for 30-days.
* Naltrexone – helps 50% of dogs. If no response, the dose is doubled for 30 more days then stopped if the dog responds.
* Acupuncture – may also help some dogs.

Lick granulomas can also occur secondary to allergies. For example, allergic inhalant dermatitis results in inflamed, uncomfortable itchy skin, which may trigger the dog to begin licking. In this case, appropriate treatment for the allergy usually resolves the problem. Allergy testing is a valid consideration in these cases.

ANTIANXIETY MEDICATIONS
* Amitriptyline – helps about one-third of dogs. It takes 4 weeks on medication to see if there will be an effect. If the medication helps, you can use as needed. Approximate cost for one month of treatment for a 75 pound dog = $15.00.

* Prozac – helpful for 50% of dogs that lick. It is given for 4 weeks. If no response is seen, the dose is doubled for another 4 weeks and then stopped if the lesions heal. Approximate cost for a 75 pound dog = $135.00.

* Naltrexone – helpful in 50-60% of cases. The pet takes the medication for only one month. If licking stops, it usually is stopped for weeks to months. Should licking resume, another course of medication may be instituted. Approximate cost for one month of treatment for a 50 pound dog = $210.00.

* Acupuncture – helps some dogs. Consult with a behavioral specialist.

Training a puppy can result in a well-mannered pet. It can also mean the difference between life and death. Ten million dogs are euthanized each year because of bad behavior, it’s the number-one reason pet owners put their dogs to sleep. In addition, one million people, over half children under 12, are treated for dog bites each year. Aggressive behavior must be addressed immediately; the longer it continues, the harder it is to change.

WARNING
Learn to recognize the early warning signs of aggression by reading your dog’s body language. Aggressive threats can be made offensively or defensively. Aggressive dogs making offensive threats use body language that makes them appear larger and more intimidating.
* Tail up.
* Ears up.
* Stiff straight-legged stance.
* Hairs on back stand up.
* Lips retracted – “smiling”.
* Move toward victim or lean on victim.
* Make direct eye contact.

WHY DOGS ARE AGGRESSIVE
* Aggression is the most common behavioral problem in the country. The most common types of aggression involve dominance, fear and possession. Territory, pain, food, play and protection are other types of aggression. Most dogs have two or more forms of aggression. The average number is four. The record is nine. Learning to recognize early warning signs along with prompt behavioral intervention won’t eliminate aggressive problems completely but usually diminishes them significantly. Most cases of aggression can’t be cured but can be controlled. Therapy is geared to gradually desensitize the dog to the specific situations that cause him to react aggressively. Specific treatment protocols depend on the individual case.

* Dominance aggression is the most common type of aggression in dogs. It usually develops when dogs are socially mature between 18 and 24 months of age. These dogs challenge and threaten people to gain control by staring, barking or growling when they are given a command. They might grow or bite if disturbed while sleeping and like to get the last word in when corrected verbally. Intervention involves teaching the dog to yield to the owner for everything he or she wants. For example, learning to sit and stay for all affection, food, play and grooming. The dog must learn to take all his “cues” from the owner.

* Food related aggression is relatively common and is often a precursor of dominance aggression. All pups seven weeks of age and older should be taught to sit and stay. Use physical affection, verbal praise or food as the reward. Practice making your puppy sit and wait to be fed. When he’s done eating, take his bowl away. At the first sign of any aggression use a firm “No”. Remove your puppy from the area and remove the food. Your puppy must then earn his or her food back by sitting and staying. Sitting and staying are natural behaviors that correspond to lower positions in a dog’s social hierarchy. In this situation they act as a “time out” and train the dog that the owner is the leader and deserves the deferential behavior. The pup must take all his cues as to the appropriateness of his behavior from the owner.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Aggressive behavior can result from medical or psychological disorders. First, see your veterinarian. An abscess tooth, infected ear, or arthritic hip cause pain which makes dogs irritable. Hormonal and neurological problems also influence behavior. A thorough work-up including a physical exam and lab tests will rule out most medical causes responsible for aggression. You will then be referred to a veterinary behaviorist. They are best suited to deal with psychological disorders since mishandled aggression is potentially dangerous.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Before you buy a dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Be responsible and don’t buy on impulse. Be honest with yourself about the amount of time and work you’re willing and able to put into a dog.

* A dog is a 15- to 20-year emotional commitment. A little extra time and planning will help make this a positive, rewarding experience for both of you.

* If you have children, choose the breed of dog carefully, temperament is the most important consideration when it comes to kids. Try to match the personality of the dog with the personality and lifestyle of yourself and your family. Don’t choose the most aggressive puppy or the most timid one in the litter. Look at the whole litter, see how they act, and take to your heart the puppy that takes you to his. Once you pick out your puppy, then it’s time to begin socialization and training.

* Obedience training and puppy kindergarten help people get to know their pets and teach both how to interact appropriately with each other. Dogs also learn how to interact properly with other dogs, which can be very important for dogs those isolated from other dogs. These classes also help owners recognize early signs of possible behavioral problems by teaching them about normal variations and responses in their dog’s behavior during training. Most dogs with behavioral problems are not just misbehaving. They are not normal. Expecting “normal” responses by intensifying corrections in these cases is potentially dangerous for the pet and the owner. Behavioral Specialists are best qualified to work with these cases. Eighty-five percent of aggressive animals improve with appropriate treatment. An accurate diagnosis and client understanding of canine behavior are both critical factors necessary for treatment success.

WARNING
Aggressive dogs making defensive threats assume fearful postures to protect themselves:
* Tail down.
* Ears down or back.
* Eyes dilated.
* Hairs on back may or may not stand up.
* Crouched position – lean away from threat.
* Stand still or move away from threat.
* Avoid eye contact.
(NOTE: Many dogs assume offensive and defensive body postures in a given situation.)

Canine separation anxiety is a complex behavioral disorder that occurs in response to separation from the person to whom the dog is most attached. Dogs with this disorder are often well behaved when the owner or family is home, but when left alone they panic. Signs include destructive behavior such as chewing and digging, inappropriate elimination, excessive salivation, as well as barking and whining. Fourteen percent of dogs suffer from this problem, and it is the second leading cause of euthanasia by vets.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* A way to be sure whether or not your dog suffers from separation anxiety is to videotape him when you leave. There are other disorders and illnesses with similar signs, so a consultation with your vet is important to establish the correct diagnosis.

* Dogs with separation anxiety cannot control their behavior, so punishment is not the answer. Verbal reprimands and punishment can actually make your dog more anxious and make the problem worse. The addition of another dog to the household usually does not help.

* To control canine separation anxiety medication and behavioral modification are most effective. The behavioral modification program is simple and easy to follow. For example, you might be told to avoid elaborate good-byes (ignore your dog 30 minutes before you leave) and leave a special food-filled treat in your absence. When you come home, ignore your dog until he is quiet and relaxed. Avoid constant physical contact with your dog to encourage independence. Teach your dog to sit and stay in place, and praise his calm behavior as you increase the distance between you, as well as the amount of time you spend being away. This helps him become independent and cope with being alone.

* As a complementary treatment, try the Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy – put a few drops in the water bowl so that your dog has access to it all day long.

WARNING
When you leave a dog that suffers from canine separation anxiety, the dog panics and starts to get upset the minute you get ready to go. Try desensitizing your dog by giving him departure clues, like putting on your coat, and playing with your car keys at times other than when you are going to leave. This helps your dog gradually gain self-confidence and become less dependent on you.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* Separation anxiety is best controlled though a two-part plan that combines behavioral training with a daily medication called Clomicalm. Clomicalm helps relieve your dog’s anxiety and makes it easier for him to learn new positive behaviors. At least 75 percent of dogs on this treatment show an improvement in less than 30 days. The length of treatment varies with the individual case.

* Acupuncture may be effective in some cases since it temporarily increases the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine that help regulate behavior.

(NOTE: Behavior modification techniques establish a well-balanced relationship with our pet and promote independence in your dog.)