Houdini they are often named, those dogs who incessantly gouge their way to greener pastures. We humans generally think the dog is simply looking for its "freedom" but a variety of reasons may prompt such behavior:

• Lack of exercise
• Lack of mental stimulation
• Separation stress
• Dog not routinely allowed time outside confined area
• Hormone driven desire to reach another dog
• Animals/people on the other side of confinement area
• A history of escape with rewarding experiences
• A history of chewing/digging in itself being a rewarding experience

The dog in this video has never been let inside the home and does not get routinely walked. He started escaping by simply digging under the fence. Since he had been successful at this several times, the cinder block placed at the hole became a mere obstacle in his escape route. The dog responded to this by chewing on the fence and will most likely get more crafty with his escape as more deterrents get placed in his path. His behavior will increase in intensity and this dog will be harder and harder to keep in the yard if the owners do not approach the solution holistically.

By the way, the only place this dog wanted to go to once outside his backyard was to the front door of the house.

See Video HERE MVI_2558

Recycling Dogs

Last night I attended a high school fundraiser for dinner and performance by the school’s music group. The food was served on plastic, china-like dinnerware and the silverware glistened metallic but, too, was disposable. When appetites were sated and tables were starting to get cleared, the emcee made an announcement NOT to throw the plates and silverware away. There were surprised, halted movements as diners realized that indeed, the plastic could and would be washed and reused.

These are the same reactions that I see when intercepting owners that are relinquishing their dogs to shelters. They are shocked to find how easy it is to stop their dog’s undesirable behavior – that they can give their dog a second chance.

In our society, “get rid of the dog” is a saying that is blurted out as quickly and thoughtlessly as “throw it away.” No wonder our shelters are so full and euthanasia rate so high.

With a better understanding of canine behavior, diligent training, and a bit of patience, one can turn any “bad” dog into a good dog. The majority of issues are relatively easy to solve and even severe problems may be helped with the addition of psychotropic drugs.

Let’s help each other recycle our own dogs so the shelters won’t have to.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone else loved our dogs as much as we do? Increase the chances of this happening by following the etiquette rules listed below.
 

• No matter how well trained your dog is, put him on a leash when near strangers. People will appreciate your respect for their safety and well-being.

• Avoid approaching people or dogs directly when in public. Move off to the left or right to pass by; step off the curb if necessary. Fearful dogs and fearful people will be thankful.

• Always, when there is a leash in hand, put a poop bag in your pocket. Carry three: one, a spare, and one to share.

• Leave your female dog at home when she is in season. Her pheromones will bring out the worst in otherwise well-behaved dogs.

• Ask, and be specific, before letting your dog approach people or other dogs. "Is he friendly?" gives no warning to other dog owners that you are going to let your dog lunge forward.

• When you have been invited to a home, event, or activity, ask before bringing your dog.

• Until your dog is trained not to jump on people, put him away when guests arrive. Let him out after guests have settled in. Leash or tether him if he tends to nose, poke or paw people for attention.

Your dog would want others to think as highly of him as you do. Don’t disappoint him.

Seems these days that homeowner insurance companies are looking to various regional and national reports of dog bite incidences to base their rates and/or exclusion policies. Regardless of how they are researching the data for their choices, your purebred or mixed-breed dog may suddenly be excluded from your policy.  Read more here.

To reduce the chances of a claim being made as result of your dog’s doing:

1. Desensitize your dog to those things that trigger fear.

2. If your dog is protective of your house, prevent him from having contact with strangers entering the home. Crate training.

3. Get your dog out on a walk, every day, to burn off energy, experience new smells, and get used to all the new and exciting things that are happening out there.

4. Encourage your dog to engage in activities with you where he will earn rewards. Obedience, agility or trick training where the dog learns that his actions will gain him food, toy or play rewards will create a dog who has more predictable behavior and is secure in his environment.

HOW TO ADOPT A SHELTER DOG

 
Giving a shelter dog a new home can be a very rewarding experience. All varieties of purebreds, designer breeds, and one-of-a-kind purebred mixes can be found in shelters. Picking out just one will be your biggest challenge. Below are some guidelines to helping you find your new best friend. 
 
Define your lifestyle 
 
All dogs, when entering a new household, will need some training, but your lifestyle will determine the size, age, and breed-type of dog that would best suit you. 
 
Will your dog be alone for 8 hours a day? 
Does he need to have a deep bark to ward off potential dangers? 
Are you going to walk him every day or just take him to the park once a week? 
Will young children be crawling all over him or will he share the house with cats? 
Should he like to swim? Run? Be carried around? Sit in a lap? 
 
Research online 
 
Petfinder.com is a website listing many types of animals available for adoption. The dogs listed here are in shelters, foster homes, or still with their original owner. 
Petharbor.com is a website devoted to shelters who list photos and descriptions of their dogs. 
Craigslist.com is a website where many items and services are offered for sale, including dogs for adoption. 
If you have a particular breed in mind, there are specific breed rescue organizations. Reputable breeders will be knowledgeable in these rescue groups or may help you find a dog that is in a foster home. 
 
Call you local shelter to see if they have their dogs listed on a website. 
 
Visit a shelter 
 
Ask the shelter staff to help you. Describe to them your lifestyle and let them show you the dog that might be perfect for you. If the idea of walking down rows of cages with happy dogs barking their greetings to you seems overwhelming, ask the staff to bring adoption potentials to their visiting area where you and the dogs can quietly get to know one another. Sometimes shelter workers may not have time to escort you through their facility. If this is the case, ask when would be a good time for you to return. Call ahead to remind them when you are coming. 
 
Spend time with the dog 
 
Getting a read on a dog’s temperament and personality is very difficult in the kennel environment. Having so many other dogs nearby in an enclosed building may bring out a more shy or assertive side of any dog – traits you may never see again in your home. Spend time with the dog in a visiting area and ask if you can take the dog for a walk. 
 
Initially, the dog will be very excited to be out of his kennel so give him at least 30 minutes to run around and smell things before you anticipate making a connection with him. Visit him several times if possible. Some shelters may put a hold on the dog, some may let you take him home for a trial period. 
 
Bring your dog to visit 
 
Ask shelter staff if you can bring other dog family members to meet the adoption candidate. Most dogs will get along when introduced properly (have the staff help you) but not all dogs are perfect matches. It’s best to find this out before you bring the new dog home. 
 
Set you new dog up for success 
 
Keep your new dog confined when you are not home to supervise him. He has been in a fairly sterile environment and may be a bit tempted to explore your home with his mouth. Walk him daily, give plenty of toys in his crate or pen and be sure to take him out for frequent potty breaks. After a few weeks you can gradually give him more freedom in your house.

Are you and your dog dreading that next vet visit? Make it a better experience for your dog by giving him a positive association with your vet and vet staff. Both your dog and the staff will thank you.

Pack up some small tasty treats (cubed cheese or cooked meat work well) in an easy-access container. Hold the container out to staff as they approach your dog. Ask them to feed one small piece at a time to your dog. If possible, continue feeding one small piece at a time to your dog while he is being examined.

Even if your dog is delighted with his visits to the doctor, one never knows what may suddenly frighten him so it’s great to have your "ammunition" on hand to keep help reduce his stress.

Handling tips

Why should I train my dog?

There are many people who get a dog and just expect it to know what to do. Afterall, dog is man’s best friend, right? This unfortunate assumption leads to frustrated owners and sometimes to dogs being relinquished to shelters.

Reason #1 – To establish communication with your dog

Just as you might have to learn all the nuances of the rules and etiquette at a new job, so does your dog need to learn what is expected of him in his household. The dog has it even harder because he is not born with the ability to understand spoken language.

Reason #2 – To give your dog mental stimulation

Dogs who live in the confines of our households and yards get much less exercise and stimulation than dogs running at large. Besides getting a daily walk, a dog needs to use his brain in challenging activities that you present to him.

Reason #3 – To redirect a dog’s focus from undesirable behavior

If your dog is destructive, excessively barking or acting nervous or aggressive then you can train him to do something else that is incompatible with the undesired behavior.

Reason #4 – To keep your dog out of the shelter

One can easily get frustrated when a dog seems to have an incurable behavior problem. A trainer can guide and support you through your dog’s rehabilitation so that he may remain a permanent member of your family for his entire lifetime.

Please visit our Training Guide pages to learn more about training your dog.

Janine Allen

Dog Trainer