Page 268 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

Behavioral Problem Prevention, Puppies 115.e5

to help clients manage their puppy without Behavior/Exercise The toys should be “indestructible” and
forceful corrections. • Age-appropriate physical and mental stimula- ○ The puppy should not have access to
washed and checked for damage daily.
• Emphasize that dogs should not be verbally
tion is necessary. Stimulation includes
VetBooks.ir or physically punished for inappropriate or walking, swimming, games, interactive toys, unacceptable items such as shoes, even Diseases and Disorders
unacceptable behaviors. Punishment may
agility, nose-work, and tracking.
if old. Acceptable and unacceptable
actually create more behavioral problems
than it solves. • Jumping up play items need to be clear to young
dogs.
○ May start inadvertently as the puppy seeks
• Recommend against use of choke chain, attention/information • Digging
prong collars, or electronic collars. These ○ Puppy should be taught to sit on cue and ○ Many dogs dig. Digging for thermoregula-
devices cause pain, fear, and physical and quietly praised. tion, foraging, or stimulation is normal.
mental damage and do not prevent unac- ○ The client should ask the puppy to sit Digging pits (the size of a child’s sandpit)
ceptable behaviors. and then praise and reward the dog filled with loose sand/soil containing
• A good positive-reinforcement trainer, adher- when quiet and looking at the client’s buried toys/treats may encourage digging
ent to the highest ethical code, can teach good face with all feet on the ground. Staring, in a specific (acceptable) area.
manners and address problematic behaviors pushing the dog down, kneeing, pinch- • Mouthing
in pups. It is invaluable for the veterinarian ing the toes, or saying no may encourage ○ Puppies mouth to investigate and manipu-
to be able to offer recommendations to such jumping because these are still forms of late their environment and in play. Clients
trainers, but they should do so only after attention, although they do not teach should not use hands to play with puppies
the veterinarian has checked credentials and the dog what behavior is expected/ because this teaches puppies it is accept-
observed the trainer work with dogs. appropriate. able to grab hands or other human body
• Chewing objects parts.
Nutrition/Diet ○ Dogs use their mouths to investigate/ ○ Appropriate toys should be available for
• Dogs eat during the day and naturally eat manipulate the environment; this is the puppy to chew/bite and should be
multiple meals. Foraging devices and food normal. offered regularly, including as a substitute
toys can provide physical and mental exercise ○ Dogs may chew when anxious/distressed; when the puppy grabs a person.
(not suitable for all dogs as some become chewing may be a nonspecific sign of ○ If a puppy uses its mouth on humans
frustrated). anxiety-related conditions. in play (including “play bites”), play/
• Although treats can be key aspects of positive ○ Puppies need safe toys to chew. Variety interaction should stop immediately and
reinforcement, obesity must be avoided. in size/texture/odor may increase interest the person should walk away. Reward
Calculate the pup’s caloric needs, and ensure for some dogs. ensuing calm behavior with play with
that treats or food-related toys do not exceed ○ Foraging devices such as Kong toys or toys. If biting persists, cease this type
caloric needs or replace a balanced diet. treat balls are useful for puppies to chew. of play.

Short Behavior Questionnaire—Puppies
Please tell us about your dog’s behavior:
Date: __________________ Client Name: ______________________________________
Dog’s name: ___________________ Dog’s date of birth: _________□known / □estimated
Breed: _________________________ Sex: □MC □M □FS □F
Age at adoption: ____________months
Is your dog housetrained: □ Yes □ No □ I don’t know
Questions Yes No Unsure
1. Do you have any concerns, complaints, or problems with urination in the house now?
2. Do you have any concerns, complaints, or problems with defecation in the house now?
3. Does your dog experience periodic bouts of diarrhea?
4. Does your dog destroy any objects or anything else (e.g., doors, windows) now?
5. Does your dog avoid, seem uncomfortable with, or otherwise avoid loud noises (e.g., storms, fireworks)?
6. Does your dog mouth anything or anyone?
7. Does your dog make any sounds about which you are concerned?
8. Does your dog growl, bark, snarl, or bite?
9. Does your dog pull on the lead or do other things that make it hard for you to walk with a lead?
10. Have you ever been concerned that your dog is aggressive to people?
11. Have you ever been concerned that your dog is aggressive to other dogs?
12. Have you ever been concerned that your dog is aggressive to animals other than dogs?
13. Has your dog even bitten anyone, regardless of the circumstances?
14. Has your dog had any changes in sleep habits?
15. Has your dog had any changes in eating habits?
16. Has your dog had any changes in locomotor behaviors, such as its ability to get around or jump on the bed?
17. Has anyone ever told you that they were afraid of your dog?
18. Is the dog exhibiting any behaviors about which you are concerned, worried, or would like more information?

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