The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [80]
To stop this sibling rivalry, I instructed Bill and Betty to elevate their leadership over both dogs to clearly communicate that they were the leaders in the household pack. Dogs need to know where they stand, even though there isn’t always a strictly linear hierarchy. To reinforce the human role as top dog, so to speak, Bill and Betty instituted the “Please, Mother may I?” mode. Bear and Cubby were required to sit, down, and stay before receiving food, walks, toys, and attention. A focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing mistakes helped the dogs learn more acceptable behavior.
As it was Cubby who was starting the fights, Bill and Betty needed to reinforce Bear’s status as the senior dog. Bear was fed first, exercised first, and allowed to walk ahead of Cubby. When approaching a doorway, both dogs had to sit politely before being allowed to proceed in order.
During the transition, I emphasized taking precautionary steps to avoid confrontations between the two dogs whenever possible and advised the couple to pick up all toys and to feed the dogs separately. The couple enrolled both dogs in a basic obedience class, which enhanced Bill and Betty’s authority. Both dogs received 20 to 30 minutes of supervised aerobic activity each day to increase serotonin levels and promote a sense of calmness.
Within four months, the number of feuds dropped to fewer than once a week. After six months, the two dogs seemed to understand their rankings, and the fighting stopped. Cubby was gracious about his demotion and Bear was relaxed as top dog.
Contributed by Alice Moon-Fanelli, PhD
Table for Two, Please
Q When the weather is nice, a lot of cafés in my town have outdoor seating, and they allow dogs if they are on leashes and behave nicely. My dog, Madison, listens to me, but I often observe rude behavior by other dogs who are out of control. What can I do to avoid people whose dogs shouldn’t be allowed in public?
A You have unleashed a topic that brings out the barker in me. Outdoor eateries offer dogs the chance to show off good manners and to hang out with you, instead of being stuck at home. Unfortunately, the percentage of eateries that permit dogs is shrinking because of the failure of dog owners to exercise some basic dining etiquette. Food managers don’t want dogs who yap, wrestle, or roam freely from table to table — it’s bad for business.
In my hometown, there are three outdoor eateries that allow dogs at our beautiful harbor area. Chipper is welcome at all three places because she practically becomes invisible once we are shown to our table. She sits or lies down and remains quiet. No begging, no barking. Often, diners at nearby tables have no clue until we stand up to leave that a 60-pound dog was just a handshake away.
You can’t control your environment entirely, but you can take steps to heighten the chance of enjoying a pleasant outing with Madison in tow. Here are some tips for a delightful dining experience.
TRY TO DINE during off-peak times, such as mid-morning and late afternoon. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.
PICK A SIX-FOOT OR FOUR-FOOT LEASH that you can securely tether around one of your chair legs to keep your dog from roaming freely or disturbing other diners. If your dog is particularly active, accustom him to wearing a head halter in addition to being tethered in place.
REQUEST A TABLE in an out-of-the-way corner. Dogs like to have a view in front of them and a wall behind them to keep people from sneaking up on them.
RESIST THE TEMPTATION to have Madison meet and greet other dining dogs. Introductions should be saved for after mealtime and should take place in a spacious, public place. Politely let intrusive owners know of your