Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

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We have a shepherd mix rescue. She is a sweet dog at home. On walks, if she sees another animal or human coming toward her, she will lay down quietly and wait until they are close. She will then pounce and go crazy, barking and lunging at them. There’s no distracting her with commands or treats. Is there anything we can do to stop this attack mode? Thanks for your help! – Eileen

I recommend teaching your pet the “watch me” command that you can use during walks. Train her at home initially and once she has mastered it, try it in the real world. Reward her with high value treats when she gives you direct eye contact. When she is not reacting toward others, reward her, slowly get closer to an unfamiliar person, and ask her to go into a sit and “watch me.” Repeat as you get closer to the person so that she is paying attention to you before moving forward. If she is not watching you, start further back.  She will eventually understand the pattern, then will start offering sit and watching cues for treats during your walk. Getting her into sit and “watch me” prior to her barking is ideal, as breaking her attention away could be difficult. Patience is key in this process, but you will be successful with repetition. You can ask neighbors to help you by having them follow your commands and give you control of the distance between you and the other pup when you are first training these techniques. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

My dog has separation anxiety and I have tried a diffuser, playing harp music, kenneling her, using a thunder coat. I cannot punish her because I am not there when she destroys my apartment. Do you have any suggestions? Medication will only work part of the day. – Connie

I recommend working on pre-departure cues while at home. Examples of this are putting your shoes on or grabbing your keys, then rewarding your dog when she is calm. Do this several times a day to lessen the anxiety when you actually leave home. Next step is gradual absences that slowly increase over time and making sure your pet has lots of enrichment and things to chew on while you’re gone. This takes time, but routine makes it easier. Making sure your dog gets plenty of daily exercise will decrease your dog’s anxiety. Lasty, if these do not help, talk to your veterinarian about antianxiety medications such as SSRIs that will last longer than a few hours throughout the day. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Our grandpuppy barks a lot when the doorbell rings or when he sees someone walking by. How can we lessen this reaction? Thanks! – Marcia

I recommend associating the doorbell with a good thing, such as treats or play. You can ask a neighbor to ring your doorbell at your command so that you are ready while in the training process. When the doorbell rings, go to the door, ask the dog to go into a sit and reward him with a high value treat if he responds well. Teaching the “watch me” command will also help. Anytime someone walks by or rings the doorbell, ask him to sit, “watch me,” then reward. It will take time for him to do it consistently, but if you make it a daily routine, your dog will eventually go to the door and sit and wait for your next command. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

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Adoptable Dog – Tom

Happy to meet you! My name is Tom. Are you looking for a chill dog to complete your family? Then look no further! I’m housetrained, walk fantastically on leash, and would love nothing more than to relax on your couch and snooze the day away. I’ve been described as the perfect gentleman by my foster mom. When I’m up and about, my favorite activities are getting zoomies in the backyard and having playdates with other dogs. I’m a huge fan of goofy dogs that like to play chase, but I’d be content as an only pet too. Please contact aflores@greatplainsspca.org if you are interested in learning more about or meeting me.

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, Johnson County Parks and Recreation, and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org