Useful Info
Separation Anxiety
Some dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone although it can come in many forms. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may become stressed, nervous and insecure, and as a result may bark, chew, whine, howl, dig, cry, defecate, urinate, salivate, scratch at the door or become hyper– active. It can be a chronic problem, or can be prompted by a house move, shift in schedule, divorce or other lifestyle change. It is a problem that is not specific to any particular breed.
Separation anxiety is frequently triggered by a long period of constant togetherness followed by an abrupt,enforced separation. A typical scenario is a dog acquired by someone during an extended work break. The dog is with the owner, the pack leader, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and, when the break ends, is suddenly confronted with daily 8– 10 hours absences. Separation anxiety subsequently ensues. Another common display would be the development of separation anxiety following boarding or re-homing. Whether from a shelter or rescue group, dogs re-homed in adolescence or older are at greater risk of suffering separation anxiety than puppies. This is probably because it is more difficult for these dogs to accept changes in their routine and environment. They cling to their new pack leader and panic when that leader leaves home to go out about his or her daily business.
Canine Immunisation
Why Vaccinate? Vaccinations aim to protect your dog from potentially fatal diseases. Vaccinations should start when a puppy is 6 weeks old, then again at 10-12 weeks and finally at 16 weeks of age. An annual booster is then recommended to keep your dog immune. Diseases which we vaccinate against are Canine Parvovirus (Parvo), Canine Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Canine/ kennel cough.
Canine parvovirus is a lethal disease which can cause death within 24 hours. Symptoms of Parvo are a high temperature, blood in faeces and vomiting. A dog with Parvo, if left untreated will die. Parvo is an extremely resistant virus and will live in any environment for years.
Canine Distemper is not common in the suburbs, but is more prevalent in the bush. It is usually a fatal disease that causes respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system problems. It is a highly contagious disease that affects dogs of any ages. Young puppies are at highest risk. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and depression. Muscle tremors, fits and paralysis occur further on in the disease. The recovery rate for distemper is very low and the dog will die very quickly.
Canine hepatitis is also very contagious and lethal. Dogs under two years of age are at highest risk. Canine hepatitis is a viral disease of the liver. Symptoms include high fever, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and acute abdominal pain Death can occur within 36 hours in severe cases. If the dog does recover it may have long term liver and kidney damage.
A vaccination stimulates the dogs immune system to protect itself from the disease. When vaccinating a small portion of the disease is injected in to the dog. The dogs immune system will build a response against the disease to destroy it. Some dogs have a negative response and will feel a bit off colour for a couple of days. This reactions more common in small dogs and will cause the dog to eat less and sleep more for the 24-48 hours following a vaccination. Dogs can have a worse reaction to vaccination although this is very rare. Veterinarians will tell you that it is more important to have your dog protected against potentially lethal diseases than to be concerned about minimal risks involved.
Vaccines are not 100% protection against the diseases. Cases have been known when a dog will contract the disease anyway. This can occur when something stops the dog producing antibodies against the disease. This could be fever, steroids, disease and maternal antibodies. Timing is also very important when giving vaccines. If given too close together the vaccines can be blocked by the earlier shot and if too far apart the immune system’s memory response will not be effective.
For more information and advice, dog owners should consult their vet.
Canine Aggression
Dog aggression is any behaviour meant to intimidate or harm a person or another animal. Growling, baring teeth, snarling, snapping and biting are all aggressive behaviours. Although aggressive behaviours are normal for dogs, they’re generally unacceptable to humans. From a dog’s perspective, there’s always a reason for aggressive behaviour. Because humans and dogs have different communication systems, misunderstandings can occur between the two species. A person may intend to be friendly, but a dog may perceive that person’s behaviour as threatening or intimidating. Dogs aren’t schizophrenic, psychotic, crazy, or necessarily “vicious,” when displaying aggressive behaviour.
A dominant-aggressive dog is an overbearing bully. Such dogs are overconfident and tend to behave like tyrants. Their goal is to be the top dog in all situations, especially within their own families. Dominant aggression is many times seen when a dog perceives that his place in the pack hierarchy is being threatened. This can refer to his place in the “family” or in just the “dog pack” if there are two or more dogs in the household.
It usually occurs when there is a change in the living environment of the dog in question, such as getting a new puppy, moving, someone moving out of or into the house, or a change in working schedules, and/or where the dog spends his time. Establishing yourself as pack-leader through obedience training and not treating your dog in an anthropomorphic manner will help overcome such problems.
How dogs learn
“Dogs are similar to humans in some ways: they need companionship, as well as mental and physical stimulation in order to achieve their potential”.
However a dog does not understand the abstract principles of right and wrong as we do so it is important to remember this so we do not credit them with having such powers, it will only lead to disappointment with your dog. Fogle, Dr. Bruce, Australian Dog Training, Dorking Kindersley, Australia, 2000. p11.“ When training a dog the trainer must always keep in mind the limitations of the dogs mind – every dog is an individual. Adopt methods best suited to the dogs age and temperament”. (Van Kyrk, Matthew, Guide to training your own dog, T.F.H. Publications, U.S.A. 1995. P2). All dogs learn about life in the same simple way; through trial and error and associations. 1. “They respond to rewards and develop bad habits when they are bored. They are always learning whether they are being “schooled” or not.” (Fogle, Dr. Bruce, Australian Dog Training, Dorking Kindersley, Australia, 2000. P11).
Certain factors motivate dogs to learn. One of these is natural curiosity. As dogs are gregarious and curious they will investigate and learn through these experiences. Another is through taste and smell. The most important factor to consider in the learning process of dogs is to understand that like their wolf ancestors they are pack animals and will respond to their pack leader.
