My Pet World: When dogs react — From sudden aggression to TV theme reactions | My Pet World | Columns

Dear Cathy, A rescue dog has recently joined our family. The problem? One minute a sweetie and the next, a terror. Any recommendations for a positive reinforcement trainer would be greatly appreciated.

— MaryAnn, Hampton Bays, New York

Dear MaryAnn,

It’s not unusual for some dogs to be sweet one moment and reactive or overwhelmed the next, especially while they are still adjusting to a new environment. Fear, anxiety, overstimulation, guarding behaviors, or even an underlying medical issue (including pain and discomfort) can sometimes contribute to sudden behavior changes.

The first thing I recommend is scheduling a thorough veterinary exam if you haven’t already. Pain, discomfort, neurological issues, or other medical conditions can sometimes contribute to sudden or unpredictable changes in behavior. I had a dog who suddenly started growling and attacking my other pets. Turned out he had a neurological issue, and we were able to treat him with medication to manage it. So, let’s rule that out first.

Based on what you have described, the next step would be to search for a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist or a highly qualified behavior consultant experienced in fear- and anxiety-based behaviors. (An obedience trainer won't work in this instance.) You can search for one through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

A veterinary behaviorist has advanced training in animal behavior and can help determine what may be triggering the reactions while developing a treatment plan that may include behavior modification, environmental changes, and, when appropriate, medication support. In situations like this, it often takes a combination of medical support, behavior modification, and management.

An experienced behavior professional will also be able to evaluate what is happening in real time and tailor recommendations specifically to your dog and household. Your regular veterinarian may also be able to recommend someone in your area.

I do agree this is something you need to address sooner rather than later, because living with unpredictable behavior can take its toll over time. The good news is that many dogs improve significantly with a behavior modification plan, management, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist.

Dear Cathy,

My four-month-old female mini-golden doodle puppy eats so incredibly fast that she swallows her kibble whole rather than chewing it. I have tried slow feeders to no avail. My vet says it is dangerous for her to swallow kibble whole as opposed to chewing it. Any ideas on how to prevent her from swallowing her kibble whole?

— David, Lindenhurst, New York

Dear David,

Since slow feeders aren't working, try spreading her kibble out on a large, flat baking sheet or a clean floor area. This forces her to eat tiny bits at a time. You can also use a muffin tin and put just a few pieces of kibble in each cup.

Another option that also works well is a Kong Wobbler or similar food-dispensing toy. Your dog has to push or tip it over for a few pieces of kibble to fall out at a time, which naturally slows down eating while also providing mental stimulation.

Another trick is to put a few large, clean, smooth river stones (make sure they are too big to swallow) into her regular bowl to break up the surface area where the food sits. You could also put the kibble in a baggie and break it up more with your hands.

Let me know which one works for her.

Dear Cathy,

I suspect after your column about the dog who reacts to the Liberty Insurance commercial, you may hear from quite a few readers sharing their own dogs’ reactions to television sounds. In our case, it was the introduction to the show NCIS — just three piano tones would make our Goldendoodle anxious. She would start shaking, and her eyes would get big. We quickly learned to mute the television before the tones started. Strangely, nothing else ever seems to bother her. Dogs are so funny.

— Maggie, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dear Maggie,

I am sure many pet owners can relate. It’s fascinating how something as simple as three notes from a television show can trigger such a strong emotional response in your dog while other noises don’t seem to bother her at all. Your Goldendoodle’s reaction also shows just how quickly some dogs can form associations.

It sounds like she trained you well to reach for the mute button before NCIS even starts. I’m curious: Readers, what has your dog – or cat or other pet – trained you to do?

_____

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)