Bonding with an adopted dog may require finding the right training program.

Q: Last year, our daughter adopted two dogs, a terrier mix and a Pomeranian. We believe they came from a foreclosure situation and had been alone/abandoned for an unspecified amount of time. The issue is the Pom. She bites everyone who comes into the house. She will lunge if she is being held and bite your pants if she is on the ground. Due to the dog’s history, my daughter sees training as something that will stress the dog more than help. Oh, and did I mention she can’t be crated or kept in a room when company comes because she barks nonstop? I am writing you because my daughter reads your magazine and I know she will listen to your opinion before mine. — Eleanor, Roland Park

This is a hard situation for all of you. Your daughter is a hero for saving these two abandoned dogs and giving them a warm, loving home. Who knows what stress they endured or for how long?

Trusting others, especially in an environment where both the dog and the human feel safe, is going to be a hurdle. The thought of going through training can be intimidating. The key is finding the right program or match for them. Whether they are formal classes or private sessions, training will give your daughter the techniques and confidence to move past her fears.

Keeping her Pomeranian from experiencing people in a positive way will only make the situation worse as time passes. Poms are very bright dogs, eager to learn new commands and tricks. One bite is all it would take for a possible lawsuit or a call to the health department.

Every dog and owner can benefit from training. It is a bonding and educational experience for you both.

Q: I hope you can help us with this problem. Our dog, Otto, is a 6-year-old lab mix who is easygoing and loves everyone. The problem started when we moved into our new house about five months ago. Otto started to become leery of some of the workmen. He would hide in the bathroom, which wasn’t a big deal to us. Recently, he has started urinating in the living room (although we can never catch him). Our vet gave him a clean bill of health and said to contact a behaviorist. Is this something you can help with?— Lauren Katz, Finksburg

Moves can be as stressful on our dogs as they are on us. When Otto started to disappear into the bathroom, he was obviously fearful and chose a safe space in which to escape. The urinating is his way of trying to claim or “mark” the area as his own.

Clean the area with some vinegar and water; this will dilute the pH balance of the urine so he cannot smell his previous markings. Then, place treats or some of his food onto, or close to, the area. Spend time playing with him in the living room so he views it as a livable space by the pack. Give him lots of praise and affection here as well, so he has a positive association with the area.

When workmen are coming in and out of the house on a regular basis, it is important to provide a safe, predictable place for your dog to go. Even the best dogs can become unhinged when renovations are taking place.  A bathroom with a baby gate would allow both restriction and opportunity for him to see and hear what is around. Should the project be a short-term one, doggie day care is an option as well.

Joy Freedman is a dog behaviorist and obedience instructor. She can be reached at joy@4pawspetservices.com or www.joyfreedman.com.

 

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