TV for Dogs Animal trainers and behaviorists have long recommended leaving on a radio or television when your dog is at home alone. Voices or music break up silence, causing a mild distraction. But no longer will your furry ones have to suffer through Barbra Streisand, world news, or whatever it is you like. There’s a new television station all for them. DogTV is a digital cable channel that features 24/7 dog-friendly programming. Its content “was created to meet specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing and support their natural behavior patterns,” according to the station’s website. Different programs focus either on relaxation (i.e., flowery fields and peaceful lakes), stimulation (dogs on the beach) or exposure to various stimuli (doorbells, car rides) via television. The channel is currently airing on cable networks in San Diego, but a major push is on to provide it on cable systems across the U.S. No word yet if Time Warner is picking up DogTV in Columbia, but for now you can stream online at www.dogtv.com. — Mary Ellen Cheatham
Photo by Daniel Coston
Tackling Separation Anxiety By Mary Ellen Cheatham
S
o your dog is your best friend. He loves to play and cuddle. He’s a little angel … when you’re home.
But when you leave for work or a night out, that sweet snuggle bunny might turn into a monster. He may bark or whine constantly, chew, dig or tear up things like furniture or doors. Separation anxiety is the likely culprit. Dogs often do not like to be alone, especially if they’ve developed a strong emotional attachment to their owners or have previously suffered abuse or abandonment. The problem is not specific to any breed or age, and can happen whether you get him from a shelter or breeder. The problem may seem hopeless, but don’t despair. Here’s a toolbox of do-ityourself training methods that can help your dog cope.
Wear Him (or Her) Out Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. That could be play and/or a vigorous walk. Tiring your dog will help him avoid behavioral issues that come with too
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Engage Your Dog’s Mind
much pent-up energy. Tina Heckman, a certified dog trainer who manages Doggie Park on Shop Road, suggests up to 45 minutes a day, depending on a dog’s age and health. Simply leaving a dog in the backyard doesn’t cut it, she says. “If they don’t have another dog they’re engaging with, or a person out there to play balls and stuff, they’re just puttering around the yard and usually digging stuff up.”
The Thundershirt
Mental stimulation is another biggie, says Heckman. Playing with your pooch and socializing him with other dogs helps him become comfortable in a variety of situations. Dog parks are a great outlet, she says, for both a dog’s mind and body. Treat-filled toys, such as KONG products, also keep a dog occupied. The treats are stuffed into the toy, and the dog has to work to get it out. Heckman suggests giving one to your dog and then leaving the room without him. “That’s keeping them busy while you are there so they’re not dependent on you for their emotions and for their activity,” she says.
Ignore Him
It sounds like a gimmick from the Home Shopping Network, but many dog owners swear by the effectiveness of The Thundershirt. Basically, it’s a weighted vest that applies pressure to your dog, a technique that has a dramatic calming effect to help dogs cope with everything from thunderstorms and fireworks to separation anxiety.
It may sound mean, but ignoring your dog’s efforts to get attention helps to prevent or break his emotional dependency on you. Don’t acknowledge your dog at all for about 15-20 minutes before you leave, says Heckman. The same is true when for you return. No big welcome parties or heavy interaction, except maybe a potty break.
Find Triggers, Break Up Routine The simple act of picking up your car keys or grabbing your coat can be a major cue to the dog that you’re leaving. Experts recommend that you find out which cues provoke anxiety, and then desensitize your dog to them. For instance, pick up your keys and then go read a book instead of leaving. As your dog’s anxiety lessens, then you can start “graduated” departures, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Leave for a couple of minutes, maybe a quick run to the mailbox. Once your dog responds positively to that short time alone, then gradually increase your time away. Maybe you can next walk around the block. The next move might be a trip to the store, and so on.
Crates and Medication Crates can aid in training by protecting a dog from hurting himself or helping him feel more secure. If you need one, make sure it’s a positive place, with treats, a toy or two,
Resources ASPCA aspcabehavior.org/articles/40/ Separation-Anxiety.aspx
Humane Society humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/ tips/separation_anxiety.html
WebMD pets.webmd.com/dogs/separationanxiety-dogs
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