Dogs are very complicated creatures—in many cases, way more so than we give them credit for. And while some people live by the idea that “it’s just a dog,” a creature without feelings or emotions, people who treat their pups as a member of the family know better. We have seen them rejoice with unbridled enthusiasm when their caregiver gets home from work, we have heard them “protect” their family and home from anyone who comes to the door, and we have witnessed true depression in one dog when an elder fur baby passes away.
Sydney Warner, BS Psychology, ABCDT, Dip.CBST, IAABC-ADT, Elite FFCP, is a Certified Dog Trainer, Canine Behavior Consultant, and Owner of Clever Critters, LLC. She has spent the better part of her adult life learning more about dogs and how we can be better caregivers when we better understand their thought-processes and behaviors. In this segment, she provides additional input on why dogs do what they do.
What is the best way to socialize my puppy/newly adopted dog?
Clever Critters: To work with a certified professional using updated and humane training practices who also specializes in puppies. Most people don’t homeschool their kids, so why do we expect that most caregivers can “homeschool” their puppies? There are a lot of nuances and details to understand to most appropriately socialize your puppy, such as the difference between gradual positive exposure and flooding. Additionally, just like children, our dogs go through different developmental stages that have different needs and affect the dog differently at each stage. This is one reason socializing a new puppy is different than “socializing” a newly adopted dog.
Why do dogs always follow me into the bathroom?
Clever Critters: Dogs are a social species and generally like to be where we are. For some dogs, this goes a bit further and could be hyper-attachment or separation-related behaviors such as separation or isolation anxiety.
Why do dogs chase their own tails?
Clever Critters: For puppies, it could be a way to further explore their own bodies, much like babies and toddlers. Sometimes it is seen as a part of play behaviors, while in others it could be a displacement for feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or conflicted. There are also physical and mental health causes such as pain or discomfort in the tail or a compulsion disorder. Some breeds may be more predisposed to exhibiting compulsive behaviors than others, and tail chasing is one common indicator when assessed with some other observable behaviors.
Why do some dogs tear up their toys? Is this a bad behavior?
Clever Critters: Not at all! This is very normal dog behavior, but some dogs exhibit it more frequently or more intensely than others. It is an instinctual behavior that feels good and enriches your dog’s life. There are instances when tearing up their toys (and other items) may be related to stress, but this is based on the observable behavior being assessed.
What series of shots do puppies need before they can go out in public? At what intervals should they receive them?
Clever Critters: Once a puppy gets their first set of puppy vaccines, they should begin going to carefully selected safe places for socialization and habituation. This does not mean they should visit dog-concentrated or dog-frequented areas as there are risks of illness. Puppies should visit new places to see, hear, smell, and even touch new things as part of their learning about the world they live in. Contact a certified humane puppy trainer to safely work on this.
How can I housebreak my puppy/newly adopted dog?
Clever Critters: Housetraining can be achieved through utilizing routines, environmental arrangements, active supervision, and positive reinforcement. Having a routine that sets your puppy or dog up for successful potty breaks ensures they have a lot of practice going in the desirable location. Setting up the environment to help could be how and where crates, pens, potty pads, and other helpful items are located around the home. When your puppy or dog is being actively supervised it is easier to get them out when needed and avoid the dreaded accidents. Using positive reinforcement, or access to things the dog wants, will help increase the desired behavior. The use of punishment for accidents will work against your house-training goals as this is likely only to teach the dog not to go in front of you, to hide somewhere when they go, to not go and build up a potential medical concern, and other risks.
How can I crate train my puppy/newly adopted dog?
Clever Critters: Never force your puppy or dog to be in the crate, and do not let them “cry it out.” Both of these have been shown to cause or increase anxiety and distress. Instead, begin with leaving the crate open and allowing the dog the choice to enter it on their own or not. Pair positive things with being in (or near) the crate, such as scattering treats in it a few times each day and tossing treats in when the dog has chosen to go into it. Allow the dog to sleep and play in it with the door open for some time. When the dog is feeling good about being inside you can gradually add closing the door and hanging out calmly nearby then eventually moving towards leaving the dog in the crate. Some dogs will go through this quickly, while others may need more time and smaller steps. Using an exercise pen attached to a crate or placing the crate in a gated room can help with any needed confinement in the meantime.
Why do dogs bark at other dogs? When our dogs are in the house or in the backyard and another dog is getting a walk on the sidewalk in front of our home, they go crazy. Should I try to discourage this?
Clever Critters: Barking is normal behavior for dogs, and more common in some breeds than others. Dogs will bark for quite a few reasons, including alerting, anxiousness or fear, and excitement. Before embarking on any training plan to address your dog’s barking, it is important to have an accurate assessment of why they are barking. Ultimately, it would be more pleasant for everyone if your dog doesn’t “go crazy” barking at other dogs, but do not utilize a punishment-based program as this comes with many risks like causing or exacerbating aggression and fear. When possible, try to prevent your dog from barking in the first place by going out at strategic times or using visual barriers. If your dog does bark, work on redirecting them to alternative activities they enjoy. If your dog cannot redirect easily, you may need to just bring them inside or away and work with a humane trainer to develop a more gradual protocol.
How can I leash train my dog?
Clever Critters: Dogs are meant to move around a lot, are generally faster paced than us, and should be engaging with the environment by sniffing. One way I teach leash manners is starting with a long lead, so the leash is rarely tight. I generously reinforce the dog with treats for behaviors I see and want to see more of, such as checking in with me, moving to me, walking with me, and disengaging from various stimuli. When a long lead isn’t appropriate to use, I like Pattern Games by Leslie McDevitt, especially “1-2-3 Treat!” No matter what other skills or type of leash I use I am always looking for behaviors to capture and reinforce. Sometimes with treats, other times with providing more access to favorite sniffing spots, greeting known people and dogs, playing with a toy, and any other things the dog enjoys.
When is the best time to start puppies on basic training?
Clever Critters: Puppies are able to begin learning behaviors and cues effectively at eight weeks old. Working on basic training while going through socialization and habituation is very beneficial, but basic training should not be prioritized over more important skills. Dogs can learn basic cues at any age, but vital developmental periods from puppyhood through social maturity need to focus on teaching emotional regulation and “life skills.”