ArcaMax

These reader questions regarding challenging canine behavior were answered by veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lore (cq) Haug, of Sugar Land, TX. Lore is one of 20 contributing authors of "Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones" (Houghton Mifflin, New York, NY, 2014; $27). I'm one of the book's editors with Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi.

Q: We rescued a 6-week-old puppy, in part, to be a loving companion for my 4-year-old granddaughter, who lives with me. That was a big mistake.

The puppy is terrier/Chihuahua-mix, and a relentless ankle biter. The constant soundtrack in our home is, "No!" We've tried growling at the dog, yanking on her leash, swatting her with a newspaper, yelping 'ouch' like a littermate, and rewarding her for calm behavior.

I realize that if this dog had grown up with the mother and littermates, excessive biting would have handled by the other dogs. Today, my granddaughter and I have scratches and bites all over.

We offer our dog lots of toys, but she's not interested in them. We're keeping her in a large wire pen so she can't run around biting us. If we can stop the biting, I think she'd be a good pet. Is there any hope of saving this puppy? -- P.K., via cyberspace

A: "The exercise pen is a great idea," says Haug. "The aversive methods have only made the dog more serious about this biting, so it's likely not play, though the behavior could have begun that way. If you continue those methods, they'll only diminish the dog's trust and your ability to teach (her)."

Instead, Haug suggests you offer your pup various toys (individual dogs have different preferences) inside the exercise pen. Encourage her to play, either by tossing a toy or (depending the toy) stuffing treats inside. When she expresses any interest in a toy, reward her with treats and praise.

"Meanwhile, whenever your granddaughter is nearby, keep the dog in the pen," says Haug. "When you do take her out of the pen, put a leash on. Should she go after your ankles again, use the leash to direct her back to the pen. Once she's in the pen, walk away." That way, she gets no further attention for biting at ankles, and at best can only continue the behavior sporadically, if at all.

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Q: We adopted a wonderful Cocker Spaniel last June. She loves people and settled beautifully into our home. We had an electronic fence, which we used successfully with our previous dog and we wanted to train Sally to it.

The trainer came out and tried, but when Sally heard the audible warning (before reaching the flags at the periphery of the fence), she ran back in the house and since then, all attempts to lure her back out have failed.

The trainer (for the electronic fencing company) suggested we remove the battery and slowly get the dog accustomed to wearing the empty collar. This took some time but worked. Then we began to associate walking by the flags with treats. Everything seemed to be going well, so we started the training again -- and again when Sally heard the audio signal, she freaked out.

I've read that dogs who've been abused (which Sally was) may respond more excessively. Should we persist with the fence training? -- M.A.T., Wilmington, NC

A: "No! Don't persist," says Haug. "Some dogs can tolerate electronic fencing and do rather well, but some dogs do not."

One concern is for dogs who "break" the electronic barrier to follow a squirrel, another dog, or kids running down the street. Another is for dogs who are too sensitive to even tolerate the training.

"It may be that (Sally) was accidently shocked and it wasn't merely the sound," says Haug. "But it really doesn't matter. If you do persist, (she) may shut down to all training, and even be traumatized or at least unnerved -- which is what the dog seems to be now."

The fact that Sally was previously abused likely has little to do with her response.

Haug suggests that if you can afford it and are allowed a real fence, that would be preferred. A dog run could work, or tethering Sally to a long line if an adult family member is outside to supervise. These restrictions may encourage more leash walks, which is beneficial to the dog and likely to family members.

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Q: About a year ago, Maggie began to become agitated by the sound of the phone. This usually calm terrier jumps on my leg, and even sinks her teeth into my leg when the phone rings. We tried another phone, but the problem only worsened.

A dog trainer suggested squirting Maggie with water when she tries to bite, but that hasn't worked. I've tried various ring tones, but that doesn't help, either.

I can't imagine my life without a dog. I love my dog, but believe she's unhappy when the phone rings. Can you help? -- K.Y., Allentown, PA

A: Haug says to solicit help from a good friend or relative. Have that person call you from a cell phone while standing in another part of the house. First, turn the ringers off on all your phones, except for one. If you can, turn down the volume of that one phone so it's barely audible (remember dogs hear far better than we do).

"The second (the phone) rings, toss highly valued treats to your dog," says Haug. "The second it stops ringing, stop offering the treats."

Over time, you can pump up the volume on the one phone. Gradually add to the number of times you let the phone ring before offering treats. Also, one by one, increase the number of phones that ring (if you have more than one). Later, Haug suggests adding the movement of walking over to the phone to answer.

"You do need to do something," says Haug. "You are rightfully concerned; your dog may be anxious about that phone ringing, and I'm concerned about the biting and that your dog could knock you over."

Haug says you might need professional help to demonstrate the course of action she's suggesting.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.

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