My Pet World: Give dog something more interesting to do than fixate on your Guinea pigs

DENVER, CO -- These reader questions about dog behavior were answered by veterinary behaviorists attending the Convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association July 25-29 at the Colorado Convention Center.

Each of these behaviorists contributed to "Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones," authored by members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and edited by myself and Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY; $27).

Q: I came across your radio show by accident one day and enjoyed it thoroughly. As a psychologist, I'm interested in behavior issues. Molly, our 13-year-old Golden Retriever, is infatuated with the two Guinea pigs my son recently purchased. She's so obsessed that we need to distract her to get her to eat. What's this all about? Does she want to mother them? -- J.F., Chattanooga, TN

A: "Of course, it's hard to say what's going on in your dog's head, but it's likely either entertaining for your dog to watch the Guinea pigs, or maybe she's waiting for lunch," says veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lore Haug, of Houston, TX. "Likely, the Guinea pig focus has nothing to do with mothering."

Regardless of what your dog is doing, it's not healthy for her to be so fixated on the Guinea pigs, says Haug, President of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

"It's important for old dogs to learn new things anyway," she says. "Old dogs sometimes have increasingly smaller and smaller worlds. It's possible there's nothing else going on in her life. Increase the amount of enrichment she receives."

Offer Molly treats from food puzzles and other toys that encourage dogs to think in order to receive their reward. Drive a mile or two away to walk her in a new park. Attend a training class that teaches scent games.

"Expand your dog's world beyond the Guinea pigs," Haug says.

Also, as a precaution, never allow the Guinea pigs to be unsupervised when your dog is near.

And thanks for listening to my radio show, even if it was only by accident!

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Q: Our tall Goldendoodle, Mitzi, steals things. She takes food off the counter and has developed a taste for soiled underwear. I try to make these things unavailable, but sometimes I forget. This is embarrassing because Mitzi also takes shorts from houseguests. What do you think about booby-trapping the underwear with Cayenne pepper? -- K.F.K., Sugar Grove, IL

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kathryn Houpt, a legend in veterinary medicine, has seen it all. "Obviously, taking food from counter is common, but so are dogs who are underwear thieves," she says. "The underwear smells like their favorite people; it's interesting to dogs. Also, sometimes, taking underwear is a very effective way to get attention (even if it means being hollered at), or beginning a fun game of chase (though it's no fun for the person with the stolen underwear)."

I assume you mean booby-trapping the underwear to surprise the dog -- not the person. Sprinkling those unmentionables with cayenne pepper certainly might teach Mitzi a lesson. However, some dogs might not care.

"Instead of going through the trouble of setting up an elaborate trap, ask your houseguests to pick up their underwear," Houpt suggests. The same goes for curbing that counter-surfing: Don't leave food on the counters.

Meanwhile, give Mitzi opportunities to sniff out food or treats stuffed into toys. Teach her hide 'n seek to sniff out the toys. Also, try feeding her from food puzzles and toys that you can pour kibble into.

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Q: I'm desperate for help. We rescued Bear, our Labrador/Pit Bull/Boxer mix, at 2 weeks old from a veterinary office (where I work). He was the runt of the litter, and his mother wasn't feeding him. He stopped breathing twice, and we saved him.

At about a year, Bear began to act weird, guarding his food and acting aggressively toward my other dogs. He even attacks the other dogs when I pass out treats.

We brought in a dog trainer, who suggested a specific routine, which I admit our family hasn't consistently followed. I've also babied Bear from day one, so maybe the problem is partially my fault. I'd consider re-homing him, but worry what might happen if he were around other dogs or children. Any advice? -- M.G., Tarpon Springs, FL

A: Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Marsha Reich, of Silver Spring, MD, says there are several red flags in your email, and she suggests seeing a veterinary behaviorist -- sooner rather than later.

Obviously, if you're concerned about this dog being around kids, that's a huge worry. Also, Reich notes that while food-aggressive dogs may fight each other over a meal or treats, they rarely direct that aggression toward their people.

Until the problem is resolved, Reich suggests feeding Bear behind a closed door. And wait until your other dogs are finished eating before opening that door. Any toys with food or other valued resources should be taken away until you can get help.

You're correct that the entire family must follow the suggestions offered by the behaviorist. Also, Reich says, you might have to adjust your expectations for Bear. But don't blame yourself. While it's unclear what caused the problem, it's not you.

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