ArcaMax

LAS VEGAS -- These reader questions were answered by attendees of the of Clinical Animal Behavior 2015 Conference, Sept. 25-27, presented by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians and Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians.

There is available and qualified help for pet behavior problems, and the solution may be right at your veterinary hospital. This group includes veterinarians with a special interest in animal behavior and veterinary technicians who are specialists in animal behavior.

Q: Our 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel barks incessantly at the kitchen table because my mom feeds her from the table. Naturally, she's associated barking with getting food. How do we untrain her? -- M. R., Buffalo, NY

A: Truth is mom needs to be untrained. However, wisely Dr. Laure Schulze of Columbus, Ohio, has an idea, "The reality is that mom feels she needs to feed the dog. So, let her do that -- but only from another location, aside from the kitchen. Maybe the dog gets the treat only after everyone is finished with their meal. You can teach the dog to stay at a place -- such as a dog bed. Or put up a baby gate or it the dog is crate-trained, the dog can be in the crate while the family eats. Now, expect to deal with attention seeking barking, but don't respond -- or you'll also teach the dog that she gets fed or at the very least receives attention for barking.

Schulze said teaching your dog to wait quietly for mom to feed her is a difficult behavior to learn, but receiving professional help to show you how could be very helpful.

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Q: My 13-year-old Labrador Retriever has taken to licking her bed, and our carpet. She seems obsessed with licking. Is there any possible physical explanation for this behavior? -- S. J. Henderson, NV

A: "Yes, there is a potential physical explanation," begins Denver and New York City-based veterinary behaviorist Dr. E'lise Christensen. "We know dogs might lick just as you describe if they're experiencing stomach upset or nausea. Gastrointestinal problems or kidney disease are among possible explanations. It's important to see your veterinarian."

It's possible that for whatever reason, the dog once licked at the carpet, and a family member responded by laughing or even reprimanded and unintentionally reinforced the behavior.

If there is no medical explanation, giving the pup something else to lick might work. You can create a sort of "pupscicle" by freezing low salt chicken or beef bouillon, baby food or moist dog food into a sterilized bone or a Kong toy.

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