It’s A Dog’s Life—

Training Problems

By Mary Jane Anderson

Dog owners have questions; here are three common subject queries:

Question: My dog Molly is left alone often. I feel sorry for her. What could I do to help her not to be depressed when I am gone?

Answer: Companionship could help Molly pass her lonely hours. Since loneliness and frustration can lead to barking and destroying objects around the house, a playmate can be just the thing to relieve her boredom. Not necessarily another dog. Why not consider a kitten as a pet. I know a family that have a dog and cat who have a great friendship. Trapper is a beagle who spends his time in the backyard during the day. He and Wally, a free-running cat, have a wonderful relationship together. Indoors or outside, you often find them sitting together basking in the sun, sharing the dog house on a cold day, or sharing their meals. Left alone by the family, they’re never lonely.

If you choose a dog as Molly’s companion, two dogs usually have little trouble with one another and especially if you get a male companion rather than the same sex. However, I suggest that if you introduce a cat or a dog as a playmate, you begin with a small kitten or a puppy, preferably when the family is together and you are able to supervise Molly’s behavior. Some dogs do not take to cats easily; some not at all. Fortunately, that does not happen too often, and cats and dogs soon form an understanding between themselves.

Question: Sometimes, when Flip, my dog, sleeps, he whimpers, wags his tail, or even moves his legs as if he’s running. Do dogs dream, like people?

Answer: Yes. Dreaming is seen in all mammals, including dogs and cats. There are two stages of sleep. The first is when your animal is first laying down. He is very relaxed, but easily awakes up with an awareness of their surroundings. The second stage is when he is in a deeper sleeping stage. It is harder for him to wake up, and a short period of disorientation occurs. When Flip is very actively dreaming, you might have to quietly call him a few times so that you do not startle him. He’s likely to put his head up, giving you a confused look before he becomes aware of his surroundings especially if Flip is getting on in age. He’s probably still half and half out of his dream.

Question: My mother and I are having an argument about whether it’s ok to punish our dog by giving it a swat when necessary. What would you recommend?

Answer: Hitting is probably unnecessary and is often ineffective, sometimes quite counterproductive. Hitting the dog with your hand will probably teach him to fear your hand more than anything else. Hitting the dog is often a sign of frustration and lack of patience on your part. These signs are noted by our dog and there may be a number of unpleasant consequences — running away, biting from fear, aggressive behavior, or cowering.

Your job is not to punish, but to teach. The proper way to discipline a dog is to communicate your displeasure with a firm voice and to act the same way every time the dog misbehaves. Correction should be a mild as possible. Control your temper before you correct the dog. Hitting with a rolled-up newspaper against your free hand or on the floor is sometimes useful in dealing with behavior problems. The proper equipment, lead and collar, can be essential, but the lead should never be used for hitting, or should choking be used to inflect punishment. Inappropriate corrections have been the ruin of many good dogs.