2nd series.
Our dogs are not little people in furry suits. We love them that way, but the wiring upstairs is a little different. Newt, a Bichon Frize with a severe anxiety disorder, struggled greatly with life in the human world. Although he had a strong bond with his compatriots Anna and Tom, his heart was filled with anxiety. Contrary to their expectations, urine marking was not his favorite pastime.
Newt often lost impulse control. Almost anything could piss him off. If Anna reaches for him as they sit on the couch together, he might curl his lips and spout out offensive adjectives to the women in his life. It used to urinate on people, but suddenly stopped this disgusting behavior, preferring walls and furniture. He even jumped on the dining room table. This dog was completely relaxed he was only 10-15% of the time.
Newt had a strong connection with Anna. He followed her around the house, clinging to her like Velcro. Always half a glass person, this good guy felt like a potted plant when his wife wasn’t around, but thankfully less like a fire hydrant. was.
Newt’s reactive snapping also had to be changed. When Anna and Tom received visitors, the goblin chased them around the house, barking and pinching them. Scared the child’s poop when a cordial guest tried to pick him up. During a dog daycare evaluation, he intervened with an interviewer. Newt longed for a peaceful life. He wasn’t the only one.
Prescription Reconcile is a chewable tablet that does a great job of safely reducing anxiety, impulse control issues, and aggression. And it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration for separation anxiety. Now he only soiled his urine when both people were apart.
Next week: Reinforcements were part of the plan. there was no punishment.
• If you need help with a problem behavior, you can sign up for a Zoom group meeting on my website drjeffnichol.com.
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Dr. Jeff Nicol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He offers in-person and group consultations via Zoom (505-792-5131). Each week he shares blogs and videos to help bring out the best in pets and their people.Sign up for free at drjeffnichol.com. For pet questions, please post to facebook.com/drjeffnichol or mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.
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