Educational Articles
-
Using desensitization and counterconditioning, a behavior modification technique, can change a pet's negative emotional response to triggers. The technique is well suited for pets experiencing fear, frustration, or hyperarousal. Desensitization must be done slowly and systematically to avoid inadvertently sensitizing the pet.
-
Dog Behavior and Training: Play and Exercise
Jugar con los propietarios y con otros perros no sólo proporciona ejercicio al perro sino que también satisface sus necesidades sociales. La falta de ejercicio puede contribuir a problemas como la hiperexcitabilidad, el comportamiento destructivo, la búsqueda constante de atención, la vocalización excesiva (ladridos), etc. Es especialmente importante asegurarse de que el perro ha hecho suficiente ejercicio antes de dejarlo solo en casa.
-
Dog Behavior and Training: Neutering and Behavior
Cuando son machos, muchos animales de compañía, de trabajo o de producción se castran, a menos que se quieran utilizar como reproductores. La castración es una práctica muy común para prevenir comportamientos sexuales inadecuados, reducir la agresividad y evitar la descendencia accidental o indiscriminada.
-
Lick granuloma in dogs, also known as acral lick dermatitis, is a condition manifested as chronic licking of an area of skin, usually on the forelimbs. This condition is thought to be both physical and psychological in nature. While the condition can be frustrating to get under control, most cases of lick granulomas can be successfully treated if the owner is willing to pursue extended tests and treatments.
-
Crate training is useful in many situations, such as providing a safe place when home alone or unsupervised. Dogs that are calm in their crates experience less distress when they need to travel, visit the veterinary hospital, or stay at a boarding facility. Starting while your dog is young makes training easier, but even adult dogs can be trained to relax in a crate. If your dog shows signs of distress (e.g., prolonged vocalization, eliminating inside the crate, trying to escape, salivation) while using the training methods provided in this handout, consult your veterinarian.
-
Dogs can have hearing loss due to increasing age or chronic ear infections, or they may be born with a defect. Deafness in dogs can present some challenges, but overall they can have healthy, normal lives. Training is still possible by making some modifications and incorporating hand signals. It is important to take their deafness into account when considering their safety and ensure that they are never off leash on or near a street.
-
Dogs pull ahead and lunge forward on leash for several reasons. Loose leash walking is a complex skill that requires patience, planning, and persistence. Positive reinforcement training is effective for teaching dogs how to walk nicely on a leash once their welfare needs have been met.
-
Helping Dogs with Severe Phobias During Storms and Fireworks
Los medicamentos pueden ser útiles en algunos casos, pero sólo puede prescribirlos un veterinario. No hay que olvidar que deben administrarse para que su efecto se manifieste ANTES de que empiece el ruido o la reacción de pánico del animal. Por norma general, se administran al menos una hora antes del acontecimiento.
-
Fears and Phobias in Dogs: Animals and People
Hay muchas razones por las que los perros desarrollan miedo a personas y a otros animales. En primer lugar, hay que recordar que la socialización durante el desarrollo del cachorro es esencial. Si el perro no ha recibido interacciones positivas, constantes y adecuadas con personas y otros animales, es probable que tenga reacciones de miedo en el futuro.
-
Fear of Noises in Dogs
Los miedos y fobias se pueden desarrollar a partir de una sola experiencia (shock condicionado) o a partir de una exposición continuada a un estímulo que provoca miedo. Hay perros que presentan síntomas leves, como ir de un lado a otro o jadear, y otros que muestran mayor agitación y pueden llegar a manifestar conductas destructivas y mostrar reacciones de pánico.