Question: We have a 18-month-old Lab and he is very nice dog. But we are having trouble with him getting up on the bar. He is happy dog when we got him and loves his walks. There is anything that we should do to keep him off the bar and be a happy dog? — Chris
Answer: A Lab is a pretty big dog to be climbing up on the bar in your house. If you want to stop a behavior, first figure out why it is happening. In this case, why is your dog inclined to get up on the bar? He could be looking for food, trying to see out of the house, chasing a cat, trying to get away from another dog/animal, or height seeking because he is afraid of an outside stimulus.
You can figure out the “why” of what is happening based on when it occurs, which stimuli are present when he does this and if the bar is near a window where he can see out. If you can’t figure out why he is doing it, just videotape him and you will have the answer.
Once you find out why it is happening, just eliminate the reward. For example, don’t leave food out on the counter, confine him to a different part of the house or close the blinds. You can also move the bar stools that he may be using to launch himself onto the bar. If he has an anxiety-related problem (e.g., thunderstorm phobia), see your veterinarian about which course of action you should take.
Dr. Radosta
Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
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