Question: My 3-year-old Bichon Frise barks wildly and repeatedly turns in circles when I approach and open the door to my patio. I have tried to calm her down with treats, but nothing seems to work. She is otherwise, sweet and seems to understand almost everything we say to her, except for the above. Any thoughts on this matter? ? Rita
Answer: Your dog is either excited or anxious. She is displaying a displacement behavior. These types of behaviors are displayed when a dog is conflicted or frustrated. She may be afraid to go outside or afraid that you will leave her inside. She may just be really excited and unable to control herself.
To correct this, first teach your dog to sit. When she can sit on your verbal cue, start to ask her to sit for all interactions with any person. This means that any privilege including petting and going outside, start with sit.
It should take her about a week to get this down pat. When she knows this, you can start by going to the door with her next to you. Ask her to sit before she starts spinning — this is a really important step — and then reward her immediately. If food is a reward for her, great, give her a treat. If she is excited about going outside, instead of a treat, open the door immediately and tell her that she can go out. Soon, she will understand that only calm behavior yields her a reward.
If your dog is afraid to go out or is afraid to be left inside when you go out, speak to your veterinarian about the treatments for anxiety and fear.
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
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2012/03/08/bichon-barks-turns-in-circles-near-patio-door/
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