ACC
K9 Servant
Feb 5, 2010, 5:55 AM
Views: 13311
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Re: [ACC] THE JOYS OF BEAGLING
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COMMON PROBLEMS ON BEAGLE
Separation Anxiety... Separation anxiety is a self-perpetuating condition that occurs in response to being left alone. If manifests itself in panting, howling, abnormal drooling, barking and destructive chewing. It does no good to chastise a dog with this condition, because it really not in control of its own actions. Experts believe that the condition is caused by overstimulation of the parts of the brain that regulate fear and stress responses. Separation anxiety is a common condition in rescued Beagles;in fact it is most frequently seen in shelter or rescue dogs. These animals have already had a horrible experience with abandonment. Solution... In dogs with separation anxiety, it turns out that most destructive chewing occurs right after the owner leaves and just before he returns home, when the dog's anxiety level is highest. To avert the first, leave some chew toys around. By the time he/she done with them, it may be relaxed enough to stop chewing, at least for a few hours. To avert the second scenario, some owners teach their dogs do not greet the dog until he presents the toy. Within a few days, the dog figures out that it's a good idea to have a toy on hand in anticipation of the owner's return. As anxiety builds as the magic hour draws near, it begins to chew nervously on the toy rather than the furniture. Because Beagles are pack dogs, they may be comforted by the additional of another dog or even a cat, but don't count on it. (And don't get another pet merely in the hope that he/she will cure your dog's anxiety.) It's human companionship they crave, as a rule. But more than other breeds, Beagles can frequently be helped by additional of a fellow pet.
Dominance and Aggression... Only rarely do Beagles exhibit this distasteful behavior, but when they do, it's always serious and needs to be addressed. If your Beagle has ever bitten you (other than a misplaced nip when he/she was a puppy), you should talk to your vet and have a medical workup done. The vet may also be able to recommend a behaviorist. One of the scariest early signs of aggression is growl. However, a growl may not mean that your dog is about to tear you limb from limb. It's a form of communication like any other. Generally, it means "Back off". Dogs actually have different tones in their growls. A higher pitched growl, for example, usually means that the dog wants to be left alone. Lower growls may mean an attack is imminent. He/she may be afraid or in pain. The dog may be protecting its toys, turf or bed. It may be growling when cornering a mouse or rabbit. Dogs also growl in play, such as when playing tug-of-war. Solution... In general, it is best to respect a growling dog. Don't try to "show the dog who's boss." This is the kind of behavior that leads to being bitten. If your Beagle growls a you when you try to remove it from the chair, offer some cheese to get it off. Then, don't let the dog back on the chair. Establish a firm leadership and your dog will soon not think of challenging it. If it does, consult a behaviorist or your vet. Again, however, this nasty sort of behavior is extremely rare in Beagles. It's one of the reasons why Beagles are just about the best dogs in the world. A well-trained Beagle is a joy to be around. In fact, training will build his/her self-confidence, which in turn will help your dog become a valued companion and member of the family.
Next... Puppy Kindergarten And Dog Obedience School
(This post was edited by ACC on Feb 5, 2010, 6:00 AM)
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