Competent Pup

12/12/2024

At this point in time, most folks understand the link between pain and behavior. It’s logical: you don’t feel well, you have less patience and tolerance, you lash out or shut down or otherwise are not the best version of yourself. It makes sense that the same would be true for dogs.

But how do we know there is pain with animals who cannot verbalize that pain?

The short answer: we can’t know.

The longer answer: we also can’t know there ISN’T pain.

Meet Malus.

From puppyhood, he’s been a little spicy. But he’s a terrier, so that’s normal, right? He didn’t like having his feet handled. No biggie. And as he got older, he got a little reactive to other dogs - again, see “terrier” in the dictionary. And after he got neutered at 2.5 years old, his behavior spiraled - going after his housemates, aggression directed at his owners, even less tolerance for handling, increased fence fighting. But there’s some evidence of increased aggression after neutering, so maybe he just got unlucky.

For many folks, that explanation would’ve been enough. They would’ve worked on behavior modification, or just accepted a crate and rotate household, or managed the heck out of all of his triggers… or, honestly, would’ve ended up euthanizing him for his dangerous behavior.

Luckily, Malus’s mom is Katrina, who is essentially a terrier in a human body. She dug in.

Training, a veterinary behaviorist, consulting with other behavior experts, expensive testing - and then we got our first physical explanation: low zinc.

But even with a zinc supplement, his aggressive episodes remained unpredictable. Katrina had noticed some very, very intermittent lameness, foot chewing, butt/tail biting, so off they went to the first orthopedic specialist - one who cleared him orthopedically for all activities.

So they did physical therapy, and pain meds, and kept working on training.

But the weird, mild lameness continued, and so did visits to specialists. A neurologist who recommended an MRI, then more physical therapy for a possible psoas strain, different meds, another orthopedic/rehab specialist consultation, adjustments to physical therapy, a PEMF bed for home use, adjustments to behavior meds, consults with nationally respected trainers and behavior specialists, and finally - FINALLY - a recommendation to see a pain management specialist.

“I think he may have Tethered Cord Syndrome. I’m going to try different pain meds, but there’s a specialist in Massachusetts you should get in touch with.”

With the new meds on board, his behavior improved. He was brighter, happier, had fewer episodes of lameness, self mutilation, and aggression.

Yesterday, Malus had a dynamic MRI at Tufts, where Tethered Cord Syndrome was confirmed.

Today, he had surgery to relieve the adhesions to his spinal cord that have been causing him pain.

He was never “just being a terrier.” He was not acting out for no good reason. He didn’t need harsher training methods. He wasn’t aggressing for no reason.

He was in pain.

There are no words to adequately describe how thrilled I am for Katrina and Malus to have this diagnosis and surgery in their rear view mirror - it has been a long time coming. The strain on Katrina and Kevin’s emotions, time, resources, finances, and household over the last 5 years cannot be overstated. Most folks wouldn’t - and couldn’t - go to the lengths they did.

We can’t rule out pain. We can only rule out specific issues and diagnoses. For Malus, it took finding the right vet who had heard about this rarely diagnosed issue to connect them with the vet who could help.

To my clients I encourage to work with their veterinarian to try to find any physical explanations: Katrina and Malus are the reason why I will push you more if your primary care vet shrugs you off. It’s why I will push and push and push, especially if your commitment to training and management is excellent but we still are struggling to make progress. Malus is on my shoulder (sometimes literally), poking me with his nose, screeching in my ear to look harder.

If you’ve ever heard him, you know how hard that ✨ delightful ✨ noise is to ignore.

(PS - Here’s your sign to sign up for pet insurance.)

To learn more about Tethered Cord Syndrome:
https://vet.tufts.edu/news-events/news/breakthrough-surgical-procedure-relieves-dogs-chronic-pain

02/12/2024

TLDR: immediately

Yesterday

Right now

Here’s the rub - as soon as you have a new dog or tiny puppy in your possession, you are already training. That individual is learning from you. The brain is on, and making associations. Rapidly.

Even a brand new puppy

It is in everyone’s best interest to be an active participant in this matter

Do you dive into basic obedience demands straight away?! Maybe. But probably not.

Instead, hitting the ground running, building positive associations with all new experiences, and teaching basic concepts about learning and life, are great ways to center your new companion and their emotional wellbeing

Dog training skills teach owners how to teach their own dog, keep them occupied and enriched, prevent behavior modification situations later on, and build strong and rewarding, HEALTHY relationships with secure attachments

Most human beings are not born, nor taught, the knowledge on how to train dogs, or properly affect behavior using science. Certified, positive pup professionals can provide pup parents the skills and info they need to create success and avoid mishaps with their pups!

Don’t wait. It’s never too soon.

29/11/2024

Let’s be honest, most behavior happens for an audience 👁️👄👁️💅

28/11/2024

A big huwo from Penguin and Possum

16/11/2024

‘Aggression’ is a broad label that includes many behaviors.

When contacting a dog training professional who employs the science of behavior, you will likely hear a similar response initially: “Please go to your vet ASAP”

Symptoms of aggression are often medical, and science-based pup professionals understand the importance of ruling out factors, before proceeding with a behavior modification program

Often, pup parents find with help from their vet (and maybe a couple of second opinions 😬), that their animal is experiencing soreness, has a painful tooth, arthritis, digestion issues, disordered thyroid, or other health factors that directly (or indirectly!) influence behavior

11/11/2024

UPDATE: Due to insanity-level genius on my part, the stooges have been supremely organized

Horn: tooted
My back: patted

You’re so welcome very much

07/11/2024

Winnie and
Ingrid
sittin in a
TREE

31/10/2024

Some ppl will get it

And those are the ones I care about

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the Edie’s

27/09/2024

17/09/2024

Many people who feel passionately about their work absolutely RELISH an info dumping opportunity 🤤

So, please don’t ask questions unless you are ready for some answers and potential discussion to go with!

I LOVE QUESTIONS. Ask away.

I think people should feel safe and comfortable to ask questions and advocate for themselves and their pup learners!

If you are not comfortable asking questions to a professional with whom you are working, and paying, this can be a sign that you feel unsafe doing so - this is not your fault! Many people have a learning history of experiencing punishment for being curious, asking things, or god forbid QUESTIONING AUTHORITY

Ask. Follow-up. Pushback. WE LIKE IT 💗

And we understand how learning works - cos SCIENCE

12/09/2024

One might argue that passive cruelty or neglect tend to manifest from convenience or function. For example, professional groomers or dog trainers may be motivated by a need or desire to get results at whatever cost to the pet. Economically, they may be motivated by profit and the need for expeditious business transactions. These practices may include pinning down a dog to trim his nails or applying physical punishment, such as a leash jerk, to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash.

10/09/2024

Today’s Pup Camp Pic

We are sofa king cute

Missing Competent Pup Camper, Sully today (and a few others)

Some of us have to lay down in every shot, bc our giant ears block everyone

09/09/2024

Poor people, disabled people, and all marginalized people deserve to have companion animals in their lives, and they deserve to be able to keep them happy, safe, and healthy.

-

Image shows the cast of the Bunnicula TV special, including Howard the dog, Chester the Cat, Bunnicula the vampire rabbit, and another rabbit whose name I cannot remember or find. Text says “pet care should be accessible for all.”

08/09/2024

Today’s Bfast!

Raw turkey/hearts/liver/bone

Chicken toot

Egg

Sweet potato

31/08/2024

One of my OG students, Rory 💗🐾

29/08/2024

Some dogs are afraid of fly swatters.

Why?
Human aggression, body language, and moveable objects, to name a few maybes/perhapses.

Dogs are sensitive. Aware. They see movement and body language, watch the behavior of the individuals around them and in their environment, and respond accordingly. They have a real experience on this earth.

Dogs have even developed the special ability to read human faces! This provides valuable information and keeps them safe when enduring the most aggressive species on this planet - and their caretakers - humans!

‘Moveable objects’ is a commonly used term in professional dog training regarding ‘things & stuff’ that move and change the body/movement/appearance. Like putting on a hat, or using a cane or a baby stroller. These are ‘moveable objects’ that change our appearance and behavior that dogs may respond to. Like skateboards are another great example!

I hate flies! I get distracted and annoyed with flies BUZZING inside the house when they make it inside. I have multiple dog students who also dislike flies - seemingly, I think and in my professional opinion - and will stop whatever they are doing to address harassment from these pests: chomping at them, hyper vigilance, refuse treats, stiff and preoccupied, etc.
While others seem unperturbed (good for them!).

When I pick up a fly swatter in my home, I am HUNTING and I mean to KILL. I am wielding a weapon (fly swatter). I feel aggressive and I’m sure I look aggressive. There is swearing - often - and my aim has become poorer somehow - adding to my frustrations and human antics.

I can’t do anything else until I kill this gd fly. I am weak that way. I need to fill my cup first: address (murder) the fly, and then I can move on.

So some dogs don’t prefer fly swatters. Moveable objects are creepy, you are clearly wielding a weapon and meaning to cause harm, stomping about with a furrowed brow, swearing (ME, MYSELF), unpredictable/sudden swings, a loud SMACK (or several!) before an angry celebration (only once successful at KILLING). That’s an association and then some!

Sully is a young pup still learning about a big new world. He has gone to puppy classes and is continuing education, his parents are diligent educators & caretakers, he has a little (doggie) brother at home, consistent training and experiences - he is a well-socialized, trained dog. He not small, I’ll say.

Sully is scared of fly swatters, and I don’t blame him at all - in fact, I think it makes perfect sense.

As an evidence-based, certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, I continue to remain incredibly unimpressed by white men with funny accents wielding BIG STICKS (or cans of SHHHH!) and calling it dog training when they are simply using well-established human aggression to freak out all their students (innocent dogs). Anyone can do that - you look like a ‘total wanker.’ How boring and unkind.

26/08/2024

Common problems!

So you’ve trained a behavior, like recall (come when called, “come here, Fido!”), or “inside!” and now it doesn’t seem to be working

What was once a seemingly reliable behavior - is now not

PRO TIP!
A decrease in behavior is an indicator of punishment. No, you weren’t being (intentionally) mean to your dog (I hope!). But the consequence of the behavior decreased (instead of increased) the desired behavior.

Punishment = decrease
Reinforcement = increase

Termination of an activity is a great way to punish a recall and/or ‘come inside’ cue! Your dog may want to sniff, explore, sun bathe, see stuff, the list goes on and on (and on and ON!)

You call your dog. They come. You leave the awesome park.
You call your dog inside. They come. Door closes and outside time is over - no more squirrels.

SO, we are seeking increase in behavior, instead of decrease in behavior. Reinforcement is the key to increased behaviors.

What is the easily accessible and naturally occurring reinforcement available in the situations??
Answer: send them back out again!
Call dog. Provide big fat paycheck (like high value food reward) AND send them back out or away! Repeat.

Be aware of asking your pup to do things and then turning into a Donald Downer Party Pooping Yum Yucker about it - U N C O O L 😎

25/08/2024

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