Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our readers. You can reach him at dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com.
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David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
Dog Gone Problems,
My dog — a 3-year-old neutered male Jack Russell Terrier mix — has become nippy, aggressive and more nervous. He has had a lot less interaction with other dogs and people since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, he refuses to walk if he hears a car door slam nearby. He doesn’t behave well at all when any loud vehicle goes by. He does not like men (he used to). He is unpredictable near children, so I always warn them. He cannot be pet unless he wants to be. He only listens when he wants to, and he is housebroken when he wants to be. He has tantrums if he can't have people food.
And he nips. He nipped a woman who insisted all dogs can be petted. He nipped an employee's elbow in a retail store because she accidentally hit our cart with her hip. He has accidentally nipped my hand thinking I still had a tennis ball in my hand.
He goes crazy and barks uncontrollably when he hears people outside the front or back door. He now seems to have a delayed reaction to cats, rabbits and squirrels, which is good. He is a horror to walk and embarrassingly loud whenever anybody with or without a dog is nearby. Is it time for him to be relinquished to a S.A.F.E. animal shelter?
Mary
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Hi Mary,
You mentioned many things he does poorly, but you didn’t include any information about what you did to help train or socialize him. If you did not take him to puppy classes or teach him to gently take a treat or not pull on the leash, it’s not appropriate to expect he would behave the way you want in those situations.
You mentioned taking him to a retail store and nipping a woman because he was bumped by her and that he nipped another woman who insisted all dogs can be petted. If you know your dog is anxious and nervous, you should not be taking him anywhere that is going to cause additional stress. If someone demands to pet him and he doesn’t want them to (that's what a nip says), your job is to prevent that from happening. If the person won't listen to you, you need to walk away. You also mentioned he has tantrums if he can’t have people food. The easiest way to stop those tantrums is stop feeding him people food for good.
It seems like you were expecting the perfect dog automatically, and when your dog did not turn out that way, you are blaming the dog for his behavior instead of asking what you can do differently. If you are unwilling or unable to change how you interact with your dog, then, yes, it may be a good idea to re-home him to someone who can take care of those needs. But because you are writing me, I' going to give you the benefit of the doubt and share some tips that can help.
If you can find a place where you can observe people walking by but maintain a distance, this video will show you how to create a positive association with strangers.
Additionally, this video explains how you can train a dog to go to a dog bed. You should teach your dog to go to the dog bed and practice this before, during and after meals. You should also stop feeding your dog people food.
You mentioned he cannot be petted unless he wants to be. Is it possible you are disturbing him at times when he would prefer you don’t? I have had many clients who think their dog looks so cute and they have to go over and give it a kiss or a hug, which disturbs the dog. So if you were interacting with your dog when it has a bone, food or is sleeping, I would tell you to leave him be at those times.
Lastly, I want you to think about things from your dog’s perspective. Dogs are not calculating. When he barks on walks, it is not with a goal to embarrass you. It’s likely a result of him being overstimulated or fearful. If you don’t help him get over that fear or learn to calm down, he’s going to continue to react the same way.
This is another example of why we need to help teach or train the dog how we want them to behave, instead of simply expecting them to do what we haven’t taught them. I think you and your dog would greatly benefit from engaging the services of a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer or possibly a dog behaviorist like myself.
Good luck and remember — everything you do trains your dog. Only sometimes you mean it.
David
Submit your pet questions to David Codr by emailing a photo of your dog and question to dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com. Visit doggoneproblems.com for more from David.
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest:
Meet the 10 (very good) dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest
These are the very good dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest. All are up for adoption as of Aug. 3. For more information on the adoption process and to see all dogs available for adoption, visit nehumanesociety.org/adopt.Â
All adoptions are being done via appointment only. The application can be found inside each animal's bio on the Humane Society's website.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family's attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn't to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She'll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He's looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he's not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he'll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you're a good match!
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn't getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don't have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she's a match for you!
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he's a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they'll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She's a pretty sweet pup if there isn't too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won't be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Name: MelÂ
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she'll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she'll need a family that will help make sure she's getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they'll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you're a good match.
