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.
***
David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
Dog Gone Problems,
We have an Airedale Whippet mix who will be 12 in December. He is very healthy and seems to have the same amount of energy he did when I got him when he was 2 years old. He used to be my service dog, but I retired him due to his age.
He has gradually started some weird behaviors, like being extremely pushy for pets, constantly wanting to be touched in some way and sometimes insisting on crawling on top of me. He will even get on me when I’m going to bed, and if I fall asleep and my hand falls off of him, he will get in my face and lick me to wake me up. We try to ignore the behavior, and will even fight our hardest to not let him get his nose or head under our hand for pets but he is persistent and strong. He still listens to redirections and will get down when told to, but then comes right back.
Additionally, he's always been the type of dog who gets extremely hyper/excited when I get home. I always ignore him until he calms down and then I say hello. However, recently he's started to pick up a shoe and carry it around as he does his hyper circles.
I have done my best to keep up with his training and to teach him new tasks in order to keep him mentally stimulated. When he is bored, he gets extremely destructive. I still allow him to do some of his service tasks in the home (but don't allow any balance support due to his age), and he gets plenty of exercise. He has also started to get really bad about getting into the trash and chewing things.
What am I doing wrong? Is it common for service dogs to have behavior problems when retired? Could my worsening health be part off the problem? I feel like some of the issues didn’t start until the coronavirus pandemic started and I started being home all the time.
LJ
***
Hi LJ,
It sounds like retirement isn’t agreeing with your dog. A lot of people underestimate how much time and energy a service dog burns doing his or her duty.
From what you described, you have a higher energy dog to begin with and now that he doesn’t have a job, it’s left a big void. This is very similar to people who retire after a long career. Sometimes it’s hard to adjust when we have dramatic life changes.
Additionally, I have found that many people remove a lot of the structure when they retire their service dog. They want to spoil the dog as a way to reward him or her for all the years of loyal service. When you combine those two things, it can really do a number on a dog.
Do you have plenty of enrichment for your dog? You mentioned training, but do you have things like a Kong filled with peanut butter, treat-dispensing toys, lick mats or play scent games? I’d recommend you start feeding your dog with a snuffle mat, increasing his exercise so he's getting a few walks sprinkled in throughout the day and adding a little bit of structure in the form of Premacks, which is a principle that means a less desirable behavior will earn you a more desirable behavior.
You can use this principle when using my petting with a purpose method, which involves redirecting your dog into a sit or down position when he nudges you for attention. Only give the command once and refrain from petting your dog until he sits or lays down. As soon as he does, offer him the affection. In time, your dog will start to come over and sit in front of you as a way of asking for attention. When he does so, make sure you recognize this and give him affection, otherwise he'll go back to nudging you.
Another way to apply a Premack is giving a sit command before letting your dog out the door. Only say the word once and as soon as the dog sits, open the door to reward your dog for doing what you asked. You can apply the same Premack approach to leashing him up, preparing his food, giving him permission to get up on the couch, etc. Asking for a dog to do something before he gets what he wants is easy and super effective, as long as the guardian gets into a habit of it.
If your dog picks up a shoe, nudges you for attention or sits to ask for pets multiple times in a row, that’s an indication that he’s bored. When that happens, get out a treat dispensing toy, play some scent games or go for a walk. Your dog is communicating with you. If you respond with appropriate activities, this will fulfill your dog's needs while also maintaining a healthy leader/follower dynamic.
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.
