Training - Problems And Solutions

Question 1

How should you start training your dog to be left at home alone?

Answer 1

Leaving the dog alone whilst you are at home

This builds the dog’s self confidence

Question 2

Where should you leave your dog whilst it is on its own?

Answer 2

In a safe space

1. Use baby gates to create a safe space
2. Include a comfortable bed, water, puzzle toys and chews

Question 3

What are the steps to training your dogs to be left at home alone?

Answer 3

1. Leave the dog at home on its own whilst you are in
2. Start leaving the house for a couple of minutes at time
3. Keep greetings low key upon return
4. Play music / repeatedly open and close the door so the dog doesn’t know if you’re in or out
5. Leave the dog when it has just settled and don’t interact on the way out
6. Give the dog enough mental and physical exercise
7. Can try the tv, radio or DAP

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of separation anxiety?

Answer 4

Pacing and anxious when the owner is preparing to leave

Distressed as soon as the owner leaves, worst for 1st 15mins
= panting, salivating, increased HR, toiletting

Settles down to chew an object with the owners scent

Very excitable when the owner returns
May be wet with saliva or water from drinking

Question 5

What steps can you take to manage separation anxiety before medical intervention?

Answer 5

1. Rehearse leaving the house 5 times for every time
2. Create a safe space
3. Get the dog to settle in the safe place away from the owner
4. Slowly build up time being left

Question 6

What drugs can you use to medically manage separation anxiety? In conjunction with management

Answer 6

• Selegiline (MAO inhibitor)
• Propanolol (B blocker)
• Amitryptiline / Clomipramine (TCAs)
• Diazepam / Alprazolam (Benzodiazepines)
• DAP

Question 7

How can you perform recall training?

Answer 7

• Be exciting
• Give a treat immediately upon return
• keep dogs on a lead around livestock if prey driven
• Build up slowly, start off In the park
• call the dog back at multiple points and put a lead on, then release
• use a whistle

Question 8

How can you train a dog to not eat items?

Answer 8

1. Hold an average treat in a closed hand

2. when the dog takes its nose away and stops sniffing give the treat

Question 9

How can you train a puppy not to pull on a lead?

Answer 9

Use a collar initially

1. Hold a treat in your hand next to the puppy
2. 1 step, give treat
3. 2 steps, give treat
4. Continue like this up to 15 steps en remove food