As we would not treat a psychological problem with an ointment, we cannot treat a behavioral problem with a muzzle .It is logical (and easy) to conclude that this tool can prevent destructiveness However, what consequences can the misuse of the muzzle have on your dog?
- It can be damaged when you try to remove it, and you will not be present to help and help if necessary.
- The muzzle is not 100% effective and our dog can remove it in some cases.
- Your dog will negatively associate the muzzle and it will be increasingly difficult to put it on.
- If we do not carry out a therapy, the behavior problem will not only not be solved, but will also get significantly worse over time.
- Depending on the muzzle model you choose, it can cause your dog breathes hard or can't even eat or drink water.
- If the dog associates the muzzle with a punishment tool, then the long can act aggressively, especially if we manipulate him abruptly. Study Herron, ME, Shofer, FS, Reisner, IR, 2009.Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors.Applied Animal Behavior Science 117 47-54.
- Increase your stress levels, which weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to disease (fungi or obesity, for example), depression, behavioral problems and impairing learning.
After reading these points you will understand that the muzzle is not the solution to the problem , just what It aggravates or keeps it latent, so it is essential to find the cause that is causing you to use this tool and treat it properly.
The first step is pull identify the cause that causes unwanted behavior in our dog and if we are unable to find it, it will be basic to go to a professional , such as an ethologist, educator canine or trainer to begin sessions of modification of behavior or the suggested treatment.
It will also be appropriate to ensure that we comply with the 5 freedoms of animal welfare of our dog, doing an appropriate walk (without leashes, stress or inappropriate time), rest times, the absence of any illness or loneliness, among many others.
Typical behavior problems at home:
- Puppies that bite objects: It is very normal that at this stage the dogs nibble on everything they find, since their teeth hurt them and they also need to experiment with their surroundings.It is a passing stage.In this case it will be basic to get us a park for puppies where to leave it when we leave and offer you a great go A variety of toys for you to learn what you should use.Don't forget to reinforce it with a " Very good! " or a gentle caress.
- Disorders related to separation: occurs always when the dog is alone.It can be expressed in different ways, but the most common is that urinates, barks or bites objects .Behavior modification sessions must be worked so that the dog learns to manage loneliness and You start to entertain yourself with food and varied toys whenever you are alone.It may be useful to use a spy camera to see what your behavior is when we leave.
- Stress: it is usually associated with the lack of walks, punishment or fear, for example, but there can be multiple causes that generate stress in our dog, such as a session of games too excited or constant noises.It is important in this case to identify what is causing stress in our dog and look for exercises and activities that allow us to provide you with a better well-being.
- Hyperactivity: it is related to stress in physiological cases, but dogs can also suffer pathological hyperactivity, in which case they will need a pharmacological treatment.
- Boredom: we may provide you with the right care, but our dog needs much more.This is usually a common problem in very intelligent breeds, such as border collie, German shepherd or doberman.
These are some examples, but there are many behavioral problems that can affect a dog, so it is always advisable to go to a professional and follow their guidelines strictly.We will never try to apply a therapy on our own or use various training methods, which in the long run, they will end up confusing our dog.
Next we will offer you some general advice that can help you improve the quality of life of your dog at home so that it behaves better and you are happier with it.
1.Learning the language of dogs
Knowing the appeasement signals is essential if we want to know what happens to our dog.Also known as "calm signs" this set of body indications will allow us to know more about our dog at all times.
2.Meet the basic needs s of our dog
Many people believe that they meet the basic needs of your dog even when it is not.Do you take him for a walk for a minimum of two to three times a day? Does he have a place comfortable (and away from the traffic) to rest his 16 hours a day? Is he at least 6 hours alone?
3.Physically stimulate him
Besides walking, the dog needs to exercise physical that allows you to release stress.Ball games, fresbee or Agility may be recommended in puppy dogs or adults, but older dogs that do not have so much energy will simply enjoy their 5-10 minutes without tying in the pee.
4.Stimulate him mentally
Like his body, his mind also needs to be stimulated daily.We can perform tricks, dog skills, obedience or we can even opt for stimulating toys like the Kong , or Nina Ottoson's intelligence toys, for example.The market is packed with these toys and some ta We can also make them ourselves.
5.Provide company and love
Dogs are sociable animals and need a family to care for them, provide them with security and affection.Our behavior must be An example for our dog, so we advise you to offer everything you want to receive, but without expecting anything in return, this way will be much more rewarding.
Do not forget that all behavior problems require time, as in people, so we encourage you to be very patient and good, he will reward you.
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