As you know, psychologists treat a variety of emotional difficulties which occur in people of all ages. But there comes a time when another family member may need our help: The Family Dog. Yes, there are “dog psychologists”, too! Sometimes an integral part of a veterinary practice; other times, consultants to such a practice. This is a highly specialized area comprised of sensitive, patient individuals who possess a wealth of technical knowledge in the behavior change process.
As “change” is largely a function of the extent to which information can be accessed and organized in a useful way, two essential features of the behavior change process in a therapeutic relationship are the establishment of rapport or “trust”, and the gathering of information. This is where the animal specialist is at a distinct disadvantage, as it is rather difficult to gather information directly from his (her) client. Obviously, a dog, is not going to sit in your office recliner and tell you what’s wrong. (Can you imagine? “Well, Doc, I keep having this nightmare that I’m drinking out of the toilet and the lid suddenly falls on my head!”) Rather, the information-gathering process is unique to the total environment of each animal. And the psychologist often needs to discuss the problem(s) with an owner and observe the situation, in order to make recommendations.
The principles underlying the behavior change process utilized by a dog psychologist are innovative but not new. Per haps the most salient principle is that, behavior changes as a function of it’s consequences. First developed in animal studies, this has become the foundation of what has been called, “behavior modification.” There are a myriad of behavior problems for which you may wish to contact such an individual. Having two brothers who are veterinarians, one of whom employs an animal specialist, perhaps these few personal examples may be of some value: 1) “Hmm…what stuff is up here?” How many times have you left the room for just a moment only to return and find that your dog– especially a puppy– has reached up to a table, removed the contents and chewed them into an unrecognizable form? Lectures won’t help– nor will physical punishment. Instead, try removing all objects from the table and placing several empty soda cans on the surface. The sudden crushing and falling sounds of the cans will startle the animal, Follow this with a stern, “No!” Then immediately present a command for an appropriate behavior followed by a “treat” reward. To be effective, this needs to be repeated until the animal avoids that surface.
Second the “prints” did him in. Mud. Just something else to step on as you go…if you’re a dog. But since “clean” means something entirely different to a dog, he must learn a behavior that will make no sense to him (as eating does) but for which he will be rewarded: Wiping his feet. In reality, pausing to remove the mud, with your help, rather than simply bolting into the house. Fill a large bowl of warm water (distinguishable from drinking water). At the door, have the dog sit and place his front paws in the bowl one at a time, as you issue the command, “dip.” Praise after each. Then let him in, praise again and provide a treat. I know…the back paws. Either wipe them inside or endure two prints instead of four until he has mastered dipping the front, as having less control of hind paws, he may object and become confused about the entire process.
Third the furniture supplement. Does your dog supplement his daily diet with pieces of your furniture? He needs to learn to discriminate what is edible from what is not. To accomp- lish this, you basically need to enhance the difference bet- ween “delicious” and “yuck!” Obtain “bitter apple” jelly or spray liquid. Apply it to the furniture you wish to spare. Place the animal by that object, shout, “No!” Then wisk him away, praise and offer a treat. If he returns and takes a bite, he will pay a bitter price. This can be useful outside, too. My puppy, Peabody, has mas- tered the art of ambushing the “UPS” man. But unlike most dogs who might go after the man, he is only interested in the package! (Maybe he thinks it’s for him). I would rarely get an intact delivery, as he would prance by with some of the contents. The solution involved applying “bitter apple” jelly to a package, letting him attack it, obtain the noxious results and generalize that to other packages. A “dummy” UPS man and package covered with the jelly were created. The ambush began. The look of disgust on Peabody’s face was unforgettable…to both of us!