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Canine Behavior/Sudden trembling and piddling

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Expert: Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT - 10/30/2008


Question
My son had recently adopted a 2 month old pitt/boxer puppy from an anti-cruelty facility and has had him for about 2 months now.  He has always piddled when you greet him or reached down to pet him and we have learned to take him out right away to relieve himself and then we talk or pet him which seemed to be working.  My son has now moved out to an apt with a friend and her dog and both dogs get along fine with each other.  The problem is a couple of days ago he started trembling and piddling while walking towards him or his roommate or away from them.  They don't usually spank him or reprimand him when he piddles and says he will then lay down by them and while he's being petted on his stomach, which he seems to be enjoying, he continues to tremble, somewhat.  Can you please help us figure out why he may of begun this type of behavior and recommend a solution that may help?

Answer
He could be in a fear period - which is a developmental stage that puppies go through. Has he recently had his rabies vaccination? That can make some dogs/puppies fearful and anxious. I'd have the vet examine him to be sure he's not reacting to pain somewhere. He may have a urinary tract infection. The submissive urination is a common problem in pups. Spanking or reprimanding them makes them more submissive, and makes the problem worse. Ignore it and if there's not another issue, most will grow out of it. I'd do some training with this pup and try to boost his confidence. Dogs who know their routine, their rules and what is expected of them tend to be less anxious than dogs who don't. Sandy Case BFA, MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

Canine Behavior

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Sandra Case, MEd, CPDT

Expertise

Dog training, Obedience training, competition dog sports with a positive training focus. Some behavior issues (though serious issues such as human aggression are best addressed by in-person help.

Experience

30 years of training my own dogs, 30 years of training for local obedience club, and as my own business. Owner & training director, Positively Canine, LLC. An all-breed, all level positive based dog trainer school in Oklahoma City. Past training directior, Oklahoma City Obedience Training Club (three times) and Sooner Agility Club. Have titled dogs (through Utility/ASCA OTCH. 4 timed Gaines regional competitor, 2 national specialty High in Trials, multiple national rankings) in Obedience, Rally (through EX) in herding/stockdog and Agility. ASCA Obedience judge, all levels, contributing editor on obedience to Aussie Times, behavior consultant and representative Second Time Around Aussie Rescue, behavioral consultant for two local vets, former shelter training volunteer

Organizations
APDT, ASCA, ITASC, OCOTC

Publications
Aussie Times

Education/Credentials
MEd, CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer), have attended seminars and workshops with Suzanne Clothier including trainers intensive, Linda Tellington-Jones, Kathy Cascade - including 5 day practioner's introduction, Turid Rugaas, Kay Laurence, Sue Ailsby, Bob Bailey, Brenda Aloff, Chris Zink, Terri Arnold, Diane Bauman, Gary Wilkes, Job Michael Evans, Jane Simmons Moake

Awards and Honors
Multiple National Rankings, HIT 2 national specialties with two dogs, 4 Gaines qualifications

Past/Present Clients
Some can be seen on testimonial page of our website www.positivelycanine.com

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