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Canine Behavior/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| dog castration | 1/23/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: Our dog is just over three years old. He is a sheep herding breed, Briard and has to chase all ... A: Castration will affect hormone-based behaviors. This can include a propensity to wander if there is ... | ||
| Dog now scared to eat | 1/23/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: A few days ago my girlfriend fed the dog's while i was at work. She said she did everything i ... A: It's possible the dog had a fear reaction when your GF "told her to come and get it" and that fear ... | ||
| Rescued Shelter Foxhound | 1/22/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I am a foster for a non-profit rescue and placement. About 2 months ago we rescued two Foxhound ... A: You might also benefit from some reading. Learning how to read dog body language is important and ... | ||
| Can an older dog make new friends? | 1/20/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have recently taken on the care of my Grandmother's 9 year old Shih-poo named Muffin. I have my ... A: Avoid the dog park. This is called "flooding": exposing any creature (including human) to something ... | ||
| Vicious looking Chihuahua | 1/20/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: my name is Katie, and my aunt just came over for a visit with her little Chihuahua named Lucy. She's ... A: Small dogs often have a hard time when it comes to being properly socialized. They are often carried ... | ||
| Can an older dog make new friends? | 1/20/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have recently taken on the care of my Grandmother's 9 year old Shih-poo named Muffin. I have my ... A: Leave well enough alone and count your blessings! Muffin, despite probably no socialization to ... | ||
| Destructive behaviour in a blind dog | 1/19/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: I adopted my Golden Ret. when he was 8 months old, he is now 6 years old, is blind and epileptic. ... A: Before I get into the broad answer, I want to start by encouraging AGAINST invisible fencing inside ... | ||
| dog doesn't like new adult in home | 1/18/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: dad passed away this year and mom has moved in with our family which includes a 6 yr old border ... A: I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm sure the stress/tension of the relationship issues between your ... | ||
| dog hates mom living with us | 1/18/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: dad passed away this year and mom has moved in with our family which includes a 6 yr old border ... A: When a dog jumps up as you describe your dog did and "nips" s/he is delivering a disciplinary ... | ||
| dog aggression | 1/18/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I've a 1yr3mth old dogo argentino, who has not been formally trained. he is dog aggressive to, dogs ... A: From the American Kennel Club description of temperament and faults: "Temperament It is cheerful, ... | ||
| French bulldog urinating | 1/17/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: I have a 4 year old female French bulldog. We got her 2 and 1/2 months ago from a breeder. She was ... A: You are dealing with a puppy mill dog - a dog who was housed in a crate pretty much 24/7 for the ... | ||
| Barking in the middle of the night! | 1/16/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I hope you're able to help me and my family with an issue we're having. Our 18 month old Jack ... A: Hard to tell the mix from here but Toby is not a pure JRT and whatever mix is involved my increase ... | ||
| Rescued Shelter Foxhound | 1/16/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I am a foster for a non-profit rescue and placement. About 2 months ago we rescued two Foxhound ... A: This dog appears to be almost totally unsocialized to humans. The dog's breed contributes to her ... | ||
| Multiple Pit Bull Breeds in one home | 1/15/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: Is it true that because of the their breed (pit bulls) that they will or could eventually fight with ... A: The recent fight between Sophie and the 12 yo GSDx is a concern. At 12, the older dog is showing ... | ||
| dog aggression | 1/15/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I've a 1yr3mth old dogo argentino, who has not been formally trained. he is dog aggressive to, dogs ... A: Your dog is true to type: despite your efforts at socialization he is intolerant of other dogs. ... | ||
| My Chug dog | 1/15/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: Can you tell me a little bit about PhPd disorder in dogs? My dog will chase his tail and he licks ... A: PHPV stands for PERSISTENT HYPERPLASTIC PRIMARY VITREOUS, a congenital eye cataract that exists in ... | ||
| puppies behavior | 1/15/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: We have two pups, 3/4 Boston Terrier and 1/4 Chihuahua. They are about 5 months old. Male and Female ... A: Yes I understand the picture you tried to portray; I could tell you a story about an IG prior to ... | ||
| puppies behavior | 1/14/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: We have two pups, 3/4 Boston Terrier and 1/4 Chihuahua. They are about 5 months old. Male and Female ... A: Have the male puppy neutered THIS WEEK. At five months, hormone levels in both are rising. Small ... | ||
| Dog keeps attacking my cat | 1/14/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have a 5 year old Shih-tzu female dog as well as two cats (4 year old male and 3 year old female). ... A: You need a certified applied animal behaviorist in this situation. First, to address what the male ... | ||
| 17 month old staffie | 1/14/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: My 17 month old male staffie has been a nervous dog since i got him at 15 weeks but the last few ... A: This is a serious problem and can't be adequately addressed (or ethically for that matter) in a text ... | ||
| Unsocialized, skittish & hiding Cattle Dog | 1/14/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I just adopted a 3 year old female Australian Cattle Dog. Her name is Cassie. Let me just say that ... A: Get the books I recommended, the dog is responding to the calming signals. Not taking treats is a ... | ||
| Tearing up bedding with paws | 1/12/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have a 3 year old male lab that has recently (the past year) been tearing up bedding with his paws ... A: It sounds like developing separation anxiety. The dog should not have run of the house while you ... | ||
| sleeping in crate | 1/12/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: We have 9 week old puppy and are trying to crate train for night sleeping. She does not want to be ... A: I'm not a huge fan of crates. House training is fairly straightforward: you take the puppy out (at ... | ||
| Scared 8 year old Porty | 1/12/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have a 8 year old Port waterdog. Who has a ton of personality, very chill, calm, with kids and ... A: Something happened to this dog in the "care" of your "friends" and I don't care WHO they are. The ... | ||
| Extreme Dog Anxiety Behavior | 1/12/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: Before I start, I would like to inform you that I am writing this right after my dog, 1-year-plus ... A: It's possible eating the cigarette butts caused an allergic reaction or even some low level ... | ||
| licking | 1/12/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: My husband and I have a 3 year old beagle/boston terrier mix. We got him when he was 6 months old ... A: Your dog requires more sophisticated veterinary intervention. I suggest you begin with a veterinary ... | ||
| Well trained dog spooks | 1/12/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: I have a very well trained dog that is 8 years old. We live in an urban setting and she comes with ... A: Whenever there is a sudden change in behavior - especially in an older dog - it is best to start ... | ||
| females fighting in one home | 1/11/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I realize that these two cannot be together anymore. Next fight may result in death of the loser. ... A: Bootsie is clearly failing in health. Even though SHE should be the one with full run of the house ... | ||
| Unsocialized, skittish & hiding Cattle Dog | 1/11/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I just adopted a 3 year old female Australian Cattle Dog. Her name is Cassie. Let me just say that ... A: This dog is terrified. You have no history on her and I have no idea where you got her. If from a ... | ||
| Dog afraid of new puppy | 1/11/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I am asking for advice for my mother. She brought home a new puppy last week and has a 3 year old ... A: No Yorkie is an "alpha" dog. In fact, the idea of "alpha" in the domestic dog is hugely ... | ||
| licking | 1/11/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: i have a 3 yr old male pom and i just recently got a 3 month old female pom puppy.and my male is ... A: Have the puppy's urine tested to be sure she has no urinary tract infection. When the male begins ... | ||
| indoor intermitent urination | 1/10/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: We have a 3 year old male silky terrier. He was neutered at 1 1/2 years. He was "marking " his ... A: Make the dog's access to the family room totally impossible (at times of night when this behavior ... | ||
| Fighting with the neighbor dogs | 1/10/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: Sasha is a lab-rottweiler mix (we think--she was a rescue) who is 8 or 9, almost 70 lbs. We got her ... A: WHY are you allowing this dog out when you know the result? Every single time she fence fights with ... | ||
| Male Dalmatian is agressive towards other dogs | 1/10/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I have a six year old male pure breed Dalmatian, he is not neuter and I don’t know if I want to do ... A: A six year old dog with that poor history (before you acquired him) who is otherwise a non-dominant, ... | ||
| Dog fixating on people and animals | 1/10/2012 | Jody Epstein, APDT |
| Q: I volunteer with a shelter and there is a dog that I would like to ask a question about. The dog is ... A: Many dogs insecure dogs will act quite fearful in a kennel - especially in a shelter environment ... | ||
| Only two puppies | 1/9/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: About four years ago, I adopted two Cane Corso litter mates (a male and a female, spayed and ... A: This is not a casual breed. It requires HEAVY socialization from neonate period through age two and ... | ||
| Dog biting/herding?? | 1/8/2012 | Anne Springer, B.S., Dip., CAPCT |
| Q: We adopted, Ellie, a 20 lb. terrier mix 4-1/2 months ago. She's learned to sit, stay and come. When ... A: Maybe my Helium article from last October will help you think up some ways to engage this dog's ... | ||
| Dog won't sleep at night. | 1/7/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: My dog is a lhasa apso cross who is 10 years old. This past month my dog had an operation on his ... A: Is the dog on any medication? If so, report this behavior. Side effects of many medications are ... | ||
| females fighting in one home | 1/6/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I realize that these two cannot be together anymore. Next fight may result in death of the loser. ... A: OK we eliminate Brown as a trigger but I certainly DO understand that he's too much dog for you and ... | ||
| licking | 1/6/2012 | Jill Connor, Ph.D. |
| Q: I got two dogs from a farm kind of environment in Minnesota last August. One is a Jack-a-Bee, 1 1/2 ... A: First: congratulations on being what a human being should be: compassionate, kind, patient and ... | ||
Canine Behavior
Answers by Expert:
Jill Connor, Ph.D.
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.
Experience
30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.
Organizations
Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals
Publications
Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training"
"The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"
Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley
Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc.
Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society
My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.
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