AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions on behavior and training. I prefer a training philosophy much like your physician might adopt when treating patients - first, do no harm. Dogs are generally best trained using humane methods that make sense to them and put you in control, not necessarily by physical means, but by controlling the dog's access to resources, such as food, toys, access to the outdoors, etc. I want your dog to behave, but also to trust you and rely on you for guidance.
Experience Professional trainer, owner of Paws for Praise, LLC in Danvers, MA. Educated, bonded and insured, all breed experience. We use positive training and behavior modification techniques, and are committed to having the dogs that come through our center be both as well trained and behaviorally healthy as we can help their humans make them.
Organizations International Positive Dog Training Association (Regional Director for Massachusetts)
APDT
Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Truly Dog Friendly
Publications Gloucester Times, Ipswich Chronicle, and more
Education/Credentials B.S., Cum Laude, Salem State College
Diploma, Dog Obedience Training/Instruction (Apprenticed also)
Graduate, New York School of Dog Grooming
Pet CPR/First Aid Certified
Certified Pet Care Technician
AKC CGC Evaluator
Therapy Dogs Inc. Tester/Observer
Question QUESTION: My 7 yr old cocker spaniel has decided to scratch certain areas of my new carpet. I cannot seem to catch her at it. Is there something I can use as a deterrent?
ANSWER: This behavior may be due to a couple of things. It could be from boredom, in which case, you would not use a deterrent, you would enrich her environment and provide more exercise or activity (a tired dog is a good dog). If she is not spayed, she could be "nesting", which is addressed by getting the dog spayed. Because the carpet is new, she may be trying to get her own scent onto it to make it smell like the old carpet. Solution there might be to provide her with some blankets that are more comfy than the plain floor, which she can nest in, or perhaps a donut style bed that she can scratch, circle and lay down on. I view deterrents and aversives of any kind as an absolute last resort. Boundary Spray is one that I have heard mentioned, but I generally use training (you can teach her a "leave it" command, or ask her to "come" instead of just watching her scratch the floor - it interrupts her, plus you have the added benefit of reinforcing her for "come", making her safer anyway). You can use clicker training to teach her to "go to your spot" so that she will get used to the donut bed versus the rug.
www.clickerlessons.com is a free site that educates owners on this kind of training.
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QUESTION: If I could catch her scratching, I would be OK but all I see is evidence of the scratching. She is spayed, has a padded bed with large fleece blanket. As near as I can figure, she scratches in the evening when we are reading or watching TV. I think she has gone to her bed but then I hear her scratch. I have not been successful sneaking up on her to be able to give her any commands.
Answer If she learns "leave it" or even "come", you wouldn't have to sneak up - you would just divert her when you hear any scratching by giving her that cue. Other things you could try - block that area so that she has no access to it for a while. Or, use an ex-pen to contain her in the room where you are - maybe put a donut bed inside, and a stuffed Kong to keep her busy for a while. Or, get an "x-mat" and put it on that area. X-mats are not electrified, they just feel unpleasant so that the dog doesn't want to paw or lay on that spot. You can get them at amazon.com. One other possibility is that her pads or feet might be itchy. You might even want to check with your vet. Some spaniels are prone to contact allergies and other things that make them itchy. I might try feeding her a grain-free food (Innova Evo, or one like it, perhaps). Some people swear that their dogs get yeast infections, and you may want to consider that, especially if she gets brownish stains on her paws or eyes.
Here's an article that may interest you: http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/skin-care-remedies-and-tips-2/
