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Pet Poop, by Dr. Dave

This article is prepared by Appalachain Spring Mall's very own "resident" veterinarian, Dr. Dave. For a whole lot more FREE information, check out his site at: All Creatures Virtual Veterinary Clinic

His column is updated every day or thereabouts, so check back to see what on Dr. Dave's mind today.

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Want to GET RID of FLEAS or TICKS?

Want to KEEP AWAY FLEAS or TICKS?

SMASH this guy: Mr. Flea to get what you need!!!!!!!


Winter Walkies

It's winter.

It's freezing.

There's snow and ice everywhere, and the dog wants to go for a walk.

He needs the exercise, but five minutes into the walk he's looking at you reproachfully, complaining about cold toes and frozen feet.

The solution may be dog boots.

If your dog accepts them (and many dogs are pretty laid back about playing dress-up), you can buy a set of boots for your dog, keeping his feet nice and warm the next time he drags you out into the ice and the sleet.


DESENSITIZING AND COUNTER-CONDITIONING TO STOP BARKING

Brenda W. wrote asking what to do about her dog who barks at horses despite being around them all the time. I suggested she try desensitizing and counter-conditioning the dog.

These two things work on lots of behavior problems (such as territorial aggression).

Desensitizing the dog means gradually exposing your dog to the situation she finds difficult (horses).

Allow the dog to become comfortable in progressively challenging situations.

For example, you move progressively farther from her since she behaves better when you are next to her.

As the dog can handle it, you move farther and farther away.

This might take many sessions.

Next, counter-condition the dog.

This means teaching her to change her reaction to the given stimulus (to horses when she is tied up).

If seeing a horse upsets her, try to have the sight of a moving horse come to mean she gets a wonderful treat.

In other words, instead of associating moving horses with hysterical barking, she will associate them with food.

You may need to feed less at mealtimes if she is getting a lot of treats in training.


Do you have a question or comment for the Dr. Dave?

You can Write to Dr. Dave!.

Include your first initial and last name and he'll try to respond to your question in a future column.

(Please note that these columns are written several weeks in advance so replies will be delayed accordingly.)


animals.gif - 20212 Bytes Good Luck and remember who's in charge (You KNOW your PETS OWN YOU),

Dr.Dave


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