Anyone know of any dog trainers who specialize in behavior problems? We're having problems with two of our female dogs and have been looking for trainers. We've already have Peaceable Paws in Fairplay on our list.

I've heard good things about Good Dog in Williamsport, but haven't used them personally.

My vet, Tracey Barlup at LongMeadow Animal Hospital, specializes in behavioral issues. She's great.

What's the problem? I've read up on this topic a lot... maybe I can offer some advice to tide you over until you get to a specialist.

I can't remember the name but there's a place in PA on Rt 16 just east of Blue Ridge Summit that did a good job of basic obedience training with our lab. That was about 7 years ago. I don't know how they would do for behavior problems but I was impressed with their methods and they obviously loved dogs.

Good Luck.

Two females, eh? I'll bet they are at each other's throats. I've heard it said that female dogs are more territorial and agressive toward other female dogs. They're just too bitchy for each other.

Petsmart has training, but I'm not sure if they specialize in behavioral problems. Good luck, mstubble.

I've got two female bitches - and the next time I get a dog, it will definitely be a male dog. Females just do NOT play well with others!

If anyone has any suggestions/experience with seperation anxiety, I would like to hear your thoughts. My dogs are just B-A-D when left alone.

My dog used to have total separation anxiety... in a BIG way. He got over it, but it took time.

Make sure they aren't acting out because of boredom or something like that. Make sure they get plenty of exercise before you leave (to tire them out). Provide them with plenty of toys and stuff.

Sometimes it helps to give them special toys or treats when you go. Things that only come out when you're alone. Lots of people recommend "stuffed" toys or a Kong with peanut butter inside. In theory, this keeps your dog occupied so he's got something else to think about besides being along. (NOTE: this did NOT work with my dog, but maybe it'll work for yous)

If all else fails, the "gradually getting them used to it system" works. Basically, you leave the house for 5 minutes only. Do this a few times for a few days. Then bump it up to 10 minutes. Do this a few times for a few days. Keep doing this, gradually increasing time, until you can leave him alone for a while. Obviously, this works best if you have lots of free time.

Also: try not to make a big deal out of coming home and leaving. Dogs pick up on signals. If you spend a lot of time jingling your keys, finding your purse, putting on your coat, etc. it means lots of time for them to get anxious. We run out the door as fast as possible. Same with coming home. Your dogs will be anxious to see you, but petting them and greeting them (or saying goodbye) with all types of love just makes a big deal out of your coming and goings. I acknowledge my dog with a pat on the head and that's it when I come home. The big hugs and kisses I save until 30 minutes or so later after he's settled down.

Have you tried watching your dogs to see what they do when you're not home? It could let you know when or what the "trigger" is. We used to peek at the dog through the window. This had to be done at night when it was dark outside. We left a light on in the house so he couldn't see us.

Leaving on a TV and lights might help. It helped a teeny little bit with ours... enough to make it worth the meager electricity cost. LOL

These are kinda standard separation anxiety tricks... I don't know if they'll work for you. For us it was trial-and-error... some things worked, some things didn't.

Maybe we can swap some dog Separation Anxiety stories sometime... lol My lab has it pretty bad, along with some other issues. We crate our dog from time to time... and the crazy dog chewed/tugged its way out of a chicken-wire, and a chain link kennel. I guess that is why he broke all of his canines. Jeesh… poor dog.

We've had this dog for a year tomorrow. She's a miniature poodle, only weighs 12 pounds. The first time we left her alone, she destroyed the laundry room. She hasn't broken any teeth, but it's been a bit of effort to get her to the point that she can be left alone without destroying the house.

But when we come home at night, there's always this little dog bouncing at the glass door. I'm not kidding you, she bounces about 2/3 of the height of the door. It's one of the funniest things I think I've seen - Thank God she only weighs 12 lbs!

Peacefrog - Deacon doesn't have separation anxiety, but that Kong with peanut butter in it keeps him busy for hours! He had his one ball removed yesterday at the vet. Poor baby.

Poor dog. That doesn't sound like any fun at all..OUCH

Just one? Is he sick/injured?

Not sure exactly. I think he only had one and it didn't drop or something. Drop? Whatever, I don't know. So they had to go in and get it out. No, he wasn't sick or injured. He's just a little sore with stitches.

aha, the ole' undescended testicle...

maybe he was just cold all of the time...

ah, the ole' "shrinkage".

OK, here's the deal. Our two youngest females, Sadie (1 1/2 yrs. - 30 pounds) and Josie (about 1 year - 54 pounds), have had a few spats, but last Sunday, Sadie went after Josie and got her ear pretty bad. In the past, after about 15-20 minutes, all was well and they were friends again. Not this time; we've had to keep them separated since.

After a bunch of dead ends, we called our vet who recommended Berkeley K-9 School for dogs in Inwood. The owner, Marvin Mason, came out to the house today to evaluate the situation and got us started on resolving the problem.
He confirmed our suspicion that Josie was reaching sexual maturity and trying to move up in status in the pack. We need to establish ourselves as the authority (alpha) and work on teaching the young ones some manners.

He definitely got the dogs attention and we really like him. Its going to take some work, but the problem is fixable. I think the hardest part is going to be training me

mstubble,
An alpha male will put it`s mouth around the other dogs nose to let it know who`s boss. I have a nose collar i use on my golden ret. and it really works well. He is a different dog when i use it on him. They have them at pet smart. It`s a nylon strap that fits over the dogs nose. It won`t hurt them. But you have controll over them. I Just thought it might help you in controlling your dogs.