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My Pet World: You can curb, but not completely stop your pooch from barking at squirrels

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on

This week, your questions are answered by renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall, the Philadelphia, PA-based contributing author to "Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY, 2014; $27). Overall is also the author of a far more technical book for professionals, the "Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats" (Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2013; $72.75). She is a world-renowned researcher and frequent speaker about animal behavior.

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Q: Our neighbors complain because our 2-year-old Scottie lives to bark at squirrels. We've tried to distract her but it's impossible. We don't want to use a shock collar. Any ideas? -- F.F., St. Paul, Minn.

A: "To a terrier, a squirrel is merely an upscale rat," says Overall. Barking at squirrels "is normal behavior; this is what these dogs were bred to do," she notes. "Having said that, I understand the need to moderate the behavior. I am glad you realize the shock collar is not a solution, but instead would only agitate your dog and exasperate your problem."

Overall adds, "Rather than change the dog's behavior, it might be easier to adjust the squirrels'." You could put out a feeder for the squirrels to draw them away from the house, she suggested.

A product called Treat 'N Train might help your dog. This device dispenses food (via remote control) for quiet behavior. Locate it away from windows where squirrels are visible. Treat 'N Train, which can run $100 (depending on where you buy) is available online and at many specialty pet stores.

 

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Q: Our Coton de Tulear (a small breed similar to a bishon fries) barks like crazy at houseguests as they try to leave our home. What should we do? -- A.G., Las Vegas, NV

A: "I'm assuming this (behavior) isn't scary or injurious to people," says Overall. "Instead, the dog is just carrying on. There are several possible explanations, including that this is an attention-seeking behavior, or that the dog is actually afraid but (thinks) chasing intruders from the rear is a good strategy. It's also possible the dog just enjoys causing a ruckus. To determine exactly why it's happening, you really need to bring in a professional, or videotape (the behavior) to show your veterinarian."

You could put a leash on your dog to prevent the pet from chasing guests, but the dog will still bark. Perhaps, if you give your pup something to chew on this will minimize the yapping. Overall suggests this is another possible case for the use of Treat 'N Train.

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