Pet can’t see treat in front of his nose
My dog can’t seem to see a treat on the ground when it’s right in front of his nose. Should I be concerned that he has vision issues?
While some dogs have vision issues, failing to see a treat is very common. There are a couple good reasons for it.
First, many dogs can’t see down through their nose. It blocks their view. What seems obvious to a human bystander may not be visible to the dog. It’s a matter of perspective. Look from a different angle and you might find that treat is very difficult to see.
Second, dogs have limited colour vision. Objects that we notice because of the contrast in colour may not be obvious to the animal.
While moving or bouncing treats may be easy for them to spot, a stationary one may be very hard to notice.
If there are other signs that vision might be compromised, see your pet’s veterinarian. But if the only concern is failing to see a treat, that’s rather common. I am returning to work in September following maternity leave. This will be a substantial adjustment for the dogs. My kids will be in daycare and I will be working. The house will be extremely quiet and I suspect lonely for our dog. How do I prepare him for the change?
One of the key points in this type of training is to recognize that the dog needs to learn to be comfortable with being alone. They need to feel secure that people are returning.
Start training dogs at least a month prior to the schedule change. If a dog has any indication that they suffer from separation anxiety, start sooner and get a professional to help. Little details matter and it takes time to do things right.
Start by changing the dog’s sleep schedule. Late summer nights and lazy mornings need adjusting. Set the alarm clock earlier each day. Get up and start the new routine. This includes bathroom breaks, morning meals and exercise. Schedule evening outings so that the dog falls asleep a little earlier each day. Transition gradually.
Your dog will notice differences in morning routines. Many dogs notice that we brush our teeth, style our hair or pick up keys and gear on days we leave. Do these things periodically without going anywhere. It teaches the dog that these activities do not necessarily represent an extended absence.
Start going out. Plan short absences that gradually extend to longer ones. Go to the mailbox without the dog. Leave them at home. Make initial trips brief enough that the dog can have a positive and stressfree experience.
In addition to training absences, address any deficits in exercise. Dogs find it easier to manage the day if they sleep through the afternoon. Incorporate activities that offer mental challenges. Trick training or scent detection work can exhaust dogs quickly. The mental strain is similar to completing a page of complex math problems. Do it at times that fit the new schedule. For example, families can do training at the end of the day. While the kids are in bed, the dog can get some mental exercise to help them settle in better for the night. Keep arrivals and departures at the door boring and low key. People coming and going should not be the focus of the dog’s day. Do use busy toys. Remember that toys should not be a distraction. Distractions fade. It’s the training that matters. A dog needs to feel certain that people are returning even if the busy toy is empty. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant and Canada’s first tested and certified PCT-A. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca.