Pup’s anxiety forced some changes
Third in a series.
Ifelt bad for Raymond, assaulted through no fault of his own, but it was Brandi the big hound who spent nearly every waking moment on the edge of hysteria. She watched Raymond with one eye, anticipating this kindly Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into the murderous Mr. Hyde. But there was more.
Anxiety is an unfounded worry about what might lurk around the next corner. Beyond Brandi’s angst about Raymond’s purported evil nature, she freaked-out at doorways. Normal household noises like the furnace triggered her to jump and bark. She hated going near the car, let alone getting in. Visitors scared the poop out of her. She was snappish at doggy daycare. She suffered from generalized anxiety disorder.
Brandi’s fear center, her amygdala, was on alert, ready to signal her adrenal glands to release a torrent of adrenaline whenever Raymond stood. Her prefrontal cortex, the thinking, decision-making part of her brain got literally flooded. In those moments of overwhelm it was impossible for her to choose her response. She defaulted every time to explosive aggression. This dog desperately needed to feel better. Her brain needed to function normally.
Part of our oath, on graduation from veterinary school, dedicates us to “the relief of animal suffering.” We also want the disorders we treat to improve. Brandi had to relax in order to learn better behavior. I prescribed sertraline, a safe anti-anxiety medication with a very low risk of side effects.
Having Brandi drag a leash when inside made it possible for her people to teach. Raymond was to quietly announce his intention to stand. Wearing a treat bag on her waist, Sally held out a snack and called Brandi as she tugged gently on the leash. Compliance with a simple command like “sit,” “down,” or even a trick, would be rewarded with another tidbit. Meanwhile, Raymond quietly moved about the house.
Notice that nobody scolded the wiggedout Brandi? Punishing fear would trigger more of it. Instead, Sally and Raymond set their dog up for success.
Next week: How long would this go on?
For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.