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Clinical Trial
Clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of a new supplement on the behavior of anxious and fearful dogs. All study visits with Dr. Radosta and the cost of the supplement are free if your dog qualifies. Click here for more information.
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Deciphering the breed code
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
As I speak to breeders and people in rescue, I am reminded of the code words and phrases used to describe our beloved breeds. Good breeders aren't trying to deceive buyers, they just have pet names for the character traits of their breed. Why is it important to be able to decipher the code? Because code words are used to describe the behavior of the puppy and its parents. The behavior of the sire and dam are the most important indicator of the future behavior of your puppy. In addition, these words often are a part of the breed standard, meaning breeders are trying to breed dogs who meet that standard and will possess those character traits. Knowing what the most commonly used words actually translate to in laymens terms can help you choose the right puppy for your family.
Unless you are in the minority, you are not looking for a fearful or aggressive dog. Some of us (including me before I had a child) seek out troubled dogs because we like to try to help them and enjoy seeing them make progress. Dogs only end up being fearful as an adult dog through a couple of routes-genetics, socialization, trauma and learning. The route of acquiring aggression and fear that we are concerned with today is the inherited route.
Click here to read more.
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Is your pet ready for the 4th of July?
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
"Noise phobia" is a common problem in dogs and cats. Many pets react with extreme fear and panic when they hear fireworks. Some may hide and tremble, while others cause destruction to the owner's home and still others injure themselves trying to escape the home or a crate. With a little help from you, your pet can get through July 4th without any emotional or physical distress. Follow the guidelines below for a safe and happy July 4th for both you and your pet. Click here to read more.
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Walking the fearful and reactive dog...101
Cheryl Van Voorhies M.ed
Anyone who has owned a fearful, anxious or reactive dog, knows how stressful it can be to take a walk regardless of whether your dog reacts to people, children, skateboards, bicycles, objects, or other dogs. I speak from experience, because I have a fearful and reactive dog. At times, depending on where I'm walking my dog, I too can become slightly anxious.
From a young age, my German Shepherd, Z was very fearful. When she was afraid, she would bark ferociously, while lunging toward whatever was freaking her out. It was almost impossible for me to walk her. People were afraid of her, and I was embarrassed by her behavior. I knew that I didn't have the tools to help my dog be successful on walks. I didn't enjoy walking my dog, and at times would come home frustrated, stressed, or upset. It was so stressful I stopped walking Z entirely. Anyone who has been in this situation, knows exactly what I mean.
Click here to read more.
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What is the value of exercise in dogs? Will it cure behavior problems?
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB
Many times over, I have heard clients recount that even though their dog takes a long walk or jogs with them in the morning, they still show signs of anxiety such as separation anxiety or generalized anxiety. I am not surprised when I hear this because it is generally my experience that even well exercised dogs are often no less anxious than dogs who are not well exercised. On the other hand, many of us have had the experience that a tired dog gets into less trouble. So, which one is it?
Click here to read more.
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Lisa Radosta, DVM, DACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
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Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
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Volume 4, No. 2: 2nd Qtr 2013
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Does your dog lunge, bark and growl on the leash?
Take the Reactive Dog Class taught by Dr. Radosta to learn how to control your dog and teach her to relax on walks. Reactive Dog Class starts September 2013 For more information, Click here>> |
How did my dog know to do that?
Kait Hembree BS CVT KPACPT
The other day I was having lunch with a friend. She was telling me about her new boyfriend. While we were talking, her phone dinged. She blushed and a shy smile swept across her face. I asked her if that sound represented a text message from him and she said "yes." The ding had triggered her to blush-an emotional response of excitement-that I observed through her facial expression.
Suddenly, it occurred to me that I had observed something similar a few days ago with my dog Delta. While I was tidying up around the house, I reached underneath the kitchen sink for a plastic grocery bag. When I pulled my head out from underneath the sink, Delta was standing beside me wagging her tail, and panting with her ears forward. She was awfully excited about something. Then it occurred to me that I use the plastic grocery bags as poop bags when I take the dogs for a walk. The sound of me going to get the grocery bag had triggered her behavior, an emotional response of excitement. She associated the sound of my getting a grocery bag with going for a walk. This type of learning is called classical conditioning.
Click here to read more
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