32 www.petloverscompanion.com • 703.780.4400
Simple things like teaching the dog it can’t just run
out the door or drag you around on the leash can
be real cornerstones of self-control that can turn
moments of explosive and uncontrolled behavior
into opportunities to help the dog learn to be calm
and happy at these times.
If you are calm and consistent and keep the level
of challenge low enough success will be easy for
you and the dog. Often a simple way to do some of
this work is with an internet connected TV in your
living room. Go to YouTube or other sites that have
video of whatever gets your dog excited. If possible,
start with things that get the dog excited but are not
the most exciting things to them (video of calm cats
perhaps rather than starting with video of crazy
squirrels for a dog that likes to chase small animals).
The great thing about using an internet connected
TV with good speakers (although you may be able
to do good work with just a tablet and a cheap
Bluetooth speaker) is that for the first time YOU
will be in control of what the dog will be exposed
to. YOU can start and stop the video. YOU can
control or mute the sound. YOU can make just a
very brief exposure that is proceeded by teaching
calmness and rewards and the low level exposure
quickly leads to calmness and rewards!
There are a lot of great ideas and tools that a
good trainer can share with you and how to use
them to help your furry friend. Don’t give up on
these dogs and don’t allow your pet and your
family to have your lives be one of restriction
and imprisonment. Reach out and get some high
quality help and very soon your life and your
pet’s can s tart to be the joy you hoped it would
be when you decided to bring her into your
home and life!
Customized, compassionate care with exceptional
medicine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital
2660 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.vcaalexandria.com
Main Line 703-751-2022
Emergency Line 703-823-3601
Appointment/Pharmacy Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-9pm
Saturday 8am-3pm
/www.petloverscompanion.com
/www.vcaalexandria.com