you are in presenter mode

Is this going to be recorded and available later?

Thank you!

yes it is being recorded

pandemic pets

What can be done to help with a dogs anxiety when medications prescribed by the vet actually caused the problem to be more pronounced?

I have a 2 year doberman male who I have been home with me most of the pandemic. His big sister is 5 yrs old so he has company but when I come from work right now he very clingy.

can't hear the sound, too low

sound fine for me

Thank you for your question Christine. We will address it.

Please try to turn your system volume up.

still can't hear

same here...very low sound....volume is at max

Carol, apologies for any technical difficulties you are experiencing. Have you tried to increase your speaker or headset volume?

i had to turn up volume on my computer. I can hear

FYI - I can hear fine

Thank you for that confirmation Beverly and Vicky.

does the clicker work with kids too?🤣

:)

I wish!

@Beverly, don't we wish!!

just need to train them☺️

for me it was the ice cream truck music

Positive reinforcement does work with kids, which is the learning theory behind "click - treat"

Have you ever seen a teenager when they receive a notification on their phone. It definitely works lol

So, you can't click and treat forever, can you? When do you stop treating and just click?

When I grab my coat, shoes, keys, socks my dog goes crazy!

You can stop using the clicker when your dog correctly responds to your cue 80% - 90% of the time.

aww cute dog

Adorable!

and he talks!😁

Dogs are very good at training US! :-)

I love it lol

To Dianna: But you still should carry the clicker and continue to click to get the correct response?

Yes, clickers work with people. go to Tagteach website. Human surgeons have been trained with clickers and I have done some of this too.

smart dog!

Will this session be shared with the NIH for those who couldn't make it today?

Yes, the meeting will be archived AND we are offering another session. Global to go out today offering another session.

I am a new mom to a 6 month puppy, this is our first pup. Where do you get a clicker from? He is already showing separation anxiety. We just got him March 18.

How do you undo learned behaviors like begging for food when you reward a dog for tricks during training? My dog will sit, lay, roll over, etc. when I am eating in expectation of a "treat".

I have two dogs. One of them is on lots of meds due to heart disease, he is tune to my cell phone alarm - i put his meds into soft treats- he knew went the alarm goes off = to treats

will post on the HWC website https://wellnessatnih.ors.od.nih.gov/Pages/default.aspx

@Sherrita clickers are easily found at pet stores, Chewy.com and Amazon

Thank you

Nice!!

@Erin- Are clickers the same as the mini-educators?

If the medications prescribed by your veterinarian are not helping your pet feel more relaxed, please contact your veterinarian. Behavior medications are not one size fits all, and it may take some trial and error to find the right dose and medication for your pup.

As a reminder, this webinar is being recorded and will be made available after this presentation.

aww

beautiful dog!

images of clickers https://www.google.com/search?q=clicker&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS944US944&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwisjtuW3uv2AhUkneAKHSqRBDAQ_AUoAnoECAIQBA&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5

Wyze offers great cheap cameras to use with pets too!

Thank you Diane for providing additional information.

Clickers can work with kids and people too. You can check out the concept of TAGteach online for many examples! :)

Wyze is a great inexpensive cam - they have stationary and pan/zoom versions!

Thank you Tonja! Already on my phone, ready to order. 😁

What are some suggestions when training two dogs? One is VERY food motivated and one is NOT AT ALL.

When your dog is reliably performing the desired behavior when given a cue, you can start to fade out the treat. You can substitute a lower value treat (kibble, cheerios) and then fade to vocal praise such as "Good pup!"

I crate my dog. Any additional considerations for crating for multiple hours?

I've found that leaving his crate open, he feels secure.

If your pup is showing signs of separation anxiety, is important to make a veterinary appointment and seek help from a positive reinforcement trainer. We will have resources where to find trainers in your area at the end of this presentation.

What are some suggestions when the dog are very energetic? My 1yo male golden retriever needs 3-4 times long outdoor walk everyday.

He becomes very emotional when we could not walk him immediately.

a friend used to put a special comforting coat/blanket on her dog in her absence

Your questions are being monitored for Q&A after the presentation. Thank you.

Thundercoat or imitators (probably just as good)

How do you train your dog out of barking unnecessarily?

for unwanted behaviors, such as begging, you can ignore the dog. You may see what we call an 'extinction burst' where the dog escalates and may display the unwanted behavior more (such as longer/louder barking). Once your pup realizes they are not getting any attention (eye contact, verbal or food rewards) the unwanted behavior should slowly fade away. It can be very helpful to teach your dog alternative behaviors such as 'go to mat', 'relax', get your ball (incompatible with barking), or put them in their crate/other room with a long lasting treat if you are eating dinner so they can not keep practicing the unwanted behavior.

Scherri, that is a popular question and will be addressed.

thanks

Same problem. How do you train a dog to not bark when someone knocks on the door?

What if your dog is not motivated by treats?

very well trained dog

My dog has started hiding his food and dumping his water bowl when we leave the house - is this separation anxiety or something else?

what age is a dog too old to train?

never to old!

How do you stop a dog from barking when you leave home, even for brief intervals (ie. Taking the trash out)?

If training multiple dogs, try to work with them one on one. Have another family member/friend help with training one pup while you work with the other. Or, put one dog in their crate/another room with a frozen kong or puzzle toy to keep them busy while you take your other dog to another area/outside to work with.

My rescue that is not treat motivated will howl the entire time we are out of the house. Is there a way to prevent this? He is home with our other dog and cat and they seem to just ignore him...but every time we check our camera he's howling :(

I have a senior dog that has gotten very use to me being home. He follows me everywhere and I am so afraid to leave him for a full day.

How much training is too much training?

Thanks Meghan, I did consult with the vet and the meds will not be used moving forward. Looking for some tips during this webinar as alternatives to medicating.

I've already done everything that was said with my dog, she can stay in another room without me, she doesn't mind if I get the keys or coat anymore, and I always give her a toy that releases treats slowly before I leave so she doesn't see me leaving but nothing matters, the moment she finishes eating and sees I'm not there, she starts barking no stop for at least 1h, as if she is calling me back

Try different treats. Value of treats is important in training. Try chicken, meatballs, cheese - those are usually high value to most dogs. Just using kibble or "training treats" may not be valuable enough to t hem.

wenyan - my trainer told me that a walk is not exercise for a dog. they need to jog/run. she recommended a flirt pole to exercise, a walk, training, and play. mental stimulation is exercise and tiring. my dog has high social need so important she gets to interact with other dogs daily

Great Tip!

If my dog is extremely attached to me, would it be more beneficial for my husband to train him more frequently that I do?

"ditch the bowl'

than*

Thoughts on how to stop continuous anxious barking/yapping when playing with other dogs?

Megan, attachment will be addressed as well.

Thank you :)

@Dianne Lee There is no age limit on learning for any species. :)

Amen to that. I'm learning every day.

that's encouraging , thx

Interesting, you aren't saying the word "down" before putting him in down position?

Thank you Maria! We usually let him run 1 hour with his fluffy friends after dinner 2-3 times a week. But it seems still not enough for him.

You add cues in after you can consistently lure them

@Megan Columbus Sgt. Maker is using the "down" cue but I believe you can not hear it as well due to microphone positioning.

Megan, I hope that section of the video addressed your question about verbal association.

A full day of doggie daycare exhausts my young, energetic standard poodle for two days afterwards.

I have a GSD, 11 yoa male who has DM. He has been through a lot of training. Since, we are RTW I have been going into my office for 1-2 hours a day and leaving him on the 1st flr. I go out on the weekends for about 3-4 hours to get him used to me not being home. I do not leave any food on the floor but, do have an electric water bowl. My concern is that he does have DM and I do not know how long he can stay home by himself without getting anxious.

Megan, once the dog is in down position then the command is attached. If it's said before the behavior then the dog won't know what behavior it's connected to.

such a cute dog! I like the white markings at the end of his tail and on his feet

Our words don't mean anything to our pups until we teach it to them. Luring them and clicking and treating for a completed behavior first, then associating a word with the behavior is much easier.

What can you do if it seems like desensitization isn’t working? It seems like my pup gets more agitated as the training goes on. If I even touch the lock, he starts jumping at the doorknob, crying, scratching at the door

thanks all

Same. My pupper's room is my office.

@Kimberly Gruber Using a camera to monitor him while you are gone can be helpful to see progress and checkins throughout the day. Having DM and other medical diseases can affect the needs of each pup, so talking with your veterinarian about the best individualized plan for your pup would be best.

I have two Vizsla puppies (one is 2.5 years and the other is 7 months). The older Vizsla is pretty mellow. The young one is a bit of a Tasmanian devil. I have taken both to dog training, but returning to work is going to be a new ballgame for both dogs.

Tasmanian devil. I love it. Mine is that way too

How many hours in a day can a dog be left alone?

Is there somewhere I can go to find ideas for hand signals for commands? I read somewhere that dogs tend to respond better when verbal commands are paired with a hand signal.

HI Meghan, the vet has stated due to neurological factors that he doesn't have much longer....they give him about 6 months. What are the best cameras that interchange with phones?

Mary, I use the set of nonverbal hand signals that the AKC uses in obedience competition. You can modify as you like

I have a 11 year old labradoodle and will be getting a puppy next weekend (aussiedoodle) and I know they are high energy, are there some ways to keep them busy while I'm at the office?

We adopted a rescue back in July 2021. She has a little problem with separation anxiety, but our big problem is that she is extremely skittish around people who are not in our family. She is not aggressive, but will want to get away from the person if s/he comes up to the dog. This creates a problem in that no one but our family can be around the dog. So, we could not go on vacation unless we can take her with us. Can you suggest training for us?

Neriah, hopefully your question is being addressed by Sgt. Maker with the suggestions on training timing, adjustments of treats, etc.

Melissa, acknowledging your question for the Q&A session if time permits.

great. Thanks.

What are some good tools/tips/toys to keep the dog entertained while out of the house consistently when going back to the office? I have a high energy GSD who is also a very strong chewer and a lot of the toys I have found for such are quickly demolished! Also need tips to reduce reactivity that has increased due to bonding from being home together for 2+ years.

My dog doesn’t always follow me around, he can be anywhere in the apartment and out of my sight but if he hears the door he will come running and start crying

Mine is the same@

Alicia my GSD likes the KONG products.

have two dogs - older dog goes in other rooms easily independently. My 2yr old always in my office when I work, wherever I go she follows.

Neriah, thank you for the additional details.

Alicia my dog likes Benebone bacon and chicken scented chews

Kimberly - thanks! I've tried one and she ignores that one. at least it wasn't destroyed LOL

It’s tough because he plays well independently, loves his chew toys, treat-filled Kongs, but he seems to forget all about those the second I try to leave

Alicia, hang on, that will be addressed soon.

@Alicia I also have a 6mo GSD mix. I've had luck with frozen treats inside a kong, or treat-dispensing toys that they have to move around to release treats (I just use kibble or very low calorie treats)

@Mahasin Ingram young puppies and older dogs need to go out more frequently to eliminate than adult dogs. having a dog walker stop in once or twice during the workday is ideal for most pets.

agree! our pup (german shepherd mix) loves kong! a lot of kong products also have places to hide treats or peanut butter to encourage your dog to pay attention to it

When I leave, unfortunately (and its heartbreaking for me!) my 4 year old pitmix sits on the couch, does not move much, and is quite honestly miserable. Any tips on this? Its separation anxiety, but also seems depressive.

interesting point!

@Mary Frances Some dogs do respond better to visual cues than verbal cues. Each 'learner' is different. Try it out with your pup to see how they respond best!

@Amanda Clatter we will have some suggestions to keep your pup engaged later in the presentation.

I am the one with separation issues,

Are dog crates a good idea?

HWC will need to do a separation anxiety for pet owners/parents

My dog figured out how to get out of the crate and when I got home he was sitting in the front window😄

@ Melissa Kitner Triolo It sounds like your dog has a lot of anxiety. It would be best to talk to your veterinarian and seek the help of a positive reinforcement trainer. We will have resources for how to find one in your area at the end of the presentation.

@Beverly I second that! I'm worried about my anxiety leaving the pups at home.

YES! It's definitely my own separation anxiety that makes it hard to leave, ha!

Dog crates are good for dogs who are introduced to them the right way and can tolerate them. Some dogs with true separation anxiety cannot be crated. The confinement causes a higher level of stress and in the process of trying to get out of the crate, they can injure themselves.

@Dianne I think it depends on the dog. My lab used to be crated and was perfectly fine, but as he gets older and more confident he does better uncrated.

Absolutely - my girl has been behind my office chair during the past two years.

Sometimes my dog can do up to 40 minutes of being alone and okay and sometimes he's really restless and can only do up to 5 minutes. How should I adjust my training times based off of this?

Are there puzzle toys that are more study? My dogs have destroyed toys in the past.

some of these tips are difficult if one has multiple dogs. For example, leaving a loaded kong

I have multiple dogs and crate or separate them if I leave them with a loaded kong or bully stick. You can freeze the loaded kong to make it last longer.

I think my dog has true separation anxiety and leaving him in the crate alone does not work because he will scratch nonstop at the door but also if he sees me leave through the front door he will body slam the door to try and get out, I’m afraid he will hurt himself. The only thing that works for me is sneaking out 😅

Helena - can you create "zones" in your house with gates or xpens so your dogs have their own space to enjoy the treats? Or crates?

some dogs eat better than some people😋

From Dr. Connolly: @ Dianne Lee Yes, in general dog crates create a safe and cozy space for dogs to relax in and to keep them safe from mischief when they are unsupervised. It is important to gradually get your pup used to being in a crate.

My dog finds safety and security in his crate.

👍

I started crate practice with literally 15 seconds at a time, then 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. With a dog with separation anxiety, you have to take it very slowly and gradually.

We always have crates available even before the pandemic. They love their “caves” :-)

My Lab loves that toy!

I’ve always used frozen green beans. no calories and great filler between meals

Can I give the kong treat in crate when I leave in the morning

Are Alvin's video's on youtube?

Will the recording including Q&A be shared? Sadly have to head to another meeting

@ Dianne Lee Yes, in general dog crates create a safe and cozy space for dogs to relax in and to keep them safe from mischief when they are unsupervised. It is important to gradually get your pup used to being in a crate.

what is the name of this toy?

Can you recommend any puzzle toys for dogs who are not food motivated?

My dog loves his crate and goes in there to chew toys and to sleep even with the door open but if I leave it’s like hell to him

I need to jump to another meeting. Thank you!!

Try carrots....my dog loves carrots.

Yes Issac, the recording will be made available.

I like lick mats

Great presentation - thank you to the presenters and all involved in planning this event!

I freeze baby food on them

Than you Naomi!

Thank you Alvin! Great information!

For some dogs that do not do well with crates (barrier frustration/crate anxiety) using exercise pens and/or baby gates to keep them in a larger, but dog safe zone can be helpful.

my dog loves this toy. It can be machine washed too

I used to hide treats in the house for the dogs

This presentation has been extremely helpful.

Kong is the name of the red feeder toy.

@yevgeniya this is a Kong Wobbler toy

Great presentation! Thank you.

We have five dogs and three cats. This has been really helpful to learn more.

I have another meeting, thank you so much, very helpful!

Thank you so much for everything. I have another meeting :-(

mine loves the Kong also. unfortunately, she typically pushes it under the furniture and she is big so cannot always get under the furniture . In like the idea of the fake green gress

This has been great!!I have another meeting but hoping the comments will be shared as well- people's suggestions are very helpful.

what is the name of the toy that looks like grass?

Using scents can be very stimulating for dogs. You can put a few favorite toys inside a bag/container with leaves from outside so they absorb the smell, or items from the beach for something different.

Thank you for those that have to leave. The recording will be made available.

@Christa it's a snuffle mat

@Jeanette, thank you!

I make high-quality snufflemats (kind of like the green thing he's showing) in exchange for a donation to the rescue group I volunteer with - all proceeds go to the rescue group, if anyone is interested.

You can wash the toy at top on the top shelf of your dishwasher.

@Liz Conner Yes, for most dogs you can leave the kong in the crate when the pup is unsupervised. Make sure to have the appropriate strength/size kong for your pup. Their website has info on choosing the right one for your dog.

A tired pup is a happy pup!

@Christa Reynolds a Snuffle mat -- there are so many options online! and you can DIY

Thanks, @Meghan!

Liz, please see Dr. Connolly’s response on leaving the food puzzle toy for your dog in the crate.

When older dog gets made when I'm gone she pee pees on my space carpet

My dog loves to play hide and seek with my kids and myself.

JAX is very well trained!

love the idea of excerises at home, didn't think of that

A helpful book if your dog has separation anxiety is "I'll be Home Soon " by McConnell. It is a quick easy read.

Great! Thank you!

what are some good activities for older dogs?

I love the enthusiasm Jax has when given the down command :)

Allowing your dog to sniff on walks can be one of the most exhausting exercises for your dogs. Take time to stop and smell the flowers!

I love the stairs play time! I must incorporate that!

Can a 9-year old chihuahua be trained? He's had a couple homes and apparently started life in a puppy mill.

For dogs on exercise restriction, older, or rainy days you can teach your dog new tricks!

Will the Q &A be captured somewhere for us to review later?

In the winter I like to take my dog to pet-friendly stores and walk walk walk. Home Depot, Lowes are good for that. He loves the outing and gets tired.

Can we get the slides?

Your Dog's Friend is wonderful!!!

awesome presentation !! Thanks Sgt Maker!

Can you please put up the last slide?

super helfpul

there's a little icon you can save the chat

thanks Udana and Dr. COnnolly

Thank you!

Great presentation!

This has been great!! Thank you!

https://yourdogsfriend.org/ is a great website

Thank you SO MUCH!

Awesome presentation! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this presentation. Very helpful.

Thank you Sgt. Maker this was a great presentation.

Will this session be recorded to listen again? Will slides be available?

To find positive reinforcement trainers and behavior veterinarians near you check out https://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/positive-trainers/

Thank you for a great presentation. Very informative

Sgt Maker: Many thanks for taking time out of your busy and important work schedule to present to the NIH community

This was great. Thank you.

Your Dog's Friend website has free webinars, an extensive video library on various topics including Separation Anxiety

thank you

I had another meeting and was late - where can I get a recording of this presentation to replay.

More information on training for SA can be found here as well: https://www.reconcile.com/

music or tv in background

please send us any ideas for upcoming employee wellness webinars

Awesome question.

One dog loves dog TV

How to deal with my dog barking at strangers who come to the door like a mailman? He also tries to attack mail that comes thru the mail slot.

When I leave, unfortunately (and its heartbreaking for me!) my 4 year old pitmix sits on the couch, does not move much, and is quite honestly miserable. Any tips on this? Its separation anxiety, but also seems depressive.

Any ideas for leaving multiple dogs home?

Can you provide names of a certified mobile pet groomer

Here is a helpful list of things to check out for walkers/sitters: https://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/dog-walkers-pet-sitters/

a friend's big dog pulls her when she walks him and this has caused her some physical issues. anything she can do

Thank you!

Your Dog’s Friend in Rockville also has great resources. they have a website, too

Hemp tablets WORKS

thank you for all of the information.

When I have 1 or 2 friends come over and these are the same people everytime, my dog is scared and runs behind the couch. How do I get her to not be so scared? These are dog people too!

This presentation is so amazing. Thanks soooo much.

Beverly - training recommended for loose leash walking …. harness and use clip on front and back for most control. should be guiding, not punitive

Any tips for puppies who would need to be in their crate a good portion of the workday? We don’t trust her not to eat/destroy the whole house if given free run of the house just yet.

it makes them lethargic we tried it during travel when we had to leave our dog in the hotel room. discontinued upon return.

@Beverly Jordan I would highly recommend having your friend reach out to a trainer for some assistance with one on one training.

if you try it, they usu don't like the taste. You can coat w p butter

OTC supplements/products: DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug in or collar, Solliquin, Calming Care Probiotic, Zylkene

thanks @Maria!!

I quite using the Kong when I learned of a dog getting it's tongue stuck in the Kong.

This was a great presentation, Sgt. Maker. Thanks for the very useful information and for sharing Jax with us.

My dogs love it when their Bark Box comes once a month, they know it is Bark Box. Also, choke hazard toys should be thought of has choking hazards with children.

+100 about the squeaky top point. my dog consumed one and it almost killed him. He required surgery as it lodged into his intestines

Haha - my dog just jumped up to find the squeeky toy she just heard on the Zoom!

thanks Dr. Connolly!

How do you stop a dog from barking when you leave home, even for brief intervals (ie. Taking the trash out)?

NIH needs doggie daycare center in addition to child daycare

Is it wise to use a food dispenser if your dog needs a slow feeder bowl because your dog eats too fast?

What if your puppy keep using the bathroom when your back is turned. And when you come back he runs and hide. What should I do?

how do we receive paperwork for a service animal

Thank you all very much for this presentation.

Absolutely - dog daycare at work.

Thank you!

some have a miniature horse as a dog😊

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#:~:text=Under%20the%20ADA%2C%20a%20service,related%20to%20the%20person's%20disability.

Definition of a service animal?

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

👏

This was a very helpful presentation for us dog lovers.

thank you

If your dog eats to fast, get a slow feeder, where it is challenging to get the food. Makes them east slower.

Thank you all very much! I really appreciated this information!

Thank You!!

👏

Thank you! this was fabulous

great webinar!

👏

thank you!

This really has been a great webinar. Thank you for doing this & for your time & expertise!

Thank you very much for the information.

Thank you!

thank you!!!

Thank you so much!

Thank you!

thank you very much

Thank you! Excellent presentation.

Thank you.

This was great. Thank you so much.

Thank you

👏

Thank you🐶

thank you!

Thank you

Do you have resources for training a service animal?

Thank you!

thanks this was very helpful

im definitely going to watch the replay and work on my Jax's anxiety

This was extremely helpful!

Thank you so much!

Thank you this was wonderful

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you so much.

I appreciate this!

thank you!

Thank you