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How Dogs Learn — Part One

Dogs will do whatever it takes to get them what they want. That is the only thing innate in dogs.

Therefore, if whining, barking and jumping up on their owners or on visitors gets them attention such as talk, touching and eye-contact, then the behavior is inadvertently reinforced and they will continue the whining, barking and jumping because it works to get what they want.

We tend to forget that dogs are a different species than humans, and we believe that it is ‘rude’ to ignore another human, then it’s ‘rude’ to ignore your dog regardless of what behavior they are offering. However, for dogs it actually works opposite, when dogs are not interested in interacting with another dog, they will ignore that dog — the dog looking to interact understands and simply walks away.

This is an important concept as we begin training.

The Covid-19 Effect

With many of us spending a lot more time at home in the past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of animal adoptions has dramatically increased.

We may be home now, but consider what happens when we go back to work full time after the pandemic wanes, and begin to be away from home more.

Animals adopted during the pandemic tend to have a higher chance of developing some level of stress and anxiety when they are left alone for the first time, and the majority of stress and anxiety stems from the above: Pet parents giving their dogs attention (talk, touch and eye contact), even if their dogs behavior isn’t appropriate.

When that same pet parent leaves their dog alone, the dog will try all of those behaviors that work to get what they want, and when none of these behaviors work to get their owners to return – this often leads the animal to experience an increased amount of anxiety and stress.

We can start to help them cope with separation by changing the way they get attention from us by rewarding calm behavior.


Rewarding Calm Behavior

What you can do to alleviate some of the pushy/demanding behavior that might be inadvertently reinforced while you are with your dog is to follow a Rewarding Calm Behavior plan — this will be more challenging for the humans than it will be for the dogs, trust me!

 

Let’s break the plan down:

1. Ignore

  • When your dog approaches, paws, nudges, whines, barks or does any of the ‘normal’ behavior when seeking attention IGNORE them!
  • No talking, no touching and definitely no eye contact
  • Don’t give them any cues or commands, don’t acknowledge them at all. Simply be patient and wait for them to GIVE UP and leave you alone, walk away or wait until they go to lay down
  • Let them settle for a count of 10 seconds or more then go over to them and engage with them by using a simple ‘gooood dog!’ or ‘nice job!’.

2. Staying calm while preparing meals or preparing for walk

    • If your dog typically runs all over the place when you start making their meals or go to get their leash — abort mission
    • Put the food away or put the leash away and go back to what you were doing — no acknowledgment of them at all
    • Try again in 10-30 seconds, and if they run around and get all excited — again abort mission and continue in that regard
    • At about the fourth or fifth time they will think twice about running around the house or getting too excited
    • Then you can proceed. Keep in mind, if they get amped up again – abort mission!

    3. Make your dog work

      • Remember – this is making your dog WORK to figure out what works to get them what they want.
      • This will help them burn energy and it will help them realize being calm earns love and attention rather than giving into them on every whim.

      4. The hard truth

        • Your dogs’ attention-seeking/pushy behavior will get worse before it gets better – stay the course and be consistent – they will figure this out!

        This will help get your dog on the good behavior path and stay tuned for part II where we’ll cover crate training, jumping, and introduce you to a valuable exercise!

        Click here to read Part II of “How Dogs Learn”.

        ARL FREE Pet Behavior Helpline

        ARL’s Pet Behavior Helpline is a FREE service, and can answer basic behavioral questions about your pet, such as excessive barking, crate training, house soiling, or if you are looking for ways to stave off your pet’s boredom.

        If you have questions, please call the Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or via email behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org and an ARL representative will get back to you within 48 hours.

        Looking for one-on-one dog training help? Sign up for a private training lesson at ARL.

        ARL Shelter Medicine Provides Life-Saving Surgery for Surrendered Cat

        Tommy Girl, a 2-year-old cat, was surrendered to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center in late December and it was clear from the initial intake that she wasn’t well.

        She was dehydrated, running a fever and was suffering from pyometra, an infection of the uterus that can be fatal if not treated.

        Tommy Girl.

        Tommy Girl was spayed, removing the uterus and ovaries, and she was then placed on medication, fluids and a quiet place to recover.

        Given the severity of the pyometra, ARL’s shelter medicine staff were unsure if she would survive.

        “Due to the chronic pyometra in her abdomen, and potential for life-threatening sepsis, Tommy Girl’s condition was guarded for the first 24 hours,” said Dr. Amelia Sikora, ARL Community and Shelter Medicine Veterinarian. “Luckily, she showed her strength and rebounded.”

        With Tommy Girl continuing to have a lack of appetite following surgery, staff and volunteers kept a close watch on her condition and were even giving her kitten food via syringe, just to make sure she was receiving enough nourishment to help in her recovery.

        Slowly Tommy Girl began to eat regularly, gain weight and about three weeks following surgery was ready to find her forever home.

        While she is still mending, this past week Tommy Girl found her perfect match and will finish her recovery in her new quiet and loving forever home!

        You Make This Important Work Possible

        Thanks to your generous support, Tommy Girl was able to receive the excellent veterinary care she needed to get a second chance.

        This is a fantastic outcome, but there are many animals like Tommy Girl who need your continued support.

        Click here to ensure ARL can continue providing emergency, follow-up and preventative care for animals like Tommy Girl through 2021 and beyond – thank you for being a Champion for Animals!

        ARL Assists Weymouth PD to Rescue 31 Dogs from Overcrowding Situation

        This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Law Enforcement Department assisted Weymouth Police and Animal Control in rescuing more than two dozen dogs from an overcrowding situation at a private residence.

        In all, 31 Chihuahua-type dogs were removed from the home during the operation that involved ARL Law Enforcement and Field Services, Weymouth Police and Animal Control, and Animal Control Officers from Scituate, Braintree, and Cohasset.

        ARL took in 21 of the dogs, while the remaining animals were transferred to another animal welfare organization on the South Shore.

        The animals were removed due to unsanitary conditions, which it typically a byproduct of overcrowding.

        One of the dogs needed emergency care and was immediately transferred from the residence to a nearby animal hospital.

        The remaining 20 dogs were brought to ARL’s Dedham and Boston Animal Care and Adoption Centers and have received thorough veterinary exams.

        Several of the dogs were diagnosed with heart murmurs and dental disease, and the majority will be available for adoption later in the week.

        ARL urges the public to reach out to their local animal control or ARL Law Enforcement (617-426-9170 x110, or cruelty@arlboston.org) should they know of an overcrowding situation.

        Overcrowding can lead to serious health concerns not only for the animals, but for people living among the animals as well. Additionally, overcrowding often leads to under-socialized animals, creating ongoing behavioral issues, particularly for older animals.

        ARL Law Enforcement also wishes to thank and commend Weymouth Police and Animal Control for their steadfast commitment to the safety and wellbeing of these animals, and for allowing ARL to assist in this operation.

        This work cannot be done alone and animals urgently need your help now.

        Our hearts ache to know that animals are suffering and we know yours does too. Your support today can mean the difference between hope and despair for an animal in need.

        Your emergency gift today can support:

        • Veterinary care and rehabilitation for the sudden influx of animals that have suffered the trauma of neglect
        • On-going investigations of cruelty to protect vulnerable animals
        • Emergency response when crisis strikes and animals are in dire need

        I want to help button

        Southbridge Animal Control Officer Named 2020 “ACO of the Year”

        Southbridge, MA – The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) are proud to announce that Southbridge Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katelyn Spencer has been named Animal Control Officer of the Year for 2020.

        ACO of the Year Katelyn Spencer.

        ARL and MSPCA established the ACO of the Year award to honor an animal control officer whose efforts in their local community throughout the year have promoted responsible pet ownership by:

        • manifesting a dedicated, humane attitude toward the treatment and well-being of all animals
        • effectively enforcing pet responsibility laws
        • conducting public awareness and humane education programs
        • maintaining cooperative working relationships with other agencies involved with animals, such as state and local government departments, other ACOs, and animal protection groups

        Officer Spencer has been Southbridge’s ACO since 2017, and has consistently demonstrated dedication and compassion for both wild and domestic animals in distress throughout the community. Along with responding to hundreds of calls, Officer Spencer held vaccination and microchip clinics for residents in 2018 and 2019 (2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic), and spearheaded efforts to update the town’s Keeping of Pets bylaw, which was enacted in August 2020.

        Spencer exemplifies the traits ARL and MSPCA look for each year in an ACO.

        “ARL Law Enforcement has worked with Officer Spencer on a number of occasions and in each instance she was professional, dedicated and compassionate for the animals involved,” stated Joe King, ARL Director of Law Enforcement. “Officer Spencer is a credit to the profession and a true asset to the Southbridge animal community.”

        “We are excited to recognize Katelyn as the ACO of the Year. Her nominations were stellar and she clearly embodies the traits we look for. She sets an example for the profession,” stated Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the MSPCA.

        Officer Spencer’s nominations for ACO of the Year included a number of accolades, heralding her dedication to animals and community, professionalism, and compassion.

        From those who nominated her:

        • “Katelyn has worked tirelessly to rescue animals both domestic and wild. Her dedication and compassion has saved a multitude of lives”
        • “I have worked as a law enforcement professional for more than 25 years… and in my experiences with ACO Spencer, I have not worked with a more professional or dedicated person to the proper treatment of ALL animals.”
        • “There is absolutely no task she cannot perform…she puts her heart on the line with every animal that crosses her path and the families that they belong to.”
        USPS Mail Carrier Delivers Support for Stray Cat

        Mail carrier built outdoor shelter, contacted ARL to rescue and rehome

        The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) would like to acknowledge an incredible act of kindness that took place amid the holiday delivery rush in early December.

        While delivering mail, a compassionate, yet anonymous, United States Postal Service mail carrier in Cambridge, MA, went above and beyond their duties to deliver special support for a friendly stray in the Jackson Circle area.

        The mail carrier was not only feeding the cat, later named Jackson, but had also constructed a cardboard shelter to help protect the animal from the elements.

        As temperatures dipped and winter began to take hold, showing great concern for Jackson, the mail carrier contacted ARL’s Field Services Department to rescue the cat from a life on the streets.

        Jackson, who’s estimated to be eight-years-old, was extremely friendly when approached by ARL Field Services staff, and was brought to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.

        A thorough veterinary exam revealed extensive dental disease, to the point where all but one of Jackson’s canines were cracked down to the root.

        Additionally Jackson had a number of abrasions, and tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which cannot be transmitted to humans but can be spread via bite wounds between cats. It should be noted that cats who test positive for FIV do go on to lead normal and healthy lives.

        ARL shelter medicine staff performed a deep dental cleaning on Jackson, and because of the severity of his dental disease, 10 teeth needed to be extracted.

        After recovering from his medical procedures, Jackson quickly found his forever home just in time for the holidays, and is thriving in his new environment under a new name – Teddy!

        ARL is grateful to this anonymous mail carrier and their incredible act of compassion and kindness to not only look after Jackson but to make sure he didn’t have to spend another winter on the tough streets of Boston.

        Celebrate a Pet’s First Holiday at Home – Safely!

        Many people welcomed a new animal family member in their homes during 2020, and this will be their first holiday season together.

        While the holiday season can bring joy to the humans in your household, it can also be a sensory overload for pets.  Bright lights, shiny objects, trees inside the home, new sounds and smells can make pets both anxious and curious about the abrupt change in their surroundings.

        The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) shares these 5 tips for keeping all the furry members of your household safe during the holiday festivities:

        1. Decorate with care. Ribbons and tinsel are especially attractive and hazardous to cats. Holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias can cause vomiting, upset stomach, and blisters in your pet’s mouth.
        2. Secure your tree. Your frisky feline won’t be the first to topple over a 6-foot fir! Support your tree with a sturdy stand and wires to prevent tipping, should they decide to make a leap for it. For your canine companions, consider surrounding the base with a baby gate and hanging fragile ornaments higher on your tree. Also, watch for tree water spillage that might contain fertilizers and other toxic chemicals.
        3. Menorah or candle placement. Avoid placing the menorah, or lit candles anywhere your pet can reach or on a surface that can be toppled over.
        4. Watch out for wires. Chewing on electrical cords can cause severe oral burns and even fatal shocks for cats and dogs. Secure cords with plastic casing you can find at a hardware store, or cover with a bitter-tasting, non-toxic product from your local pet supply shop.
        5. Plan your pet’s meal around yours. This will keep your pet occupied and will make them less likely to try and partake in your holiday. Common holiday foods that can be toxic to our pets include: turkey skin, poultry bones, mushrooms, onions, grapes, raisins, certain types of nuts, raw dough, chocolate, and dairy products.

        Planning on adopting a pet for a family member or loved one?  Please don’t make it a surprise!  Bringing a new pet into a home is a huge decision and commitment, and the entire household should be involved in the process. There should be a conversation to see if the person not only wants a pet, but also what type of pet would best suit their lifestyle and living situation.

        Yes, the puppy with the big red bow around its neck is a great image, but if you really want to get a pet as a gift, I would recommend giving a stuffed animal as a place-holder until the recipient is ready to take the next steps.

        If you’re spending your holidays with a new pet than you’ve already received the best gift! Please, keep these tips in mind so we can all have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

        There is still time to make a difference for animals this year

        The past 12 months have been challenging, however, you have shown that there is compassion and kindness in this world – thank you.

        With your support, we adapted our programs to do everything we could to keep more pets with their families and help the animals who came through our doors.

        Because of you, the following was made possible:

        • 2110+ animals found forever homes
        • 719+ services were provided to pets and pet owners in need, including
          • Temporary emergency shelter for pets
          • Pick up of pets needing critical veterinary care
          • Arrangements for emergency surrender of pets
        • More than 55,000 meals were delivered to our community

        As we continue to face uncertainty, one thing is certain – we cannot continue this important work without you. And, your support is needed now, more than ever.

        As the pandemic continues to affect the world, our work is more difficult. Increased economic challenges are causing a surge in the need for community-based services like low-cost veterinary care, temporary shelter, and access to essential pet supplies.

        We are also preparing for a possible influx of owned animals, as Boston’s eviction moratorium expired in October and it is projected that thousands of individuals, families, and their pets will lose their housing.

        Today, you have the chance to help us solve these pressing challenges. Your generous year-end gift will ensure that animals in need can get the care they count on including, food, sanctuary, medical care, love, and emergency rescue if they are in danger.

        We hope we can count on your support by making a gift today, as we continue to work to keep pets in homes and out of shelters.

        More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

        Thank you for being there for animals during these unprecedented and challenging times.

        We wish for you a safe and happy holiday season and the anticipation of a less challenging new year.

        Prefer to give by check?

        Please have your envelope postmarked by 12/31/2020 and mail to:

        Animal Rescue League of Boston ATTN: Development, 10 Chandler Street; Boston, MA 02116.

        Need assistance or prefer to give by phone?

        Please call us at (617) 426-9170 x603

        Did you know the CARES Act may include additional tax benefits for you if you make a charitable gift this year? Click here to learn more.

        ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding (with the exception of limited COVID-19 relief funding) and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy in their habitats and homes – YOU make our important work possible.

        Holiday “Star” Seeking New Home for the Holidays

        “Star” was one of more than 20 cats that came to the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center in September, after being removed from an overcrowding situation in Southeastern Massachusetts.

        Star’s journey has been lengthy, but she has displayed remarkable perseverance and is hoping to find her new home just in time for the holidays.

        Like many cats from this type of situation, Star was diagnosed with a severe upper respiratory infection. But while overcoming this hurdle, Star was not done confronting medical difficulties.

        Star is looking for her forever family!

        A thorough veterinary examination by ARL’s shelter medicine staff revealed a nasopharyngeal polyp, as well as strabismus.

        A nasopharyngeal polyp is a benign growth that can extend into either the ear canal or the throat area. It’s likely the polyp was caused by previous inflammation or viral infection.

        Strabismus is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other. The condition can occur in any direction; in Star’s case, her eyes turn upward and outward.

        Star’s polyp was successfully removed, and she did require time in a foster home to allow her to heal in a quiet and peaceful environment.

         Sweet and Shy

        When Star arrived at ARL, she had a very sweet disposition, and was constantly seeking attention and purring.

        Following her polyp removal, her behavior changed slightly, particularly upon returning from foster care. Star was now more reserved, shy, and unsure of new people.

        The reason for this behavior change is unknown, but continuing to show her resilience, over a period of days and weeks in the shelter environment Star has reverted to her former self and is once again seeking attention – she does however remain shy with new people.

        Animals at ARL continuously show us awe-inspiring examples of strength, determination and resilience – Star has certainly demonstrated these qualities and is ready to find her forever home.

        For more information about Star click here!

        You Make These Outcomes Possible

        While it is difficult to predict the on-going impacts of this global crisis, one thing remains constant – animals in our communities are still in need.

        And with a great need for these ongoing and expanding community services, Champions Circle members are there to answer the call for help.

        Thanks to you, Star was able to not only be rescued from her situation, but received the extensive support she needed in order to have a second chance.

        Champions Circle members provide steady support that sustains life-saving measures and second chances for homeless and at-risk animals all year long.

        During unprecedented times like these when fundraising events have been cancelled or modified, monthly gifts are crucial to providing life-saving care and assistance to animals when they need it most.

        By becoming a Champions Circle member today, you are ensuring that animals in need will the care they deserve, even during crisis.

        Why does monthly giving matter?

        • Spreading out your donation in increments throughout the year makes your giving budget work harder and creates an even bigger impact for animals.
        • Monthly giving is a convenient, affordable, and efficient way to make a difference in the lives of animals in our community.
        • 60% of ARL’s funding comes in during the last quarter of the year- and most of it during the last 2 weeks in December – yet animals need help every day. Monthly support from Champions Circle donors provides animals with care and assistance when they need it most.

        Use this secure link to join now, or call Derek at (617) 426-9170 x162.

        ARL Cares for Pair of  Turtles Found in Apartment

        This past week the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) was contacted about a pair of aquatic turtles that had been discovered by a landlord who was cleaning out an apartment that had recently been vacated.

        ARL’s Field Services Department responded to the Greater Boston apartment and transported them to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center.

        The red eared slider and alligator snapping turtle were not getting the proper amount of UVB light and were also being kept in water that was too cold for them.

        Once in ARL’s care, the turtles were placed in a proper environment, and later released to a local wildlife expert for further care.

        Check Local Regulations

        It’s important, particularly with reptiles, to consult local regulations to make sure that the animal is legal to own.

        A permit is needed to own the turtles involved in this incident.

        Cape Cod Foundation Grant Funds Spay/Neuter Surgeries

        ARL’s Spay Waggin’ Makes Special Stops in Falmouth

        The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) would like to thank The Cape Cod Foundation for its generous $5,000 grant that made it possible for more than two dozen Cape Cod residents to have their pet spayed or neutered free of charge.

        ARL reached out to a number of Cape-based human service support organizations to refer clients with pets in need of spay/neuter. Clients then brought their animals to the parking lot outside Petco along Davis Straits Road, where ARL’s Spay Waggin’ was parked.

        The Spay Waggin’ is a state-of-the-art mobile surgical unit, and clients were able to drop their pets off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon following the surgical procedure.

        Since 2000, more than 60,000 animals have been spayed/neutered aboard ARL’s Spay Waggin’, for clients throughout the South Coast, South Shore, and Cape Cod and the Islands.