Am I Doing It Wrong? - Episode Summary: More Secrets To Making Your Doggy Happy

Release Date: December 19, 2024

In this engaging episode of Am I Doing It Wrong?, hosts Raj Panjabi-Johnson and Noah Michelson delve deep into the intricacies of canine behavior with expert insights from Dr. Emily Levine, an esteemed animal behaviorist with a veterinary background. The episode addresses common concerns dog owners face, offering practical solutions to enhance the well-being and happiness of their furry companions.

1. Understanding and Addressing Excessive Barking

Listener Question: "How do I get my golden retrievers to stop barking at the neighbor's dog over the fence?"
(Lisa, [04:17])

Dr. Emily emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying cause of the barking rather than merely attempting to suppress the behavior. She compares it to addressing why a dog might vomit before treating the symptom. By understanding the dog's emotional state—be it excitement, anxiety, or territoriality—owners can implement tailored strategies such as:

• Social Needs Fulfillment: Scheduling playdates to satisfy the dog’s desire for interaction.
• Recall Training: Teaching the dog to respond to commands to divert attention.
• Environmental Management: Installing barriers like shrubs to reduce visual stimuli that trigger barking.
• Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually exposing the dog to the trigger in a controlled manner to reduce reactivity.

Notable Quote:

“Why is he or she barking in the first place? So this is where really trying to understand a dog's underlying emotional state and motivation is key.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([04:38])

Host Insight: Noah shares his experience with their dog Jumi, highlighting the role of understanding the root cause in effectively managing behaviors.

2. Decoding the "Poop Dance"

Listener Question: "Why does my dog perform the poop dance before going to the bathroom, and can I encourage him to go quicker?"
(Noah, [10:43])

Dr. Emily explains that while the exact motivations remain partly a mystery, the "poop dance" is likely tied to a dog’s keen sense of smell and their instinct to find an optimal spot for elimination. She suggests:

• Allowing Natural Behavior: Letting the dog take the time they need to find their preferred spot.
• Training Cues: Introducing commands like "hurry up" to encourage quicker elimination when necessary.
• Consistent Routine: Maintaining regular bathroom breaks to reduce anxiety around finding the perfect spot.

Notable Quote:

“Dogs' sense of smell is very, very important. They get a lot of information from what they're smelling that we will never comprehend.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([11:29])

Noah shares his strategy of designating a specific area for Jumi, which helps streamline the process and save time.

3. Ensuring Your Dog is Content When Left Alone

Listener Question: "What’s the best way to ensure my dog isn’t upset when I’m gone?"
(John, [17:03])

Dr. Emily recommends videotaping the dog’s behavior when alone to identify signs of boredom or distress. Depending on the observations, solutions may include:

• Mental Stimulation Toys: Providing foraging toys to keep the dog engaged.
• Pre-Departure Exercise: Engaging in mental and physical activities before leaving to tire the dog out.
• Safety and Comfort: Ensuring the dog has a comfortable environment to relax in.

Notable Quote:

“There are some dogs who… happily nap and are clearly relaxed…the very best thing dog owners should do is to videotape their dog when they are left alone.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([17:22])

4. Managing House Soiling Without Punishment

Listener Question: "What’s the best way to discourage a dog from soiling the house after the fact?"
(Noah, [19:10])

Dr. Emily stresses that punishment is ineffective due to the time gap between the behavior and the consequence. Instead, she advocates for:

• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding the dog for eliminating in the correct place.
• Supervision and Accessibility: Preventing unsupervised opportunities to soil and recognizing subtle signals.
• Consistent Routine: Regular bathroom breaks to establish a reliable habit.

Notable Quote:

“The actual act of eliminating is, in and of itself, rewarding you feel better. And it’s a very natural thing.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([19:45])

5. Behavioral Changes Over Time and Social Maturity

Listener Question: "Why do sweet dogs become more aggressive or reactive as they age?"
(Sanjana, [27:39])

Dr. Emily explains that social maturation between ages 1 and 4 can alter a dog’s perception of the world, similar to human children becoming more selective and assertive. Factors influencing this change include:

• Temperamental Traits: Fearfulness or impulsivity can intensify behavioral shifts.
• Traumatic Events: Negative experiences can lead to increased aggression or reactivity.
• Medical Issues: Subtle discomforts may manifest as irritability or mood changes.

Notable Quote:

“Dogs have the same neuroanatomy that we do to hang on to emotionally significant events.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([31:46])

Hosts discuss the parallels between human therapy and addressing dog behaviors, reinforcing the importance of understanding dogs as sentient beings with their own emotions and thoughts.

6. Introducing Dogs to New Babies and Cats

Listener Questions:

• "What’s the best way to introduce your dog to a new baby?"
• "How do you safely introduce a cat to a household with dogs?"
  (Lindsay, [37:15] & Noah, [43:53])

Introducing Dogs to Babies:
Dr. Emily advises a gradual introduction process:

• Pre-Birth Preparations: Establish new rules and routines before the baby arrives.
• Controlled Introductions: Use items like baby hats or blankets for the dog to sniff, ensuring positive associations.
• Supervised Interactions: Allow the dog to greet the baby calmly, managing excitement or anxiety.

Introducing Cats to Dogs:
Key considerations include:

• Assess Dog’s Temperament: Determine if the dog has a history of chasing or aggression towards cats.
• Controlled Meetings: Start with scent introductions and use barriers before face-to-face interactions.
• Training Cues: Reinforce commands like "stay" and "come" to manage the dog's responses.
• Fostering Trials: Consider fostering a cat first to observe dynamic interactions without a full commitment.

Notable Quote:

“There is no rush to have the dog and the baby sniff each other right away... take it slow.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([37:31])

Hosts share personal anecdotes, emphasizing patience and safety in multi-pet households.

7. Do Dogs Dream?

Listener Question: "Do dogs dream?"
(Noah, [47:37])

Dr. Emily confirms that dogs do dream, supported by their similar neuroanatomy to humans and observable REM sleep behaviors, such as rapid eye movements and physical movements during sleep.

Notable Quote:

“From my perspective, it’s... yes, dogs dream.”
— Dr. Emily Levine ([47:56])

Better in Five: Top 5 Takeaways

1. Investigate the Root Cause: Address the underlying reasons for any behavioral issues rather than just the symptoms.
2. Observe When Alone: Videotape your dog’s behavior when you’re not home to identify boredom or distress.
3. Respect Individual Personalities: Recognize that each dog has a unique personality and may not conform to stereotypical behaviors.
4. Promote Positive Training: Use rewards to encourage good behavior instead of punishing mistakes.
5. Strategic Introductions: Carefully and slowly introduce new babies or pets to maintain harmony and safety in the household.

Host Reflections:
Both Raj and Noah express newfound understandings and affirm the profound connections between human and canine behaviors, underscoring the importance of empathy and tailored approaches in dog training and care.

Whether you're grappling with incessant barking, navigating the challenges of a new baby, or simply curious about your dog's nocturnal journeys, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you create a happier, healthier environment for your beloved pet.