Coco is a 2-year-old, loveable Chihuahua mix with some of the longest legs at PHS/SPCA. They were made for running, and boy, does she love to run! She also is fully potty-trained and can be left inside without any accidents. Coco is in foster care; make arrangements to meet her by e-mailing [email protected]. Ask for Coco #A562527.
Other adoptable pets are available at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. For information, call 650-340-7022 or visit www.phs-spca.org. (Richelle Pittella / Peninsula Humane Society)
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog, Iggy, barks at everyone who passes in front of our house. Is there a way to curb the guard dog in him?
Reply: If Iggy could tell us why he barks at the window, he might say, “Because it’s my job!” Dogs who are not given a job, or don’t have appropriate outlets for their energy, will often create jobs for themselves. For Iggy, he’s making a point of alerting you to any potential visitors.
If you have a bay window or glass door where Iggy watches the passersby, you might consider placing frosted window tape on the glass or moving the couch away from the window. Dogs form habits just like people, so breaking the habit of barking will be the first step. If this doesn’t work, block access to this area using a baby gate or door so Iggy can’t continue the behavior.
In addition to blocking his view, make sure Iggy is getting the exercise his age, personality and breed require. Fetch, running, or hiking are all great activities to make sure Iggy gets the physical stimulation he needs. More often than not, a naughty dog simply needs different outlets for his energy and efforts.
Since many dogs who bark are sensitive to sounds, you can turn on the radio or play a book on tape to drown out the noises from outside. Just like we wouldn’t want to hear the same song on repeat for days at a time, mix it up and change genres, play different books on tape, or leave the TV on the golf or food channel.
Lastly, it’s always important to reward Iggy for good behavior. Whenever I tell my dogs what they can’t do, I try to show or tell them what they can do. This will go a long way in giving your dog direction and purpose. Iggy can’t bark at people passing by, but he can practice a “down stay” while you cook, read or fold laundry.
Read more from Miss Behavin’ in the Mercury News.