In the normal course of operating my canine behavior
practice in New York City, I will sometimes work with the
family veterinarian and recommend that the veterinarian
prescribe a pharmaceutical to assist me in modifying
problem behavior exhibited by a family dog.
What Constitutes a Behavior Problem?
How does one define a problem behavior? A behavior problem is
simply a behavior exhibited by the pet that the owner feels is
inappropriate. A barking dog may be problem for an apartment dweller
but not one for someone who lives on a farm. Most behavior problems
result from normal behavior typical of the species.
Veterinary behaviorist Karen Overall, V.M.D. of the University of
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia divides
problem behavior into two categories: management problems and
clinical abnormal behavior. Examples of management problems are
jumping on visitors, wild behavior or pulling on the leash. However, if
your dogs steals a tissue and you approach him and grab it and he
attempts to bite, that behavior can be defined as clinically abnormal.
"There's a lot you can tell about abnormal animals by the
context that they do this behavior in. Is it out-of-context
behavior? You know, if you've never been taught to walk on
a leash and you pull on a leash, that's not out-of-context
behavior. But if a human being walks in front of you while you
are lying in front of a door and you reach up and sink your
teeth into their groin, that's an abnormal behavior. And it's
out of context. There was no challenge."
What Problems are Most Often Presented?
In 1995, the most common behavior problems presented at the Canines
of America Center in New York City were different forms of aggression
(241), fears and anxiety (156) , inappropriate elimination
(housebreaking) (149) and excessive vocalization (barking) (96).
Aggression is the most serious problem because an aggressive dog
can be dangerous. When a pet dog bites, most pet owners will seek out
a behaviorist or trainer if they are of a mind to keep the dog. The
second most common problem presented is for problems associated
with fears and anxiety. Fear of strange people. Fear of being separated
from the owner. Fear of Thunderstorms, loud noises or new places and
feelings. These stimuli can cause a dog to exhibit what I call the "Three
F's", i.e., Freeze, Flee or Fight". Anxiety can cause a dog to become
destructive to relieve the tenseness or it can produce escape behavior
whereby a dog will chew and scratch through a wall or tunnel under a
fence to get out. Eliminating inside the home on carpeting or floors is
aggravating to most people and is a major reason why dogs are given
up in urban areas each year. Excessive barking (usually a result of
separation anxiety) also contributes to given the pet away
When Should Medication be Considered?
Veterinary Behaviorist Bonnie Beaver, D.V.M., professor and chief of
medicine at Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine in
College Station, Texas says:
"Its going to depend on, number one, the types of conditions
that you see most often, and number two, what success
you've had with other techniques, how long the problem has
been going on, what options are viable for a particular
owner, in a particular environment. So there are a lot of
variables involved in making these kinds of decisions."
Who Determines if Medication Should be Prescribed?
The decision should be made by the animal behaviorist, the family
veterinarian and the owner. The behaviorist is most experienced with
behavior modification and can set up a plan of action to change the
unwanted behavior. The veterinarian is most familiar with the animal's
heath and should perform tests to determine if the drug will be safe for
the animal. And, of course ,the owner must administer the drug and
participate in the behavior modification program by performing the
exercises, monitoring the animal's progress and reporting back to the
behaviorist and veterinarian.
Benefits and Risks
There are numerous benefits to drug intervention in dogs with behavior
problems.
A Relationship is Saved (and perhaps a life)
An Aggressive Dog Can be Safer
Dogs can Lead More Normal Lives
Owners Can be Relieved of Resulting Stress
Drug therapy is not without risk. Drugs do have side effects. Medication
can be costly. And sometimes medication does not work. In some
cases you can see dramatic improvement. In some cases, little or none.
