Kitten Biting Behavior

October 13, 2023 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Alison Gottlieb BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)

Striped baby kitten on a blanket

Photo Courtesy of Alison Gottlieb, BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)

Kittens are adorable, tiny creatures who provide hours of entertainment. They nap in the strangest places, purr, cuddle, play, explore their surroundings, and develop bonds with those they live with. For the most part, this is an accurate portrayal of life with kittens, and their occasional mischievous antics are easily forgiven due to their charm. However, there is one behavior that can sometimes test your patience: biting.

Understanding the reasons kittens exhibit biting behavior is crucial for successfully navigating this phase. The kitten biting phase is entirely normal, and with appropriate handling, it remains a phase. If not addressed correctly, it could develop into a more significant issue in adult cats.

Why Do Kittens Bite?

  1. Exploration: Like many other species, kittens explore their world using their mouths as one of their primary senses. It is a natural part of their early development. Additionally, teething can lead to biting as incoming teeth cause discomfort.
  2. Predatory Instincts: Kittens are born with hunting instincts, and biting is a fundamental part of their hunting skills. As they grow, they tend to practice these skills on moving objects, including human hands and feet.
  3. Play: Play is essential for kittens’ development, but they also need to learn when play is too rough. Learning what is too rough is a vital lesson often taught by siblings and housemates. Without other cats or dogs, humans become the educators.
  4. Setting Boundaries: Kittens may bite to communicate boundaries. This may be a response to being on the receiving end of rough play with other pets and humans in the house. Biting can be a way of expressing that they do not want to engage in play or interaction at that moment.
  5. Fear: Fear can add to a kitten’s biting behavior. Biting serves as a defense when faced with frightening situations. Keep in mind with every kitten, as brave as they seem, everything is a new experience with the potential to be scary.
  6. Attention-Seeking: Kittens may bite to gain attention. If they receive attention or a strong reaction when they bite, it can become a fun game to get more attention and pass the time during the day.

Prevention

Understanding the reasons behind kitten biting does not make the discomfort of those tiny teeth any less painful, but it does help prevent them from involving you in their biting games. Preventing unwanted behavior starts with the basics, including providing high-quality nutrition, clean and accessible litter boxes, safe spaces, elevated spots, and affection.

Providing appropriate toys and playtime is crucial in preventing painful interactions. Interactive play allows kittens to learn, exercise, and satisfy their hunting instincts. Stuffed toys or wands with feathers are excellent alternatives to human hands and feet. Toys can even be made by stuffing long socks or purchasing larger kitten-specific toys, allowing your kitten to grab, bite, and kick. Mental stimulation is also essential. Store bought or homemade puzzle feeders can engage hungry kittens and encourage the development of mental and hunting skills.

Making It Stop

While biting during play or attention-seeking is normal for kittens, the key is the response they receive. If a kitten starts to bite, immediately stop the activity and disengage. This teaches them that biting leads to the end of fun. The same can be said for attention-seeking biting. Giving them any response can teach them biting gets them the attention they are seeking. Use one of the toys listed above to redirect and provide an appropriate biting activity. 

When fear is the cause of biting, remove the stressor. Biting usually stops once the source of fear is gone. Remember that kittens find new experiences scary, so introduce them slowly. Create a low-stress environment with hiding spaces to help reduce overall kitten stress.

What To Avoid

Punishment is not recommended as it limits skill development and may damage the bond with your kitten. Keep in mind these are normal behaviors for developing kittens and they simply need to be taught the appropriate outlet. Punishment does not provide the whole lesson. Loud noises, water squirting, and pushing your kitten away are also discouraged, as they can lead to other undesirable behaviors.

Encouraging rough or mouthing play can reinforce these tendencies and potentially result in biting behaviors in adult cats. Provide a safe environment with plenty of play, affection, and essential needs met to build a strong, lifelong bond with your kitten.

If biting becomes excessive or the above strategies do not improve, seek guidance from your veterinarian or their team.

How to Teach Dogs To Use a Nail Board for Hind Feet

October 2, 2023 • Behavior Bytes Dogs I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By

Barbara Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT

Many dogs struggle with nail trims, so teaching a dog to use a nail board can reduce the stress of nail maintenance, and dogs will look forward to nail care. Teaching a dog to use the nail board for their hind feet is a separate action from the front feet and is taught as a separate exercise.

Steps:

To start, it can be helpful if your dog is already familiar with using a nail board for their front nails, but it is not necessary. 

You will need an elevated platform large enough for your dog to stretch up and over the nail board so that the dog is almost in a standing position, a nail board of sufficient length for your dog so that when angled against the platform, your dog can raise their hind foot against it and scratch downwards, yummy treats, and a non-slip surface for the dog to stand on.

  •  If your dog is not familiar with a nail board, you can put it on the ground so that your dog can be free to explore it. You can place treats on the ground for your dog to sniff. Don’t force your dog to interact while they are getting used to it.
  •  Get your dog used to putting their front feet up on the raised surface without jumping all the way up. Show your dog a tasty treat and lure them up so their front feet are on the raised surface. As soon as they have their feet up, “click” or verbally mark “yes” and then give your dog the treat. When your dog is happy getting their front feet up, you can then introduce the nail board.
  •  Angle the nail board against your raised platform. Either hold on to it or secure it so that it doesn’t fall or move if your dog knocks it. You may need to adjust the angle to find the ideal angle for your dog.

A nail board angled against a couch

  •  Lure or ask for a “paws up” onto the raised platform so your dog’s body is lined up over the nail board. If your dog is unsure, reward them if they reach up and put their front feet on the board, then increase the difficulty by luring them into having their front feet on the platform itself. With further repetitions, stretch the lure out further so your dog needs to stretch further. 
  •  Your dog will move their back feet closer to reach the lure and will attempt to climb up. As soon as they move either foot closer to the scratchboard, click or say yes, and reward.

Dog with his left hind foot on nail board and right hind foot on floor

  •  After a few repetitions of marking any foot movement, stretch the lure a little further and wait for the dog to place their hind foot on the scratchboard itself. You can mark and reward both the foot on the nail board and again as the dog’s foot naturally starts to scratch downwards. With a few repetitions, you can transition to only rewarding the downward scratching movement.

Dog with front feet on couch and left hind foot on nail board, right hind foot on floor

Keep your sessions fun and short so your dog remains eager to participate in nail maintenance.

Low Stress Handling® in Physical Rehabilitation

September 26, 2023 • Ask LSH Dogs I am a... Pet Owner

By Pat Koven, LVT, KPA- CTP

A dog licks at a lickmat placed inside a water treadmill.

A lickmat placed inside a water treadmill. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

Q: My dog has recently started rehab for hip dysplasia and seems stressed. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable?

A:  Always consult with your vet and a certified canine rehabilitation therapist to create a customized plan for your dog. They can guide you in using appropriate exercises and techniques for your dog’s medical needs. Monitor your pet carefully during the exercises and the rest of the day for fatigue, pain, or stress. Ways to minimize stress and make the experience beneficial for your dog include:

1.   Use only appropriate equipment, such as therapy balls, Cavaletti, weave poles, balance pads, or underwater treadmills, as recommended by a professional. Ensure that the equipment is safe and properly adjusted for your dog’s size and condition.

A b order collie going over cavaletti poles. Image Courtesy of

Caveletti poles. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTPLVT, KPA-CTP

2.  Incorporate fun and play when appropriate using positive reinforcement. This rewards your dog for desired behaviors, reduces stress, and keeps them engaged. Toys help encourage movement while offering treats during and after exercises can keep them motivated. Use licking mats in underwater treadmills and during stretching routines. End each session with praise and a gentle massage to reinforce the human-animal bond and work those sore muscles.

A border collie in a water treadmill

Working in the water treadmill. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

3. Start with a comfortable, quiet environment. Minimize distractions and loud noises as much as possible, whether in your home or a rehabilitation facility. This is as much for your dog’s stress as it is for you to focus on your dog’s overall comfort, both emotionally and physically.  The temperature of the room and in the underwater treadmill should be comfortable as well. In your home, designate an area or a room with their equipment so this becomes a predictable routine and space for them. 

Border collie standing on a balance platform

The balance platform. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

4.  Supervise your dog closely during the workout to ensure they are performing exercises correctly. Monitor your dog’s body language carefully. If they appear anxious, fatigued, or in pain, stop the session and consult immediately with your veterinarian or physical therapist to avoid further stress and potential complications. 

5.  Use assistive devices, such as harnesses or slings, when needed, especially if your dog is struggling with mobility. These devices can reduce stress on their joints and muscles. 

A Border collie uses weave poles

Weave poles. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

6.  Begin the rehabilitation process slowly, introducing only a few exercises at a time. Practice each for just a few minutes throughout the day instead of long, intense sessions. This can help your dog feel more comfortable and engaged without overwhelming them. Offer plenty of breaks during and between each repetition as your pet needs. Gradually increase the duration of both the exercises and sessions as your dog becomes more comfortable with each exercise.

7.   Maintain a regular daily routine as much as possible. This can help reduce stress by providing a sense of familiarity and predictability.

Rehabilitation can take time, and some days may be more challenging than others. Remember that every dog is unique, and their response to rehab may vary. Be flexible and adjust your approach based on your dog’s individual needs and progress. Always seek guidance from a professional to ensure you are providing the most appropriate care for your pet. Be patient and support your dog throughout their journey.

Taming the Howls: Managing Your Dog’s Fear on Halloween

September 22, 2023 • CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Veterinary Professional

By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Border collie wearing cowboy hat

Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

October has rolled in, and with it comes the excitement of Halloween: a celebration filled with delightful costumes, pumpkin carvings, and of course, plenty of sweets. However, amidst the eerie music, doorbell rings, and groups of disguised trick-or-treaters, our canine companions can feel quite overwhelmed. Let’s explore some ways to help our furry friends navigate this spooky season with ease.

  1. Understand the Fear

Before attempting any solutions, it is crucial to understand why dogs might be afraid during Halloween:

  •  New noises: The unfamiliar sounds of fireworks, doorbell rings, or even excited screams can unsettle our pets.
  •  Strange scents: With all the new decorations and costumes, a plethora of new scents enter their environment.
  •  Odd sights: Masks, costumes, and wandering kids can be unsettling. After all, it is not every day that your dog sees a walking banana or a tiny werewolf!

  2. Prep Your Pooch Early

  •  Window film: Apply film to street-facing windows to reduce reactivity.
  •  Safe haven: Designate a quiet room or space with their favorite toys, bed, and water where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
  •  Boarding: If your dog is comfortable with boarding but uncomfortable with visitors, schedule a night away. Make your reservations early.

Dog in a lion's mane costume

Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

  3. Halloween Night

  •  Keep them inside in their safe haven: This not only prevents them from reacting to every doorbell ring but also avoids the risk of them bolting out the door.
  •  ID tags: In the event they do get out, ensure that their identification is up to date so they can be returned to you safely.
  •  Distractions: Consider giving your dog a new toy or treat to engage with during the busiest trick-or-treat hours.
  •  Calming aids: Discuss with your vet the possibility of using music, sprays, lickable treats, or even wearable items like anxiety wraps.

  4. A Treat for Them Too!

With everyone getting treats, it is a nice gesture to have something for your pup. Make sure it is dog-friendly and avoid any candies or chocolates which can be toxic. Consider making a special dog treat or buying them a new chew or puzzle toy.

  5. Be Cautious with Costumes

If you decide to dress up your dog:

  •  Ensure comfort: The costume should not restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
  •  Test drive: Let them wear the costume several times before the big day so they can get used to it.
  •  Always supervise: Never leave your dog unattended while wearing their costume.

Border collie licking a blue cup

Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

  6. Watch the Decor

  •  Avoid decorations that might be scary or harmful to your dog. Also, be wary of wires or small parts that they might chew on.

While Halloween is a time of fun and festivity for many, our four-legged friends might not always see it that way. By being proactive, understanding, and prepared, you can ensure a safe and comfortable Halloween for everyone in the household.

The Reactive Dog Path

September 6, 2023 • Behavior Bytes Dogs I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

Brown and white dog looking into distance

Image Courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

Reactivity is an emotional response to a change in the environment that is based in fear, anxiety, or frustration. Dogs can explode or implode in their reactivity, which means they can lash out (external response) or shut down (internal response). Regardless of the type of response, it is important to recognize both as emotional.

When you have a reactive dog, it is easy to feel embarrassed, defeated, and frustrated. If you expect too much from your dog and place them in situations before they are ready, setbacks in the training process occur, and progress is not made. Breaking down the training and behavior modification steps into stages helps create a clear path forward and provides patterns of predictability, improving success rates.

These steps include:

1. Understanding

Knowing why your dog is struggling and what can realistically and practically be done to change how they feel and react is the first step. Understanding your dog’s body language will help you recognize when they are stressed. If you can figure out whether they are trying to escape, avoid, or approach the trigger, you will gain insight into their motivation and prevent a reaction from occurring. You can also use this method to identify what triggers your dog’s behavior.

2. Prevention & Environmental Management

Ensuring your dog feels safe should be a priority. Managing the environment by avoidance triggers keeps your dog from practicing this behavior and stops the progression. With repeat exposure, your dog will have an opportunity to practice the undesirable behavior, potentially becoming self-rewarding. Therefore, the behavior will be more likely to happen again in the future, with more intensity and less warning beforehand. 

For example, think about your dog’s reaction to another dog on a walk. When on a leash, your dog might bark, growl, or lunge at another dog either at a close distance or far away. As your dog continues to react in this manner, the other dog moves away. What did your dog learn from this interaction? They learned their behavior was successful at scaring the other dog away, or they may be frustrated because they never had an opportunity to meet the other dog.  Either way, they were given an opportunity to practice and fine-tune this behavior for the next encounter, so the reaction will take less time to occur and likely be more intense.

3. Build Foundation Behaviors at Home

Woman sitting quietly petting yellow dog

Image Courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

Before you can start any type of behavior modification, your dog needs to learn certain foundation behaviors. Teaching your dog to touch your hand with their nose, chin rest, recall, and voluntary eye contact are all behaviors to build upon and use during the behavior modification process. Start by teaching your dog these behaviors in safe and low-distracting environments such as your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Once they are learned in these locations, expand to other areas of the house and into your yard.

For example, if your reactive dog barks and lunges when they see other dogs while on a walk, think about what behavior you would rather see and how to keep your dog’s attention focused on you instead. These skills will be necessary if you hope to change your dog’s emotional response in this situation. Without foundation behaviors, your dog’s emotional brain is much more likely to override their thinking brain, which means the behavior will be hard to change. 

4. Skill Building in Quiet Open Spaces

Once your dog learns critical foundation behaviors, then it is time to start practicing them away from home. Secure and quiet locations with an open space allow an opportunity to keep your dog a safe distance away from triggers while you practice. This type of environment gives your dog an opportunity to sniff and explore, which also helps to decrease stress and anxiety. Options such as open fields, abandoned or quiet parking lots, and yards or areas that can be rented (Sniff Spots) make great places to practice these new behaviors and work on your dog’s focus and engagement with you.

Black dog with a blue leash on green grass

Image Courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

5. Controlled Distraction

Once your dog is responding to basic cues and you can keep their attention in a quiet, open space, plan an outing. Choose a controlled environment such as a parking lot or meet up with a friend and their dog (if your dog is friendly with theirs). Be sure to have a solid plan and exit strategy.

Use a “touch” cue to guide your dog as you practice turning around or moving away to avoid new people or dogs. As your dog becomes more comfortable and continues to engage with you, you can get closer to the triggers but avoid direct interaction.     

Since you and your dog have practiced this behavior in less distracting environments, your dog should already know what to do. Keep these sessions short. If your dog becomes stressed, use your exit strategy and return to the previous step (quiet open spaces) in this process.

Dog sitting at standing woman's feet

Image Courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

6. Practice in Real-World Settings

Two dogs walking on long lines on green pasture grass

Image Courtesy of Laura Gendron, CPDT-KA, LFDM, FFCP

Once you get to this stage, it is time for your dog to experience the real world and all the uncertainty that comes with it. As your dog’s coping skills develop and their comfort level improves, you will still need a plan and exit strategy. However, if your dog continues to struggle, remember that some dogs may be more comfortable at home and shouldn’t be expected to interact or make friends with everyone. If this is the case, continue to enjoy your quiet walks, take sniff walks, and play games in the yard instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Management of Behavioral Conditions

August 20, 2023 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter Dogs I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Student Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Lindsey Cloutier, DVM, CPDT-KA

Nearly all animal behavior cases benefit from a multi-modal approach consisting of medication, environmental management, and behavior modification. When treating behavioral conditions, your veterinarian can choose from a variety of medications and create a personalized treatment plan.

This guide answers common questions regarding the types of medications prescribed in the treatment of behavior cases.

Why Do We Prescribe Medication, and What Is the Goal?

The goal of medication is to help pets cope with stress and improve their learning potential. This allows your pet to feel safer, making management, training, and behavior modification more effective.

A veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist will prescribe medication for three main reasons:

  • decrease the intensity of your pet’s reactions;
  • decrease the frequency with which they occur;
  • decrease the recovery time from an episode. 

To teach your pet new things, they need to be comfortable enough to learn. In pets that are fearful and anxious, medication helps make learning possible.

With medication, the goal is not to sedate your pet or change their personality. If it does, a discussion with your veterinarian may be needed to find a more suitable medication.

Which Types of Medications Are Used?

Medications used to treat behavioral conditions typically fall into two broad categories:

Daily medications are often used when triggers are either unavoidable, unpredictable, or common in their life. Typically given once or twice a day, these medications can take four to six weeks to be effective. This is referred to as the loading period. After that, doses may need to be adjusted, or medications changed.

Rapid-acting medications are used prior to a stressful event or when initially starting a daily medication. Rapid-acting medications are useful because they only take 30 minutes to two hours to take effect. This allows pets prompt relief when these types of events are predictable or when extra support is needed quickly.

How Safe Are Behavior Medications?

While no medication comes without risks, they are usually tolerated well, and long-term side effects are uncommon. A decrease in appetite is the most common side effect, although some may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or drowsiness. In rare instances, a pet may have increased anxiety or agitation. In these cases, your veterinarian may adjust the medications or dosage.

Will Medication “Fix” Your Pet?

As part of a complete treatment plan, medications can reduce the severity, frequency, and intensity of behavior but do not guarantee a cure. Management, training, and behavior modification are still needed.

When Can My Pet Stop Medication?

While some pets may be successfully weaned off medications, others may need continued treatment. Often, behavioral conditions are managed but not cured.

Your veterinarian or board-certified veterinary behaviorist will help you determine what is best for you and your pet. 

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