BehavioRx Case of the Month
for December 2001

Pain: It affects a Pet's Behavior

The following case is typical of many problem that are due to pain or physical discomfort due to undiagnosed health conditions.

The clients' 11 month old, spayed female Golden Retriever had started to growl when the owners started putting on her collar and leash to take her out for her toilet duties, which generally occurred four-five times daily. During our consultation the clients said "Betty" had always been in excellent health. Her health history showed no problems, and her last veterinary visit had been for removal of sutures following her hysterectomy at 8 months of age. Betty was described as a happy dog, with no other problems. The growling had started shortly after finishing a basic obedience course, where she had seemed to learn well, except for some strong leash-straining problems around other dogs.

Corrections involved using a pinch collar and leash-jerk corrections.   She was switched from the pinch collar to a choke chain after three weeks. The owners said she no longer "went nuts" around other dogs, but had started growling when they got within a few feet of her. She was then corrected with leash-jerks. When off the leash at a local playground Betty got along nicely with other dogs.

During our consultation Betty was very friendly and allowed us to pet her on her head, chest, neck and read quarters. However, she showed slight hand-shyness when we reached to pet the back of her neck. The clients said she had never been hit or otherwise punished physically, except that she had been shaken by the scruff of her neck as a young puppy as a correction for puppy nipping. She had once squealed when shaken. They said they had learned about the technique in a dog book.

We then explained about the role of pain, or the fear of possible impending pain, in defensive/aggressive behavior, the clients quickly understood a possible connection in Betty's case. We suggested a complete physical examination, including a spinal exam, just to rule out possible physical problems, they agreed.

A week later the clients phoned to say that, indeed, two cervical vertebrae were found to be out of proper alignment. A veterinary chiropractor had adjusted Betty's neck successfully, and a follow-up appointment wasscheduled for the next week. However, Betty was still growling when they put on her collar and leash. We reminded them about the "fear" of impending pain causing defensive/aggressive behavior, and scheduled another meeting.

The clients were introduced to the Sof-Touch Training Safety Leash and a broad, flat buckle collar. They phone a week later to say that Betty, as per the loose-leash walking instructions, was allowed to "learn the leash," and that she was growl-free at home after four days on the Sof-Touch system. However, the walks and the dog park were different. The clients reported that Betty was still "guardy" around other dogs on the leash, but had not growled more than a couple of times when especially rambunctious dogs got close, then had relaxed, allowing their walk to continue.

They used the BehavioRx remedial program for Overprotectiveness, applying the Leadership principles and Jolly Routines as soon as Betty noticed other dogs. They reported that she was relaxed and at ease with other dogs after three more weeks.

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