BehavioRx Case of the Month
for December 2002

Because it's Christmas time, this year's case is presented in the hope it will help our readers to avoid a common, often serious problem... dogs and cats destroying
Christmas Gifts, trees, decorations., etc.

The client phoned with a dog who had gotten aggressive toward the husband at Christmas. The dog, a 2 year-old neutered male Golden Retriever had torn up some
gifts under the tree on Christmas eve, 2000. The husband was furious... lost his temper... and spanked "Toby" until the dog actually "screamed," according the his
mistress, who was struggling to get her husband to stop the beating. "Judy" enrolled in our Problem Diagnoses and treatment service. She, her husband and the children followed the advice and instructions for their problem and the aggression was nipped in the bud; Toby and Dad were back on "buddy" terms within a few weeks. However, what about next Christmas?

The clients were advised to get our old standby, an air freshener available in stores in the air freshener section by the name of "Pure Citrus." They lightly sprayed the
tree, ornaments and gifts with the scent, refreshing it lightly each day. Toby avoided the tree like it was on fire!

This is our 2002 Christmas gift to all the curious, nosey dogs and cats and their owners. :-))))

Merry Christmas and Happy 2003!

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