BehavioRx Case of the Month
for June 2003

This month, and from time to time, we will be featuring helpful cases from published works by behavior consultants who have been exceptionally effective in helping their clients. This month's case is by C. Miriam Yarden, B.Sc. Miriam has been practicing for more than 25 years in Southern California. Aurora Animal Behavior is her company name in Long Beach. She only makes house calls. The following case is from her outstanding book, "Hey Pup, Let's Talk," published 2000 by Baron's Educational Series, Inc. in which there are over 30 fascinating cases in which only the names and breeds of dogs have been changed, while the facts remain and speak for themselves. Her phone number: (562) 428-1824; email address is "C. Miriam Yarden" <thek9tutor@charter.net>


CASE OF THE MUTILATED GERMAN SHEPHERD
by C. Miriam Yarden, B.Sc.

Anton was a handsome and regal four-year-old male German Shepherd. He chewed and licked an open sore on his front paw until it bled and required medical care. This behavior went on for about two years during which time his owners tried "everything" to stop him, ranging from medical intervention, noxious substances, plastic collars, and socks on his paws, all to no avail.

Extensive history was taken when I met Anton, and a classic situation emerged. When the behavior started, Anton had a small growth on the top of his right paw, which he licked and worried over. The growth was surgically removed, but he continued licking it, so it refused to heal. A second medical opinion was sought and the owners were referred to an excellent surgeon who) performed laser surgery to facilitate irritation-free healing. For a while the problem seemed solved, but then Anton began the self-mutilation again.

Upon questioning as to what happened in the family's life at about the same time, it came to light that the wife's brother was in an automobile accident resulting in very serious injuries, but death did not occur until several months later. I asked the wife how she dealt with Anton during that traumatic and difficult period. She
recalled that she was so involved with the tragedy that she withdrew from the animal, expending all her emotional resources in trying to cope with the heavy psychological and emotional burden of the accident. Her husband, being as supportive as he could be, also unwittingly withheld the emotional input that Anton was used to.

With such a history it was quite simple to explain Anton’s bizarre behavior. While the legitimate problem with the paw elicited concern and attention, once the paw
healed the self-mutilation became unnecessary. However, at the very time when Anton knew that this injury elicited concern and earned him attention and sympathy,
something  happened that suddenly eliminated both the extra care and the usual involvement he was accustomed to. He didn't know why he was suddenly bereft and shut out of his family's emotional environment, but by this time he knew how to make sure that he got attention again: keep licking and chewing the paw even if the paw bled and hurt. (Remember the wild animal in the trap?) It was so important for him to get back their love and affection (which he thought he lost) that he was not deterred by bad taste or odor on the paw and managed to find a way around collars, bandages, and socks.

As the situation was described to the owners, they remembered that, indeed, his was the scenario of the last two years. Who can blame them for what happened? Even Anton didn't blame them. He was just unhappy and used the only means at his disposal, having learned from the original reaction to his injury to say, "Have you forgotten me? Don’t you care about me any more? Don’t you notice me?”

It worked very well because he got attention. Not necessarily the same kind as before, but it was attention! If the attention flagged because the paw improved, he
knew precisely how to reawaken it by licking and chewing himself again.

The owners now understood Anton’s logic and his inventive method of reminding them of his presence and continuing emotional need of them. The most important step for them was to return to the relationship as it used to be in order to make it unnecessary for Anton to continue the self-mutilation.

Because he indulged in the chewing and licking when he was alone, it was suggested that all emotional departures and arrivals be stopped. This made their coming and going uneventful and insignificant, more a matter of fact of daily living. Instead, daily structured play periods were started during which Anton was indulged by
undivided attention from his people. This could be chasing his ball, going through obedience exercises, catching a frisbee, a romp on the beach, getting a good brushing—almost any activity he liked, as long as it was done on a direct, one-on-one basis with him. This was to be Anton’s time! It was carefully pointed out that stroking him absentmindedly while watching television is not what is intended because he will know the difference! He was also not to be petted or fondled at all, unless lie earned it first (learn-to-earn) with a simple sit, and on compliance he was to get a brief but happy chest rub. If he happened to be sitting when soliciting attention, then the command was down followed by the same happy praise and approval.

If and when licking was observed, a sharp noise was used to distract him from the activity—a table slapped with an open hand or a book, a loud bang of some sort,
anything that drew his attention from the activity would serve well.

It took about four to five weeks for the self-mutilation to stop. While the distraction was an immediate remedy, for the long term cure the earned approval and
praise served as relinquishment of leadership on Anton's part. Above all, the emotional input and concentrated attention-sessions were responsible for Anton's
permanent cure. The added gain was that the owners, realizing the cause of the problem, saw to it that their beloved companion was as much a focus of their
affection and attention as before.

Because of the last, the attention sessions could be less regimented after a while, but by then, Anton felt secure and nurtured again. The owners found again the joy and pleasure of long walks on the beach, throwing balls, and snuggling with Anton before the fireplace on cold nights. The behavior never resumed and the paws healed.

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