Page 31 - Fourways Gardens Issue 10 November 2023

Estate News

ANIMALS MATTER

eanette Furstenburg is a Certified
Animal Behaviourist. She holds a
Diploma in Companion Animal
JBehaviour (DipCABT) with distinction
and is a full member of the COAPE
Association of Applied Pet Behaviourists and
Trainers and the International Companion
Animal Network (ICAN). In addition, she is
a member of the South African Board for
Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONALITY IN
OUR COMPANION DOGS
Living in an estate is not only about the
people but also about encountering their
animals. Everyone has an animal story, from
their pets to an endangered species on the
wall. Our companion pets are an extension
of our families; any criticism against them
can cause tension between neighbours.
Although dogs have numerous problem
C
behaviours, let’s pick two common ones.
Continuous Barking and Separation Anxiety.
M
Y
There will always be two camps in the
CM
doggie barking arena. Those who believe
MY
that a constantly barking dog is acceptable
because “that’s what dogs do” (well, that’s
CY
what THEIR dogs do) and those who know
CMY
how debilitating continuous barking can
K
be if they live next door. Some people have
even sold their homes to get away. I’m sure
everyone has experienced a WhatsApp
group that can get nasty and personal. And
while people bicker away, who is thinking Maybe he needs more exercise? Does his cookie jar. Both give you the same result
about the emotional state of the barking environment play a part? The list goes but are driven by two different emotions.
dog? Is he bored? Lonely? Anxious? Scared? on, but many factors must be considered Emotion 1: I’m scared. You left me alone, so I
Happy? Excited? We must understand against the breed’s specific needs (even a cope by destroying things. It makes me feel
that the dog is trying to communicate his pavement special will resemble a type of better. Emotion 2: I’m happy and excited.
feelings. dog e.g., Dachshund x Bull Terrier). Each I’ve been left alone and can do anything
breed has its own required and obligatory before you get home.
For example, let’s assume the dog is needs, and we must ensure that we allow
anxious when the owner leaves. As the car them to express what they were born to do. Most importantly, and like people, every
pulls out of the driveway, the only way the Stress responses are often associated with animal is an individual. No two are the
dog knows how to cope with his stress is to this lack of expression. Taking the time to same. There is not one solution for all.
bark. In his mind, if he barks continuously, understand achieves a win-win situation; Understanding the individual animal’s
the owner will eventually return. He then we help our dogs and, in the process, help mood is essential when addressing
feels his coping strategy has worked, and our neighbours! behavioural issues. No child or animal can
his barking is reinforced. This becomes a learn new things if they are unhappy, sad,
vicious circle. Let’s quickly look at the emotions involved stressed, terrified, hungry, or thirsty. By
in separation anxiety. You may come home recognising and addressing the emotion in
We, therefore, need to help the dog to chewed-up cushions, blankets, shoes, a respectful, kind, and loving way one can
find alternate, more acceptable coping and chairs…utter devastation. While it begin to address the problem. Let’s make
strategies to change how he feels when could be signs of separation anxiety, your our estate happy for all who reside there!
his owner leaves the house. Maybe the dog may display separation delight! You
dog needs mental stimulation? Perhaps know, like a mischievous kid who’s left For more information visit:
he has sight of the road and has FOMO? alone and draws on the wall and raids the www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 29 • November 2023