Question by French Bulldog Parent: My girl is wonderful, except for two things. 1. If she drops crumbs, or anybody has crumbs, she attacks your hands when you try to pick them up, even if you are trying to give the crumbs to her. 2. Going to bed at night, if you adjust your pillow, she attacks! She has these two aggressions, and I have no idea why? How to break the aggressiveness in a frenchie is my big question? Is aggression something some frenchies just seem to have? I think what contributed to this is we sold our house, and ended up living in a long-term hotel for about 5 months waiting for the new house to be completed. During that time, living in a hotel room with a living room/kitchenette and one bedroom really limited play space, and people coming and going all of the time. Lots of doors banging, cleaning people everywhere, fire alarms a couple of times, dogs coming and going, and barking. (Several dog shows in the area.) Noise levels so different from a quiet house. She really developed her barking, and high anxiety. Any kind of alarm sets her off now. And her aggressions really developed. Lots of stress and anxiety during the move. We are settling in now, but the bad habits are still there. Anyone else go through this, or similar? How to deal with a frenchie like this?
Answer by French Bulldog Texas: First, it's important to acknowledge that your Frenchie’s aggressive behaviors likely stem from anxiety, fear, and the stressful environment she endured during your transition period. French Bulldogs are sensitive dogs, and sudden changes in their environment can significantly impact their behavior.
Here’s how to address the specific behaviors and help her feel more secure:
Addressing the Crumb Aggression
What’s Happening: This behavior could stem from resource guarding, which is when a dog feels the need to protect food or possessions. This is common in anxious dogs, especially those who’ve experienced stressful environments.
Steps to Correct This Behavior:
Desensitize and Counter-Condition:
Start by dropping a "crumb" (or treat) near her, but don’t reach for it. Toss her another treat while she focuses on the first one. This teaches her that your hand near her food means more rewards, not a threat.
Gradually move closer to the crumbs as you toss treats. Over time, practice picking up the crumbs while simultaneously giving her something more valuable (e.g., a high-value treat).
Teach “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands:
Use treats to train her to leave food on the ground until you give permission.
Practice “drop it” by giving her a low-value toy or treat, then rewarding her with a high-value treat when she releases it.
Avoid Punishment:Never scold or physically reprimand her for this behavior. Punishment may escalate her fear and guarding tendencies.
Addressing Pillow Aggression
What’s Happening: Your Frenchie may view the pillow or your movements around it as threatening or disruptive to her sense of security.
Steps to Correct This Behavior:
Establish Boundaries:
Train her to stay off the bed unless invited. Use a consistent cue, such as “off,” and reward her when she moves to her own bed or designated spot.
Provide her with a comfortable, cozy bed near yours so she feels included without intruding.
Desensitize to Pillow Movements:
During the day, mimic nighttime pillow adjustments. Keep the environment calm, and reward her for staying relaxed when you move the pillow.
Gradually increase the intensity of your movements while continuing to reward calm behavior.
Reinforce Calmness at Bedtime:
Create a calming bedtime routine. Use pheromone diffusers, calming treats, or a white noise machine to help her relax.
Consider crate training if she struggles to relax on her own bed.
Managing Overall Anxiety
The stress from living in the hotel has left her in a heightened state of alertness, which fuels both aggression and barking.
Calming Strategies:
Create a Routine:Dogs thrive on predictability. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and bedtime to reduce her anxiety.
Mental Stimulation:
Use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, or games like hide-and-seek to keep her mentally engaged and tire her out.
Teach her new commands or tricks to build her confidence and distract her from stress triggers.
Physical Exercise:
Ensure she gets daily walks and playtime, as physical activity helps release pent-up energy and stress.
Avoid overexerting her, as Frenchies are prone to overheating.
Address Noise Sensitivity:
Use desensitization techniques for noises like alarms or banging doors. Play recordings of the sounds at a low volume while engaging her with treats or toys, gradually increasing the volume over time.
Consider Calming Aids:
Pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil) can help create a soothing environment.
Vet-approved calming supplements or CBD products may help reduce her anxiety.
In severe cases, consult your veterinarian about temporary anti-anxiety medication to help her transition.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Reward her calm and non-aggressive behavior consistently. Positive reinforcement strengthens the behaviors you want to see, reducing her reliance on aggression as a response.
Work with a Professional
If these strategies don’t lead to noticeable improvement, consider working with a professional dog trainer or a certified canine behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to her needs and help you implement behavior modification techniques effectively.
Final Thoughts
Your Frenchie’s behaviors are not uncommon and can be corrected with patience and consistency. By creating a secure, structured environment and addressing her anxiety, you can help her overcome these habits. Remember, behavior change takes time, so celebrate small victories along the way!
コメント