Behavioural Report Dembe

Report: Behavioural Consultation – August 19th, 2024 Present: The owners

Dog Description:

Dembe, male, born March 13th, 2020. The family picked up Dembe during the COVID pandemic on May 8th. They attended a puppy course at Anicura Harstad, where they received a lot of positive feedback. Passing other dogs was not a problem when they reinforced desired behaviour with sausage treats. Dembe learns quickly and has a strong bond with the eldest child. When the owners are active, he wants to join.

Description of the Owner Relationship:

First-time dog owners, although one of them grew up with dogs. Heidi expresses that she is generally afraid of dogs, but not Dembe. Espen has previous experience with dogs. The family lived in Copenhagen for six months, travelling there and back by car. In recent months, there have been changes in living arrangements and family dynamics. Dembe has spent more time with Espen lately, but no behavioural changes have been observed. He has not settled well in Heidi’s apartment, as observed via camera. It’s uncertain whether the dog tolerates switching homes every other week.

Social and Physical Environment in Daily Life:

Walks: 45-minute walk after work and another before bedtime. About 10 km total per day, depending on which owner he’s with. Mental stimulation: Basic obedience exercises, scent work, and treat searching.

Why the Family Contacted a Behaviour Consultant:

The breeder contacted the undersigned regarding a dog from their breeding who had bitten a child while the dog was lying on its back being cuddled. In a conversation with Heidi, there was concern they might have to consider euthanasia due to behaviour. The owners report that Dembe can “snap” at both people and other dogs. He gets along with some dogs, not others, and is difficult to "read." Once he starts barking, they lose the ability to redirect him or reinforce desired behaviour with treats. They suspect he may not have been sufficiently socialised with people. People often approach him quickly, make eye contact, or praise his appearance, which he finds distressing. He guards the floor they live on and alerts if someone comes too close to his owners.

Owner's Perception of the Problem:

There has been a year between biting incidents, and they now feel uncertain about him.

Medical Status:

Physically healthy, although his gait is somewhat stiff. He has had two allergic reactions and was injured on a trip to Denmark but showed no symptoms afterward. He dislikes nail trimming, but Espen is able to complete it. No issues when the owner is present at the vet. The vet once used a muzzle for nail trimming.

Behavioural Observation During the Consultation:

Only three elements of a standard Mental Test (MH) were conducted based on the owners' input.

Sociability: Tested for willingness to approach strangers. Dembe followed the consultant briefly, then veered away, showing calming signals like sniffing the ground. He did not re-engage and walked ahead when returning to the owner. The consultant evaluated this as a strong, negative reaction for a family dog. Owners expressed uncertainty about how Dembe would react and said they wouldn’t let anyone else walk him.

Playfulness: Assessed via play attempts with different toys. Weak to moderate response. He removed himself from interaction and remained passive, appearing nervous.

Handling: Tested for tolerance to physical contact. No aggression shown when the consultant sat on the floor and invited contact. He backed away, showing appropriate calming behaviour. Took treats from the hand during handling training.

Prey Drive: Very weak response to a simulated prey object.

Observations:

Dembe is a lovely dog who responds well to positive reinforcement when the conditions are right. He appears nervous and displays "touch and go" behaviour. His body language shifts quickly, making him difficult to read. When trained positively with the right reinforcement, he returns and completes repetitions with increasing difficulty.

Ethological Explanation of the Behaviour:

Fight, flight, or freeze responses are natural defence mechanisms in dogs. From an ethological perspective, these are normal coping strategies. Young males may show territorial or dominance behaviours, especially during puberty. Lack of socialisation or clear guidance can result in poor social skills and boundary testing. Overstimulation and insecurity can amplify defensive behaviours, including snapping when approached while lying on the back.

Learning Theory Explanations for the Outbursts:

• Positive Reinforcement: If outbursts result in a desired outcome (e.g., attention, someone backing off), the dog may repeat the behaviour.

• Negative Reinforcement: If the dog escapes discomfort by reacting, it may learn to use that strategy.

• Unintentional Reinforcement: Human responses such as laughter, scolding, or interaction can reinforce unwanted behaviour, even unintentionally.
  

To modify this, consistent training that rewards calm behaviour and redirects unwanted responses is essential.

Assessment: Based on owner feedback, test observations, and behaviour, the consultant assessed Dembe as nervous in situations where a rapid "touch and go" response is inappropriate. There’s a risk that this behaviour becomes reinforced if it consistently reduces discomfort. Routine, stability, mental stimulation, and gradual exposure to triggers in a positive way are recommended. Dembe should not be placed in situations with children where outbursts might occur. He responded positively to handling exercises during the session and shows willingness to learn in calm, safe settings.

Recommendations for Management:

1. Calming Products:Use pheromone diffusers like ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser to provide a consistent sense of security. Available in pharmacies, vet clinics, and some pet stores.

2. Diet and Supplements:Vitamin B6 can help raise serotonin levels and support nervous system regulation. Ensure high-quality food and supplements, as traumatised dogs may require more nutrients.

Behavioural Management Tips:

• Safe Space: Provide a calm retreat area like a crate or quiet room.

• Routine: Predictable routines reduce anxiety.

• Training: Use reward-based training to build confidence.

• Gradual Exposure: Slowly introduce new people, environments, and stimuli.

• Recognise Triggers: Identify and desensitise known stressors.

• Interactive Toys: Provide mental stimulation through puzzles and enrichment.

• Stay Calm: Your energy influences the dog’s state.

• Avoid Punishment: Punishment increases anxiety and worsens trust.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces stress and tension.
  

By using these strategies consistently, you can help Dembe feel more secure and better equipped to handle life’s unpredictabilities.

Thank you for consulting us Best regards J. Bya Canis Harstad