We are the owners of an eight-year-old “shihmalpoo” named Oliver. Our backyard has an in-ground pool. Whenever I go swimming, Oliver exhibits signs of distress by running along the pool fence and barking loudly. He behaves this way specifically when I swim, despite my wife being his main caretaker. To prevent him from overheating, we keep him indoors while we swim. Any advice on how to address this behavior?
— Steve, Kings Park, New York
Oliver’s reaction may be influenced by various factors that cause him to respond differently to you than to your wife. Despite your wife being the primary caregiver, Oliver may share a unique bond with you, leading to heightened anxiety when he perceives you in what he deems is a risky situation, such as being in the pool. Furthermore, he may view you as more vulnerable or in need of protection, triggering his protective instincts.
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Dogs are sensitive to body language, tone of voice, and energy levels, which can impact their reactions. Past experiences involving you and water, no matter how minor, could have a lasting impact on Oliver. Determining the root cause of his behavior may involve a combination of these factors. While keeping him indoors while you swim is a temporary solution, here are some strategies to help him overcome his anxiety.
Begin by spending time with Oliver near the pool, gradually acclimating him to the environment without the added stress of seeing you in the water. Start by being near the edge and progress to sitting with your feet in the pool, all while interacting with Oliver, offering treats, and praise to create positive associations. Once he is comfortable with this, slowly enter the pool step-by-step, advancing only if he remains calm. This process may take days or even weeks.
Another approach is to have your wife stay with Oliver and reassure him while you swim. This can make him feel more secure knowing he has a trusted companion nearby. Providing puzzle toys to distract him while you swim is also worth trying.
If Oliver’s anxiety persists, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. A behaviorist can observe Oliver’s interactions with both you and your wife and offer personalized strategies to address his anxiety.
A few years ago, we adopted a dog surrendered by her previous owner, who left her alone for extended periods. She struggled with being alone, so we developed a routine that included leaving the TV on, closing the blinds, placing familiar-scented beds around the house, and providing treat-filled toys. Before leaving, we took her for a walk, reassured her, and maintained a consistent routine.
— Marcee, Las Vegas, Nevada
Despite her challenging start, it’s evident that you’ve made significant efforts to ensure her comfort and well-being. Your thoughtful routine of creating a safe and familiar environment with comforting items and maintaining a consistent schedule has greatly benefited her.
A walk before leaving can help her relax, and kind words can provide reassurance. Dogs thrive on routine, and you’ve created a stable and loving environment for her. Your story exemplifies how patience, care, and understanding can positively impact a rescued pet’s life.
I previously reached out to you about my dog’s fear of fireworks and tried using Sileo as instructed, but it didn’t alleviate her symptoms. Despite trying various methods, nothing seems to work. Any additional advice?
— Joe, Suffolk, New York
I’m sorry to hear that Sileo didn’t provide the desired relief for your dog’s noise phobia. Dealing with noise phobias can be challenging, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution or cure.
It may be necessary to explore a combination of approaches, such as using a pheromone collar, anxiety apparel like a Thundershirt® or Anxiety Wrap®, utilizing a white noise machine, and considering medication concurrently.
Your dog may still react to noise, but finding the right combination of strategies to alleviate her symptoms is key. Keep experimenting until you discover what works best for your dog.
(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a seasoned animal advocate, author, columnist, and pet expert with over 25 years of experience in the animal welfare sector. Share your pet stories, questions, and tips with cathy@petpundit.com, including your name, city, and state. Follow her on Twitter at @cathymrosenthal.)
