Pippy is young and confident enough to be a truly amazing companion for somebody. She bonds easily, loves people and other dogs, and contains within her that true terrier tenacity and ability to overcome obstacles that makes terriers what they are.

Now that I have had some time to think about the past week, it is finally time to look towards the future. I think the best way to discuss this is to talk about Pippy’s challenges, how they could be managed, and how she could improve. Keep in mind throughout this blog that Pippy is NOT a bad dog. She just lacks adequate education and direction!

Pippy's Challenges and Putting Them in Perspective

I would first say, that while Pippy’s responses can be more excessive than we would like, the basis of all of these behaviors is natural. Think for a moment about each of the items below in a human context.

1)   Reactivity to sudden movement and new sights and sounds
How many times do we humans startle, yell, or flinch when something suddenly comes too close for comfort? A spider dropping suddenly from the ceiling, a bat swooping overhead, or a snake slithering in the grass might be good examples. Also, novelty can be very concerning to us such as a new or sudden noise. I know I have awakened at night with a jump wondering if what I just heard might be a stranger outside trying to get in. 

2)   Reactivity to frustration
We have all experienced frustration and have felt the anger that can arise when we are unable to get what we want when we want it. I know we laugh about it when we see it on videos, but the person kicking, shaking, and hitting the vending machine that just “ate” their money is very unhappy at that moment in time.

3)   Resource guarding of high value items
Honestly, humans have to be the most serious resource guarders on the planet. We often react with great distress and sometimes violence to very small and seemingly inconsequential items being removed from our possession. In our society we just use differing terms such as theft, stealing, violation of privacy, and invasion. We take our resources very seriously – everything from somebody taking some loose change out of a desk drawer without permission to grand theft auto and even wars over differing ideologies can be included in this category.

4)   Demand barking (barking for attention)
I would equate this to those people who desire to be the center of the attention most of the time. They find it highly rewarding to have people listen to them. If they are removed from the spotlight they might change the topic or interrupt to make a point – even if that point is off topic. It could also be the small child who says “hey” over and over when they want to speak to adults who are busy and not paying attention.

5)   Lack of manners
As in people, this is just a basic education issue. With some kind explanation about expectations, most people will at least try to make an effort to fit into their chosen or mandated social circles.

There is a reason to I ask people to think through these with me. If humans, purportedly the most intelligent species on the planet, respond the way they do to these items, how can we expect more from our pets (the ones without thumbs and big brains) than we do from ourselves?

Managing the Problems

There are many ways each of these items can be managed that avoid major expenditure of energy and/or resources. These are not complete listings, but general ideas that might be useful for Pippy.

1)   Reactivity to sudden movement and new sights and sounds
    -  Provide Pippy with adequate and appropriate
       exercise, which could include chasing down squeaky toys (an
       outlet for her predatory nature) or holding the Pippy 500 in
       the living room
    - Do not leave Pippy outside unattended
    - Do any walking or outside playing when there is 
       less neighborhood activity in the area (early mornings / late
       evenings might be options)
    - Avoid playing near the edges of the yard to limit exposure to
       things likely to cause reactivity
    - Inside – run a fan or provide other “white noise” so that she is
       less likely to hear noises that might trigger her reactivity
2)   Reactivity to frustration
    - The use of the management items above should also
        work here
3)   Resource guarding of high value items
    - Limit Pippy’s access to high value items without direct
      supervision
    - Trade her for inappropriate high value items with an
       appropriate high value item or food instead of just trying to
       remove something from her possession 
    - Provide her with appropriate high value items when she is in a
       place nobody will disturb her (i.e. give her a pig’s ear in a
       crate, alone in the kitchen, on her bed, etc)
4)   Demand barking (barking for attention)
    - Do not reward Pippy’s barking with attention
    - Tether her or place her in a room or crate where she is unable          to be disruptive when this is not being actively worked with
5)   Lack of manners
    - I really suggest teaching basic manners instead of managing
       this particular item

Unlimited Potential for the Future

By just using some management and teaching Pippy a few good manners using positive training methods, she could be an amazing companion for somebody “as is” as a house dog. She really is a delightful little dog who loves being close to people!

Each of the items in the lists above can be remedied using gentle, dog friendly methods and without the use of harsh punishment. It would take some dedication and consistency on the part of Pippy’s new owner, but Pippy has the potential to also be an amazing athlete or working dog. No matter the choice – with management, behavior modification, or both, Pippy could thrive in her new home with some direction, consistency, and a lot of love.

While I am not in a position to adopt Pippy myself, I have committed to providing Pippy and whoever might adopt her with free, private, in-home training and behavior counseling.

I have pieced together a brief video clip from our behavior modification sessions and included it here. In addition to the other dog and handler team, at any one time there might be horses neighing or stomping their feet, a pig oinking and rooting around, other dogs whining and barking, seeds falling onto the metal roof, a tree brushing up against the side of the barn, pigeons flying around in the rafters, and/or other people coming and going. Just look at Pippy's ability focus and stay engaged! She really is truly amazing!