Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 16, 1994                   TAG: 9401130070
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By KAREN L. DAVIS
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THERE IS PLENTY AN OWNER CAN DO TO HELP MAKE A LONELY DOG HAPPY

Some dogs can adjust to these periods of isolation.

"Dogs are creatures of habit, and if introduced properly to this environment and routine, a lot of dogs cope well," said Angi Hallenbeck, owner of Canine Consultants in downtown Roanoke. "But certain dogs with high energy levels will get frustrated and develop destructive behaviors."

These dogs will find something to do to amuse themselves, and it might be something as fun to them as chewing up your new couch cushions.

Depending on the animal's personality, getting another pet for company often helps, Hallenbeck said. So can leaving on the radio or TV, playing a tape recording of your voice, and providing special toys and a special bed.

Most important, however, is consistently spending quality time with the dog, Hallenbeck said. Quality time involves more human/animal interaction than just a brief outing to take care of bathroom duties, too. Regular exercise is important and can help dissipate that extra energy. But additional ways to spend quality time include regular grooming, daily obedience sessions and playing Frisbee or other games with your dog.

Hallenbeck notes that while some owners adequately tend to their dog's physical needs, "the psychological needs often are neglected." Dogs need attention.

If your workplace is near your home, "cut your lunch hour short to go visit your dog," Hallenbeck suggests. Or hire a pet sitter to come in and spend 30 minutes with the dog while you're away. Get the whole family involved in sharing the responsibility of spending time with the dog.

Some dogs left alone experience what trainers and animal behavior experts call "separation anxiety" when their owners leave. The dog builds up so much internal discomfort until it exhibits that tension and stress through nervous symptoms and undesirable behaviors, such as barking constantly, clawing at doors or running to windows.

Hallenbeck, who calls herself an "animal communicator," said she sees this "most often in pound puppies, possibly because so many come from abusive, insecure backgrounds." Fears of abandonment may play a role in their anxiety.

How can you help minimize separation anxiety?

"Get on a consistent schedule to make the dog feel secure," Hallenbeck said. "Always feed at regular times." A predictable routine reduces a dog's tension and makes him feel more secure because he learns to expect certain activities on a regular basis.

In dealing with disruptive behaviors, it is important to remember that there are "no quick fixes," Hallenbeck said. Treatment must be tailored to the situation.

Hallenbeck, who charges from $35 to $50 for an initial consultation, said she tells clients that "the greatest expense will be in your time commitment to the animal."

She determines the best therapy by visiting the home and sometimes videotaping the animal alone and as it relates to its human.

But her goal is always to "build solid communication between owner and dog" through consistent obedience therapy, repetition of certain stimuli or variations in routine.

Something you should not do, Hallenbeck said, is "yell at the animal or exhibit anger. The dog will perceive your negative mood, but it won't associate that negativity with its wrongdoing." Negative and angry reactions only reinforce and intensify the dog's tension and stress.

In addition to agility, tracking and obedience classes, Canine Consultants also offers a breed advisory service to help match the needs of particular breeds to a potential owner's personality, lifestyle and environment.

Hallenbeck said, "A number of people are getting educated" prior to getting a puppy, thereby improving their chances of a successful and lasting relationship with their dog. Hallenbeck said she can steer clients to breeders who guarantee temperament and even let people pick a puppy by video. She also will visit area animal shelters with clients and help them choose a suitable pound puppy.

To contact Canine Consultants, call 344-7651. Karen L. Davis is a Roanoke free-lance writer and pet owner. Her column runs twice a month.

Send general-interest questions to The Pet Column, in care of the Features Department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491.