Sample Aversives for Dogs
"Aversive" is relative!
Determining an effective
aversive reaction is definitely a case of trial-and-error, as individual
preferences will vary with the animal (and with the owner). Remember:
"Aversive" doesn’t mean "punishment." This is often the
best method to discourage an animal from a particular action or place, but
will seldom work effectively without an alternative, convenient, and rewarding behavior being offered.
Texture: Will need to be firmly grounded with
weights to stay put! To protect furniture or floor finish from sticky
substance, attach to another piece of foil or heavy plastic and secure THAT
with weights or light tape. These are more effective for pups, small dogs, and
low-energy dogs than for those who won’t let a little obstacle stand in
their way!
Indoors: Shelf paper (sticky side up) or
double-sided carpet tape
Outdoors: Irregular/sharp rocks, firmly set into
dirt. Chicken wire, firmly set into dirt (sharp edges
rolled under)
Both: Heavy plastic carpet runner (pointed
side up)
Taste: May damage furniture or floor finishes;
test in a hidden location before wide-spread use. Except for hot sauce and
cayenne pepper, all of these substances should be safe to apply to most
people’s skin, however, individuals may be sensitive.
Use caution. Bitter Apple or similar sprays/gels marketed specifically for
taste aversion Insect repellent, especially those containing citronella and/or
citrus odors (check for toxicity; if safe for young
children, is generally safe for pets) Some hot sauces Cayenne pepper Some
muscle rubs/ointments Citric odors from colognes,
concentrated juices, fresh peels, etc. Aloe gel
Surprise*: Timing is everything! (*WARNING: For fearful
animals, try EVERYTHING ELSE before trying these techniques, especially those
using noises)
Remote
Controlled: Motion
detector which reacts with startling sound" Snappy Trainer,"
upside-down mouse trap (securely taped under paper to avoid contact) Tin pie
pan containing water, or beans, or pebbles (place the beans or pebbles so that
the pan is balanced) Scat Mat (very slight electrical shock)
Human
controlled; to get the dog’s attention and thereby offer an appropriate
alternative: Spray
bottle or squirt gun filled with water OR combined water and vinegar (NOTE:
Avoid the "super-duper" water guns which have very forceful spray)
Loud air horn Whistle
Both: Shaker can (soda can containing several nails,
pennies, beans, or pebbles, securely taped shut)
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