Q:  I have a 2-year-old Golden Retriever named Winnebago. Sometimes on our walks, Winnebago will quite dramatically collapse on the pavement.  He goes down on his stomach and then heaves himself onto his side. This performance is only given when other people are on the street. Sometimes, he's saying he would prefer to go in the other direction. I know this because if I turn around and pull the leash back where we came from, he sometimes gets up. Other times, however, he will stay collapsed until a couple of concerned people have come over to help, at which point he rolls from his side to his back and starts wiggling and wagging his tail. Then he jumps up, gives kisses, and is ready to trot off all happy and pleased with himself. How do you suggest I put a stop to this?

A:  Any time your dog has a mystery behavior, the first question to ask yourself is "What's the payoff?" What reward is Winnebago getting from flopping down on the sidewalk, attracting a lot of concerned human attention, and generally creating a stir?

Winnebago sounds like a sociable and clever dog who likes human attention and has figured out a great way to get it – and get a rise out of you at the same time.

It sounds as if you, too, are amused as well as exasperated. If so, and since no harm is being done, you have my blessing to decide to relax and enjoy your silly dog's human-attracting antics. On the other hand, if you're really not having a good time, or if Winnebago is choosing to play his game in dangerous situations such as when crossing the street, then figuring out his payoff  –  and withholding it  –  is the key to stopping the behavior.

Normally, I'd just advise you to grit your teeth and wait Winnebago out. If the one and only payoff for a behavior is your attention, you can eventually extinguish that behavior by ignoring it religiously. This takes time and patience, and you have to be 100 percent consistent, but it works.

But your situation is a little tricky. You can ignore Winnebago, but you can't make other people do so. Explain that you're training a long-duration Down-Stay with Distractions  – this sounds boring to most people and may encourage them to go away.

More likely, though, you'll have to work extra hard on preventing the behavior in the first place. Lavishly reward Winnebago with enthusiastic attention and treats for walking alongside you, just as you did when you first taught him to walk on leash. Get boring when he lags, ignore him when he drops, and you should see this behavior happen less often over time. I wouldn't bet on being able to get rid of it entirely, though. It's just too much darn fun.

By the way, Winnebago sounds like a dog in the pink of health. If he were an older dog, though, or if he belonged to a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed such as the Pug or any of the Bulldogs, or if you had any reason to suspect health problems, I'd advise a careful checkup at the vet's.



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