Quck answer
If you are struggling with your dog’s behavior problems, there are several steps you can take to address the issue. First, identify the specific behavior that needs to be corrected. Then, consider the root cause of the behavior and address any underlying issues. Training and positive reinforcement techniques can help modify your dog’s behavior. Consistency and patience are key, as it may take time for your dog to learn new behaviors. Seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may also be beneficial. Remember to always show love and patience towards your furry friend as you work together towards a solution.
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Oftentimes, behavior problems in dogs are the result of miscommunication between them and their owners. Despite being domesticated and living with humans for centuries, dogs still have different ways of perceiving and processing the world around them. This can result in natural behaviors such as barking, scent-marking, and chewing becoming problematic in a household setting. Fortunately, it is possible to teach dogs good manners and modify their behavior to coexist peacefully with humans.
Here are some effective solutions for common dog behavior problems:
Dealing with Aggression in Dogs
Dogs can display aggressive behavior due to a variety of reasons, including defensiveness, territoriality, pain, and even reproductive urges. It is important for dog owners to understand the reasons behind their dog’s aggression to prevent any harm to themselves or others. There are strategies that can help make aggressive dogs more sociable and friendly. Learn more about them.
Managing Dogs That Bite
Just like how humans use their hands to interact with the world, dogs use their mouths. They may bite out of anger, self-defense, or even playfulness, which can be confusing for their owners. Regardless of the reason, it is crucial to prevent dogs from biting people or other dogs. There are solutions to prevent biting behavior and keep everyone safe.
Preventing Dogs from Chasing Cars
Dogs have a natural instinct to chase moving objects, but this can be dangerous if they chase after cars and put themselves or drivers at risk. With patience and training, it is possible to curb this behavior and keep dogs from chasing cars.
Stopping Dogs from Inappropriate Chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become destructive and inappropriate when they chew on furniture, shoes, or other items. Boredom, anxiety, and teething can all contribute to this behavior. However, dogs can be trained to differentiate between good and bad chewing. Learn how to redirect their focus to appropriate chew toys.
Preventing Dogs from Eating Feces
Coprophagy, or the habit of dogs eating feces, can be unpleasant and unsanitary. It is more common in younger dogs but can also occur in older dogs as a sign of an underlying issue. There are ways to discourage dogs from eating feces and remove the temptation altogether.
Preventing Your Dog from Digging Excessively
Dogs have a natural tendency to dig, and some breeds have been specifically bred for this purpose. While it may not usually cause harm, excessive digging can ruin your yard or your neighbor’s property. Furthermore, it can lead to a messy situation when your dog tracks mud into the house. It’s important to note that your dog may also try to burrow into your carpet. If you’re tired of your dog’s digging, this section provides tips on how to prevent this behavior.
Curbing Your Dog’s Fighting Behavior
Dogs have a strong territorial instinct and are acutely aware of the hierarchy within their group. Dominance plays a critical role in canine society, and many behavior issues can stem from how your dog perceives the power dynamic with you. If your dog believes he is the alpha male or top dog in your household, he may try to exert dominance over you or other dogs. This can lead to fighting, which can be dangerous for everyone involved. This section explains how to prevent or curb this behavior.
Stopping Your Dog from Excessively Guarding
If your dog growls when you approach him while he’s eating, he’s not being impolite, he’s guarding his food. While this is a natural behavior, it can become obsessive and lead to aggressive behavior. Additionally, it’s important to be able to retrieve items from your dog’s mouth, especially if they are toxic. Dogs can also be possessive of their favorite objects. This section discusses ways to address this problem, some of which require changes in the owner’s behavior.
Preventing Your Dog from Jumping on People
When your dog jumps up to greet you, it may seem like affection, but it can be inconvenient or even dangerous when they jump on other people. Some guests, such as those who are afraid of dogs or young children, may not appreciate this behavior. This section explains how to train your dog to stop jumping on people and even how to teach them to jump on command.
Teaching Your Dog Not to Mark Territory
Dogs naturally mark their territory, but excessive marking can be a sign of stress. With your help, your dog can learn appropriate behaviors and only mark where it’s appropriate. Like guarding their food, marking territory is a natural behavior that’s ingrained in all dogs. While you can’t teach your dog to use utensils, you can teach them to control this behavior. This section provides advice on how to do so.
Preventing Your Dog from Pulling on a Leash
Their history as sled and pack pullers has led dogs to be genetically predisposed to pulling on a leash. However, some dogs pull so hard that it can impede their breathing. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate this behavior, there are methods to train your dog to reduce their aggressive pulling. This section provides various solutions to help prevent your dog from pulling, tailored to your dog’s breed.
An aggressive dog does not necessarily mean a violent or angry dog. The following section provides information on how to manage this issue.
Managing Aggressive Dog Behavior
Aggression is a common reason why otherwise healthy dogs are euthanized. Dogs are predators and can inflict severe, even fatal, injuries. A truly aggressive dog can be terrifying.
It is important to understand if your dog is genuinely demonstrating aggression. The word “aggression” has a precise meaning in the field of animal behavior and is relative to the individual dog. For instance, play is viewed as practice for real-life skills, so behaviors such as stalking, chasing, hunting, and even killing are often part of normal dog play.
The dog’s appearance and vocalization are key indicators. Does the dog have a play face, with wide-open eyes and relaxed-open jaws? Is the behavior accompanied by furious or loud snarling and barking? Or is it playful growls and happy yips? If the roles reverse during a chase, and the chasing dog suddenly changes direction and becomes the pursued, it is likely just play.
There are various reasons why your dog may exhibit aggressive behavior. Defensive aggression, for instance, occurs when a dog feels threatened. Territorial aggression is another reason why dogs defend their territory, which includes their food, possessions, home, and owners.
Territorial aggression can become a problem if not handled properly and can manifest in ways such as jumping or marking territory. It can even escalate to biting. Establishing a strong dominance relationship with your dog is essential to prevent territorial aggression. This will make your dog feel secure and less likely to feel the need to defend the home against friendly visitors. Pain-related aggression can also occur in situations where a sick or aging dog feels vulnerable and needs to defend themselves. Reproductive aggression can be triggered by the drive to reproduce and can result in fighting with other dogs or aggression towards family members. Neutering or spaying your dog can resolve this issue. If your dog exhibits any form of aggression, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately as it could be a behavioral problem. Biting is a common form of aggressive behavior in dogs, which will be discussed in the next section.
Dealing with Dogs that Bite
Every year, between 500,000 and 1 million dog bites are recorded. Children under 12 years old are the most common victims, representing about 60% of the total. The top five breeds that are most likely to bite are Chow Chows, Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Dalmatians. Male dogs that haven’t been neutered are the most likely to bite. This means that having an unneutered male Chow Chow in a household with young children will almost certainly result in at least one trip to the emergency room. However, this doesn’t mean that you should never have a dog or that you should wait until your children are older. You just need to understand why and when dogs bite and take steps to make your home bite-proof.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
If you encounter a dog that is displaying aggressive behavior, your response can be the difference between getting away safely or getting bitten. Any dog can bite, so even if you know a dog and it’s growling and staring, don’t assume that it won’t hurt you. Similarly, don’t assume that an unfamiliar dog that isn’t showing threatening behavior is friendly. Since children are at the highest risk of getting bitten, teach them these basic techniques – and practice them yourself.
The most important rule to remember is never to approach an unfamiliar dog. If a dog approaches you, don’t run. Stand still (tell children to stand like a tree) with your fists folded under your chin and your elbows close to your body. Keep your legs together and look straight ahead, not at the dog (staring is a threat gesture). If the dog approaches you while you’re on the ground, roll onto your stomach with your legs together, fists folded behind your neck, and forearms covering your ears (tell children to act like a log). Stay still until the dog goes away.
In at least half of all reported dog bite cases, the victim provoked the bite, although unintentionally. Dogs usually give clear signals that they’re about to bite, which are clear to other dogs and people who can recognize them. The most common scenario is a person or child who misses the dog’s warning signs and gets too close. Another common cause of bites is miscommunication. A well-known example is a child encountering a stray dog. Frightened by the sudden appearance of the unfamiliar dog, the child instinctively screams and runs away. This triggers the dog’s chase reflex, or the dog misinterprets it as play behavior. The only way the dog can catch the child is with its mouth.
The signs that a dog is ready to bite include staring, bared teeth, growling, a stiff-legged stance, raised hackles, and a stiff, rapid tail wag. A more intense stare and deeper growling are usually the final warning. When the dog’s head is lowered and the ears go back, expect the sound of teeth snapping together. It’s important to back off before it gets to this point.
If your own dog is potentially threatening, you may need professional help from a behaviorist. A behaviorist can help you determine why your dog is biting and develop a strategy to change the behavior. This may involve giving the dog more exercise, socializing with people and other dogs, or teaching family members to leave the dog alone while he’s eating, sleeping, or hiding.
Car chasing is a problem for some dogs. Some chase cars as a response to the instinctive call to hunt, while others may be acting on territorial instincts. Herding breeds or mutts with strong herding instincts may try to get cars back into the “flock.” The solution may be as easy as introducing the dog to their nemesis and a few friendly encounters.
If your dog chases cars, try to figure out why. Once the motive is understood, the solution may be easy. Chasing sticks and catching a ball are fine, while trying to fetch the neighbor’s cat and catch passing cars aren’t.
Leashing or distracting a dog can help correct predatory chasing. Once the dog turns his attention away from the chase, reinforce the behavior with praise and treats. It’s best to keep a dog safely fenced or leashed to prevent chasing cars. For dogs who see cars as sheep, give them constructive activities to do with their herding instincts, such as exercise and organized sports like flyball and agility training. Herding dogs like Collies and Shelties should be trained for herding trials. If a dog chews things they shouldn’t, it’s a natural part of their behavior and can’t be trained out completely. Puppies chew to soothe sore gums during teething, and it can take up to a year for adult teeth to come in. To prevent destruction, put away items with your scent on them and never give a dog something to chew on that resembles something you don’t want them to chew. No veterinary attention is usually required for these behaviors.
To encourage your dog to chew on appropriate toys, make them as appealing as possible. If your dog is attracted to items with your scent, put chew toys in the laundry hamper for a day or two before giving them to him. You can also rub something tasty on the outside of rubber balls or stuff treats inside of hollow toys. Always give your dog the appropriate toys to chew on, and praise him for chewing them. Keep a chew toy within reach at all times and replace any items your dog shouldn’t be chewing with a toy while praising him for chewing the correct item. Stick to large knucklebones or thigh bones for bones to chew on and sterilize them by boiling for half an hour before giving them to your dog. Small bones or those that splinter easily should never be given to dogs. Dogs who spend a lot of time alone may chew out of boredom or anxiety, so it’s important to provide them with lots of different toys that can be rotated to keep things interesting. When you’re home, make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise and quality time. If your dog is a persistent chewer, it’s important to keep everything you don’t want chewed out of his reach or use a kennel or crate. To prevent chewing on furniture or other items, some trainers recommend applying cayenne pepper in petroleum jelly to furniture legs or putting double-sided tape on furniture skirting, curtains, and bedspread hems. However, it’s important to test any substance on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it won’t damage the finish. If your dog is still chewing, you can try dusting the outside with a nontoxic, unpleasant-tasting substance like cayenne pepper. As with any behavior problem, it’s important to have your vet examine your dog before attempting any corrections to rule out any underlying health issues.
It’s important to correct your dog for chewing on inappropriate items only when you catch them in the act. Reprimanding your dog after the fact is ineffective, as they can’t associate the punishment with their behavior. When you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, take away the item and replace it with a chew toy while lavishly praising them. You can also use a distraction, such as a shaker can, to interrupt the unwanted chewing.
Dogs have a tendency to eat anything, including their own feces or that of other animals. Although this is unpleasant, it’s a common behavior that even has a medical name: coprophagy. In some cases, this behavior is natural, such as when newborn puppies need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate by their mother. However, when adult dogs eat their own stool, it’s a sign of boredom or loneliness. This behavior doesn’t typically harm dogs, but it’s a major aesthetic problem for owners.
To prevent coprophagy, give your dog attention and exercise to relieve boredom and loneliness. Rotate their toys to keep things interesting, and feed them multiple times a day to give them something to look forward to. Pick up after your dog immediately, or muzzle them when walking in public areas. Set up cat litter boxes in a place where your dog can’t access them, or keep them clean by scooping several times a day.
If you notice coprophagy in your dog, take them to the vet to rule out any physical causes. Parasites or nutritional deficiencies can cause your dog to eat stool, and switching to a food with more fat, fiber, or protein may solve the problem. Adding brewer’s yeast or pumpkin to their diet can also help. Your vet can recommend a food brand that’s better suited to your dog’s dietary needs.
Some dogs can be a nuisance and cause destruction by digging excessively. In the following segment, you will discover ways to put an end to this behavior. Digging is a natural tendency for dogs, and they do it for various reasons. Terriers, for example, have been bred for generations to dig out burrows and hunt small animals like rats and badgers. Other dogs dig to create a comfortable sleeping area, store food, build a secure hiding place, or out of plain boredom. If your dog has started digging holes in your yard or furniture, try to identify the reason behind their behavior. Once you understand their motive, you can take actions to change it. If your dog belongs to a breed that has a natural inclination to dig, it might be difficult to get them to stop. In such cases, you can provide them with a designated area to dig in and encourage them to use it. You can make the area attractive to them by placing toys and treats there. If your dog digs to escape, you can put concrete or wire under your fence to prevent them from doing so. Providing shelter, such as a doghouse or garage, can also help. Never scold your dog for digging after the fact, as it will only confuse and stress them out. If your dog’s digging behavior is excessive, it might be time to seek veterinary attention. In the next section, we will discuss dogs that fight excessively and how to prevent this behavior.
Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
Dogs often get into fights with other dogs for various reasons including establishing dominance, territorial defense, fear, and protection of resources. Early socialization and training can help prevent aggressive behavior in dogs. However, if you have an adult dog with a fighting tendency, there are ways to control the situation.
Your reaction to other dogs can affect your dog’s behavior. If you appear anxious or fearful when approaching other dogs, your dog will perceive them as a threat. Keeping a loose leash, staying calm, and maintaining a positive demeanor can help your dog view other dogs as normal.
Obedience training is crucial for all dogs, especially those prone to fighting. When encountering other dogs, redirect your dog’s attention towards you by requiring an obedience routine or engaging in an activity. Correct your dog’s behavior if he growls or barks at the other dog for not following commands.
Controlling reproduction is also important in preventing fighting behavior. Neutering male dogs and spaying female dogs can help reduce territorial and aggressive fighting, as well as provide long-term health and behavior benefits.
When to Seek Help from a Behaviorist
Not all dogs have the same temperament, especially in terms of dominance. If there is fighting between dogs in your household, a behaviorist can assess the situation and provide solutions. Remember that dogs have their own hierarchy, and it’s normal for them to establish dominance. Understanding your dog’s behavior is key to correcting it.
If your dog guards his food or toys excessively, it can be a nuisance. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to solve this problem.
Preventing a Dog from Overprotecting Food
A dog’s natural instinct is to guard his food. However, it is crucial for you to have complete control over what your dog eats. This is partly for safety reasons – if your dog picks up something dangerous, you need to be able to take it away without getting hurt. Additionally, food guarding can be a sign of dominance, and it is important for your dog to recognize you as the pack leader. Food guarding can also lead to dog bites. Therefore, establishing yourself and your family members as the ultimate authority over meals is essential.
If your dog is still a puppy, it is important to teach him that everything he gets comes from you. Make him sit or lie down before giving him food or toys, and only allow him to eat once you have given him permission. You should also make sure he is comfortable with you touching him while he eats, as this will help him see you as a positive presence around his food.
Where you feed your dog is also important. If he eats in a cramped corner, he may feel more protective of his food than if he eats in a larger space. Practice giving him small portions of food at a time, and take the dish away and refill it after each serving. Praise him for being a good dog as you do this. Once he is comfortable with this, try adding something special to his dish while he is eating to show him that having you near his food is a positive experience.
Remember, the goal of these techniques is to maintain a healthy dominance relationship with your dog and to be able to control what he eats. It is important not to bother your dog while he is eating, and to teach everyone in your household to leave him alone during mealtime.
Protecting Possessions
Lisa, a single working mother with two young children, decided to adopt a dog named Hugo from the pound as a companion for her kids and also for the safety of their house. Although Hugo is very friendly with the kids, he growls and shows his teeth when they try to play with his toys. Lisa was unable to understand why Hugo behaves this way. She consulted a behaviorist and was informed that Hugo is possessive about his toys and is trying to convey this message to them.
If your dog is possessive about his belongings, you need to understand what he is trying to tell you. In the case of Lisa, the issue was with playing. Hugo loved to play fetch, but after a while, he would want to chew on the ball. However, the children thought that his lying on the ground was part of the game and would take the ball away and throw it again. Hugo felt the only way he could end the game was by showing his aggressive behavior.
In some cases, it is a matter of dominance. The same methods used for food guarding can be effective, but owners need to be assertive in other ways as well. Keeping the dog on a leash at all times sends a clear message that you are in control and everything is fine. It is also important to train your dog and issue a command when he starts guarding a toy, changing the focus from the toy to the desired behavior. Praise him when he responds to the command, even if you had to correct him. Every dog should also have a command to stop him from picking something up or dropping something already in his mouth.
If a particular toy causes your dog to become possessive, do not give it to him. Bones are especially likely to turn even the nicest dogs into jealous, possessive brutes. If your dog cannot handle certain toys, do not give them to him. Always praise your dog when he does something right. Any time your dog turns away from a toy to respond to a command or lets you take something away, tell him what a great dog he is. The amount of praise you give should always be more than the number of corrections you make.
When to Consult a Behaviorist
If your dog’s guarding behavior becomes a recurring problem, seek the advice of an animal behaviorist. Once a solution has been established, ensure that all household members know how to approach the problem.
While you may enjoy your dog jumping up to greet you, some of your house guests might not. In the next section, we will learn how to train your dog to stay on the floor.
Preventing a Dog from Jumping Up
Dogs have a tendency to jump up on people, whether they are a large breed or a small one. This behavior might be cute in puppies, but it can be dangerous when they grow up, especially if they are large dogs. Jumping up can be a sign of dominance, and a subordinate dog would never put his front paws on a dominant dog’s body. Thus, it’s important to teach your dog that jumping up is not acceptable and train them to jump up only on command.
To prevent your dog from jumping up, you should remain calm and relaxed when greeting them. Make it a routine rather than a special event so that your dog doesn’t get too excited. When you come home, walk in the door, hang up your coat and keys, and then greet the dog calmly, away from the front door. If your dog tries to jump up, step aside and ignore them. Avoid yelling or kneeing your dog in the chest as it may only excite them more. Instead, teach them to sit when you come home and reward them with treats or praise.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
This type of behavior does not usually require any veterinary attention.
Another behavior to consider is marking territory, which is covered in the next section.
Teaching Your Dog to Jump Up on Command
If you want to teach your dog to jump up only on command, make sure they know when not to jump up. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn, and ensure that your dog’s nails are trimmed. Pat your chest and say “Up!” when you want your dog to jump up and say “Off!” when you want them to get down. Avoid using the word “down” as it may confuse them when you try to teach the down command.
To let your dog know it’s okay to greet you with a jump, use the chest pat and the word up. However, if your dog jumps on you or anyone else without an invitation, firmly tell him “Off” and then ignore him. Ensure that your family and friends follow the same routine to prevent confusion for your dog. Dogs like rules, and they want everyone to follow the same rules.
Scent-marking is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs. However, it’s important to teach your dog to only mark specific places and times, not on furniture, floors, or bedspreads. Neutering can help prevent hormone-driven desires to mark reproductive territory. To prevent separation anxiety, slowly get your dog used to being alone by leaving him alone in a room for a short period, and then gradually increasing the time. Confining your dog to a crate can also help him feel more secure. To deter your dog from spraying furniture, attach a piece of aluminum foil to the area where your dog likes to spray. The urine hitting the foil will make a noise and may also splash back on him.
It’s important not to mistake scent-marking for a housebreaking issue. A large urine puddle in the house is likely a result of the dog needing to go outside, not a display of dominance. If your dog has a behavior problem, including excessive pulling on a leash, it’s best to consult with a vet first. If there is a physical cause for the behavior, training and correction won’t solve the problem. To train your dog not to pull on the leash, start from the beginning and use a gentle approach. A jewel-link training collar or head collar can be useful tools. For sled dogs or draft breeds, consider harnessing their instinct to pull by engaging them in activities like skating, skiing, or pulling a sled or cart. In general, pulling on a leash is a behavior that can be corrected with proper training and patience.
Training Your Dog to Break Bad Habits: 11 Behaviors to Watch Out For
After reading this article, you should feel more confident in your ability to train your dog to overcome any problematic behaviors. Best of luck!
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FAQ
1. What are some common dog behavior problems?
Some common dog behavior problems include digging, barking, jumping, chewing, biting, and aggression. These behaviors may be caused by various factors, such as boredom, anxiety, fear, or lack of training.
2. How can I prevent my dog from digging?
You can prevent your dog from digging by providing him with enough exercise and mental stimulation, keeping him in a designated digging area, and using deterrents such as rocks or chicken wire. Additionally, you may consider investing in toys or puzzles that will keep your dog entertained and satisfied.
3. What should I do if my dog is barking excessively?
If your dog is barking excessively, you should identify the reason behind his behavior and address it accordingly. For example, if he is barking due to boredom, you can give him more exercise and mental stimulation. If he is barking due to fear, you may need to desensitize him to the trigger that is causing his fear.
4. How can I stop my dog from jumping on people?
You can stop your dog from jumping on people by teaching him an alternative behavior, such as sitting, and rewarding him for doing so. Additionally, you can ignore him when he jumps and only give him attention when he exhibits the desired behavior.
5. How can I prevent my dog from chewing on furniture?
You can prevent your dog from chewing on furniture by giving him chew toys or bones that he is allowed to chew on, and keeping him away from the furniture when you are not supervising him. You can also use deterrents such as bitter apple spray or aluminum foil to discourage him from chewing.
6. What should I do if my dog bites someone?
If your dog bites someone, you should seek medical attention for the victim and report the incident to the authorities if required. Additionally, you should identify the reason behind your dog’s aggression and address it accordingly, such as through obedience training or behavior modification.
7. How can I stop my dog from being aggressive towards other dogs?
You can stop your dog from being aggressive towards other dogs by socializing him with other dogs at an early age, and using positive reinforcement training to teach him appropriate behavior. You should also supervise him when he is around other dogs and remove him from the situation if he displays aggressive behavior.
8. What should I do if my dog is afraid of something?
If your dog is afraid of something, you should desensitize him to the trigger by gradually exposing him to it in a controlled and positive environment. You can also provide him with rewards and positive reinforcement when he exhibits calm behavior in the presence of the trigger.
9. How can I prevent my dog from escaping from the yard?
You can prevent your dog from escaping from the yard by ensuring that the fence is secure and high enough to prevent him from jumping over it. Additionally, you can supervise him when he is outside and train him to come when called.
10. What should I do if my dog has separation anxiety?
If your dog has separation anxiety, you should gradually desensitize him to your absence by leaving him alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration. You can also provide him with a comfortable and safe space to stay in while you are away, and give him plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before you leave.
11. How can I teach my dog basic obedience commands?
You can teach your dog basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, and come by using positive reinforcement training, such as treats or praise. You should also be consistent in your training and use the same commands and rewards every time you train your dog.
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