Quck answer
Dog behavior problems can be solved by identifying the root cause of the behavior and addressing it through training or behavior modification techniques. Common behavior problems include aggression, separation anxiety, destructive chewing, and excessive barking. To address these issues, owners should establish consistent routines, provide proper exercise and mental stimulation, use positive reinforcement training methods, and seek professional help if needed. It’s important to remember that behavior problems cannot be solved overnight and require patience, consistency, and dedication. With the right approach, owners can help their dogs overcome behavior problems and live happy, healthy lives.
Pets
Most of the time, problems with dog behavior stem from communication breakdowns. Considering the fact that humans and dogs are entirely different creatures, it’s amazing that they can coexist at all. We perceive the world through our senses in a completely different way than dogs do, and we process information differently as well.
In the past, natural behaviors such as scent-marking, barking, and chewing were not a problem for dogs because they were wild animals. However, since dogs have become a part of human families, these behaviors may become problematic. Therefore, we need to teach dogs how to behave appropriately in our society, or in other words, teach them good manners.
Here are some solutions to common behavior issues:
Dealing with Aggressive Dogs
There are numerous reasons why dogs may exhibit aggressive behavior, ranging from anger to playfulness. Defensiveness, territorial protection, pain, and even reproductive urges can all cause aggression. It’s crucial for every dog owner to know the difference, as it’s essential for everyone’s safety and well-being. With the right strategies, you can teach your dog to be friendly and sociable. Learn how to do it here.
Dealing with Biting Dogs
For dogs, their mouths are like our hands, as they use them to explore their surroundings. Dogs may bite for various reasons, including playfulness, love, anger, or self-defense. These reasons can be challenging to distinguish since they all lead to the same result. Regardless of why your dog bites, there are solutions to prevent it from biting other animals or people.
Preventing Car Chasing
Dogs have a natural instinct to chase anything that moves quickly, and when it comes to cars, it makes sense to them. However, this can be dangerous for your dog and drivers. You can train your dog to overcome this habit with patience and persistence. This section offers tips to help you curb your dog’s car-chasing tendency.
Stopping Inappropriate Chewing
Young dogs, like newborns, may be prone to inappropriate chewing because it can be painful when their teeth are growing. However, even adult dogs may chew inappropriately when they’re bored or stressed. In some cases, chewing can be beneficial for your dog’s dental health. You can train your dog to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate chewing behaviors. This section provides tips to keep your dog focused on the right items.
Preventing Coprophagy
While it’s unpleasant to discuss, many dogs eat their feces or those of other animals. Coprophagy is more common among younger dogs. However, if an older dog exhibits this behavior, it could indicate a more severe problem. There are ways to prevent your dog from eating feces. This section discusses how to eliminate the temptation for your dog.
Preventing a Dog’s Excessive Digging
It’s common for dogs to enjoy digging, and some breeds have even been bred for this activity. While it may seem harmless, it can cause damage to your yard or your neighbor’s property. Additionally, it can be messy when your dog brings mud into your home. If you’re tired of your dog’s excessive digging, this section provides tips for curbing their urge to dig.
Preventing a Dog’s Fighting Behavior
Dogs are territorial creatures that are highly attuned to social hierarchies. Dominance plays a significant role in their society, and many behavior problems stem from how your dog perceives their position within your household. If your dog considers themselves the alpha, they may display aggressive behavior towards you or others. This section explains the fight-impulse and provides strategies for preventing or curbing it.
Preventing a Dog’s Excessive Guarding
It’s natural for dogs to guard their food and possessions, but this behavior can become obsessive and dangerous. If your dog growls or snaps at you when you approach their food bowl or take something from their mouth, it’s important to address this behavior. This section discusses the problem and offers solutions that may require a change in the dog-owner’s behavior.
Preventing a Dog from Jumping
While some owners enjoy their dog’s enthusiastic greetings, jumping can be inconvenient or even dangerous. Your dog may jump on inappropriate guests or people who are afraid of dogs. This section provides tips for curbing this behavior and even training your dog to jump on command.
Preventing a Dog from Marking Territory
Marking territory is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become excessive and stressful for both the dog and owner. With proper training and guidance, you can teach your dog to mark territory only where appropriate. This section offers advice for controlling this habit and preventing excessive marking.
Preventing Leash Pulling in Dogs
Dogs have a natural tendency to pull on their leash because of their genetic makeup. This behavior dates back to when they were used as sled and pack pullers. However, some dogs tend to pull too hard on their leash, making it difficult for them to breathe. While it may not be possible to eliminate this habit altogether, you can train your dog to minimize this aggressive behavior. Depending on your dog’s breed, this section provides various solutions to this problem.
An aggressive dog does not necessarily mean it is angry or violent. Continue reading the next section to learn how to deal with this issue.
Dealing with Aggressive Dogs
Aggression is one of the most common reasons why a healthy dog is often euthanized. Dogs are natural predators and can cause serious and even fatal injuries. A genuinely aggressive dog can be quite frightening.
It is important to determine if your dog is truly displaying aggressive behavior because the word “aggression” has a specific meaning in the field of animal behavior. Additionally, what may seem aggressive to us may be normal behavior for a dog. For instance, chasing, stalking, hunting, and even killing behaviors are common in dog play.
So how can you tell if your dog is aggressive? It’s usually in their appearance and sounds. Does your dog have a play face (wide-open eyes and relaxed-open jaws like a grin)? Is their behavior accompanied by loud snarling and barking or happy yips and play-growls? Another way to tell is if the roles reverse when playing, such as the chasing dog suddenly changing direction and being pursued.
There are several reasons why a dog may display aggressive behavior, and this section covers different types of aggression.
Defensive.
A classic scenario for defensive aggression is when the dog does something wrong, and the owner scolds them. The dog retreats under the bed, and the owner reaches under the bed to pull them out and reprimand them. The dog then bites the owner. A dog will bite when it feels threatened, and in this case, the dog submits to the owner’s dominance by giving ground and making themselves “invisible” in dog society. The dog assumes the owner intends to harm them after submitting, so they protect themselves. If your dog retreats, it’s best to leave them alone.
Territorial.
Territorial aggression is one reason why we enjoy living with dogs. They will defend their territory, which can include our home, possessions, food, and us, against all comers. Without territorial aggression, there would be no watchdogs.
Territorial aggression can become a serious problem for dog owners, as it can manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from minor issues like jumping up or marking territory, to much more serious problems like biting. In order to prevent this, it is essential to establish a good dominance relationship with your dog, as this will help him feel secure and less likely to feel the need to defend his territory against visitors or strangers. Additionally, if your dog is sick or injured, he may become more aggressive as a result, so it’s important to be aware of his condition and to seek veterinary care when necessary. Similarly, reproductive issues can also trigger aggression in dogs, especially in unneutered males, so it’s important to spay or neuter your dog as soon as possible. If your dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately, as aggressive behavior can be a sign of a serious underlying issue.
Dealing with Dogs That Bite
Every year, there are reports of anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million dog bite injuries. Children under the age of 12 are the most common victims, accounting for about 60% of the total. The top five dog breeds responsible for bites are Chow Chows, Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Dalmatians. Unneutered male dogs in the general dog population are the most likely to bite. This means that having an unneutered male Chow Chow in a household with young children is a recipe for a trip to the emergency room due to a bite. However, this does not mean that one should never have a dog from a breed that is prone to biting or that one should wait until their children are older before getting a dog. Rather, it means that one should understand why and when dogs bite and take steps to bite-proof their home and their dog.
Preventing Dog Bites
If you come across a dog that is behaving in a threatening manner, how you react (or don’t react) can be the difference between getting away safely and getting bitten. Don’t assume that a dog you know who is growling and staring won’t hurt you, and don’t assume that an unfamiliar dog who isn’t exhibiting threatening behavior is friendly. Since children are at the highest risk of dog bites, it’s important to teach them these basic techniques and practice them yourself.
The most important rule to remember is to never approach any strange dog. If a dog approaches you, don’t run away. Stay still (and instruct young children to do the same), 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 threatening gesture). If a dog approaches you while you are on the ground, roll onto your stomach with your legs together, fists folded behind your neck, and forearms covering your ears (instruct children to behave like a log). Stay still until the dog goes away.
In at least 50% of reported dog bite cases, the victim provoked the bite, although often unintentionally. Dogs usually give clear signals that they are about to bite, signals that are clear to other dogs and to people who know how to recognize them. The most common scenario for dog bites involves a person or young child who misses the warning signs and gets too close. Miscommunication is another common cause of bites. For example, if a frightened child screams and runs away from a stray dog, the dog might interpret this as play behavior and try to catch the child.
Dogs have a classic body language that indicates their readiness to bite, which includes staring, bared teeth, growling, a stiff-legged stance, raised hackles, and a wagging tail with a stiff, rapid movement. If a dog lowers its head and puts its ears back against its head, it is a warning that the next thing you hear will be its teeth snapping together on whatever it can get ahold of. To prevent this situation, wise individuals will back off well before it reaches this point.
If you encounter a potentially threatening dog that is your own, you may need to seek professional help. Dogs may bite due to fear, defense, pain, or to protect their territory, and it can be challenging to detect the reason without understanding what to look for. A trained behaviorist can help identify the cause of your dog’s biting and develop a strategy to change its behavior. This may require a complete overhaul of your relationship with your dog, or it may be as simple as increasing the dog’s exercise or socializing it with people and other dogs.
Car chasing is a problem for some dogs, and it can be dangerous. Some dogs chase cars because they are answering the instinctive call to hunt, while others may be acting on territorial instincts. Herding breeds or dogs with strong herding instincts may try to get the cars back into their “flock.” To teach a dog when chasing is acceptable, owners should figure out why their dog chases cars. In some cases, introducing the dog to the car and having a few friendly encounters may resolve the issue, along with a favorite game or treat.
To prevent dogs from chasing cars, leashes or distractions can be used to interrupt the chase. Once the dog turns its attention away from the chase, positive reinforcement with praise and treats should be given. However, the best way to keep a dog from chasing cars is to keep it safely fenced or leashed. For dogs with herding instincts, plenty of exercise such as long walks or runs, Frisbee games, and organized sports like flyball and agility training can also be given. For herding dogs, training for herding trials is recommended. If a dog chews things it shouldn’t, it’s important to put away shoes, socks, and other items with your scent on them. Giving a puppy old shoes or clothing to chew on is not advised, as they will retain your scent and confuse the dog. Chewing is a natural part of a dog’s behavior, and it’s crucial to teach them what they can and cannot chew through patience and positive reinforcement. Veterinary attention is usually not necessary for this type of behavior.
To make chew toys more appealing to your dog, try rubbing something tasty on the toy or stuffing treats inside of hollow toys. If your dog seems to prefer items with your scent on them, put chew toys in the laundry hamper for a day or two before giving them to your dog. It is important to give your dog clear messages from the beginning and praise them for chewing appropriate toys. Always keep a chew toy within reach and quickly replace any item your dog is chewing on with a toy and praise them for chewing the correct item. Stick to large knucklebones or thigh bones if you want to give your dog bones to chew on, and sterilize them by boiling them for half an hour before giving them to your dog. Dogs who remain active chewers their whole life may be working off boredom or anxiety, so it is important to provide them with lots of toys that can be rotated to keep things interesting. When you’re home with your dog, be sure to give them lots of exercise and quality time. If you notice your dog has a physical issue that is causing the destructive chewing, consult your vet before attempting any corrections. To prevent chewing, keep everything you don’t want chewed out of your dog’s reach or keep your dog out of areas where non-chewable things can be easily found. Apply an unpleasant-tasting substance to furniture legs and other potential chewing zones to discourage chewing. Upholstery can be protected by using double-sided tape or a flattened loop of masking tape, sticky side out.
When correcting a dog’s inappropriate chewing behavior, it’s important to only do so when catching them in the act. Scolding a dog after the fact will not have any effect, as they only react to your anger. The best approach is to quickly take away the item they shouldn’t be chewing on, interrupt their behavior with a shaker can or other distraction, substitute it with a chew toy, and then reward them with praise.
One common issue dog owners face is when their pet eats feces, whether it’s their own or from other animals. While this may seem disgusting, it’s actually a natural behavior for some dogs, such as newborn puppies who rely on their mother to stimulate their elimination. However, adult dogs who consume stool may be doing so out of boredom or loneliness, or due to a mistake in housebreaking. While coprophagy doesn’t pose a health risk for dogs, it is an aesthetic problem for owners. To prevent this behavior, owners can give their dogs more attention and exercise, rotate their toys, and feed them multiple times a day. It’s also important to clean up after your dog immediately and keep litter boxes out of reach. If the behavior persists, a visit to the vet is recommended to rule out any underlying health issues.
A dog that digs frequently can be just as bothersome and harmful as a dog that chews compulsively. In the following segment, you will discover ways to prevent your dog from digging excessively.
Digging is a natural behavior in dogs, and they do it for various reasons. For example, terriers do it because they have been bred for generations to dig out burrows and hunt varmints such as rats and badgers. Others dig to create a comfortable sleeping place, store food, make a secure hiding place, or just for fun. If your dog starts digging holes in your yard or furniture, try to determine the reason for their behavior. Once you identify the cause, you can take steps to correct it.
If your dog has been bred to dig, it may be challenging to stop them from doing so entirely. In this case, you can provide them with a designated area to dig, such as a sandpit or plot of dirt. Encourage them to dig there and reward them when they do. If they are digging to stay cool, provide shade or move them to a more comfortable location. If they are trying to escape, neutering or spaying them can remove the motivation to do so. Providing shelter, like a doghouse or access to a shed or garage, can also help.
When you catch your dog digging where they shouldn’t be, use distraction techniques and redirect them to their designated digging area. Never punish them after the fact, as it will only confuse and make them more anxious.
If your dog’s digging behavior becomes excessive, it may be time to seek veterinary attention. In the next section, we will discuss how to stop dogs from fighting excessively.
Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
Dogs often get into fights with other dogs as a way of establishing dominance, defending territory, and protecting resources. However, if you have an adult dog that displays aggressive behavior, there are steps you can take to control the situation. A dog that has been neutered or spayed and socialized properly from an early age has a better chance of avoiding fights.
Your behavior can also influence your dog’s reaction to other dogs. If you appear anxious or fearful when encountering other dogs, your dog may perceive them as a threat. It’s important to keep a loose lead, remain calm, and maintain a positive demeanor. This will help your dog view other dogs as a normal part of their environment.
Obedience training is essential for all dogs, especially those prone to fighting. When encountering another dog, require your dog to perform an obedience routine or another activity to distract them from the other dog. If your dog growls or barks at the other dog, you can correct them for not responding to your commands.
Reproduction is a significant factor in territorial and aggressive behavior. Neutering or spaying your pet can help control and correct aggressive behavior. These procedures also have long-term health and behavioral benefits for all dogs.
When to Seek Help from a Behaviorist
If there is fighting between two dogs in your household, they may be establishing dominance. A behaviorist can help you understand the situation and suggest solutions. It’s important to remember that dogs naturally establish dominance and submission, so treating them as equals is not necessary. To correct your dog’s behavior, you may need to see things from their perspective.
If your dog becomes aggressive when you approach their food or toys, it can be a problem. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to address guarding behavior in dogs.
Preventing Your Dog’s Aggressive Food Guarding
A dog’s natural instinct is to protect his food, but it’s crucial for you to have full control over what your pet eats. This is not only for safety reasons, as you need to be able to remove anything dangerous from your dog’s mouth quickly, but also to establish yourself as the dominant figure in the household. Food guarding is a common cause of dog bites, which is why it’s vital to establish your authority over mealtimes as early as possible.
If your dog is still a puppy, it’s essential to teach him that anything he receives, including food, toys, and affection, comes from you. Make him sit or lie down before you feed him, and only allow him to start eating once you give him the release command. It’s also crucial to get him used to being touched and handled while eating, so make sure to pat him when you put down his food and add a bit of food to his bowl while he’s eating, so he associates your presence with positive experiences.
The location of your dog’s feeding spot can also impact his possessiveness over food. It’s recommended to feed your dog in a spacious area where he feels comfortable and not cornered. To desensitize him to having his food taken away, give him small portions at a time and take the dish away each time he finishes. Once he’s comfortable with this, move on to adding more food to his dish while he’s eating, and even adding special treats or food items to it.
It’s crucial to maintain your dominance relationship with your dog, and the key is to practice these techniques consistently. However, it’s also essential to let your dog eat in peace and teach all household members, especially children, to leave him alone during mealtimes.
Protecting Personal Belongings
Lisa is a single mother who works and has two young children aged 4 and 7. She adopted a dog named Hugo from the shelter to keep her kids company and protect the house. Hugo is a kind and friendly dog who loves the children, but he growls and shows his teeth when they try to take his toys. “I don’t understand,” Lisa told the behaviorist. “My children can enter the room where he is with his toys and he growls. He even brings a ball for them to throw, chases it, and then snarls when he brings it back!”
A dog that is possessive about its belongings is trying to communicate, and it’s important to understand what it means. In Lisa’s case, part of the issue was a misunderstanding about playing. Hugo enjoyed playing fetch, but after several rounds, he wanted to rest and chew. However, the children thought his lying down was part of the game and took the ball away, throwing it again. Hugo learned that the only way to end the game was to act aggressively.
In other situations, it may be a matter of dominance. Using the same methods as for food guarding can be helpful, but owners also need to be firm in other ways. Keeping the dog on a leash, even inside the house, sends a clear message that you’re in charge and everything is under control. Train your dog in obedience and when it starts guarding its toys, give a command that changes the focus from the toy to the desired behavior. Praise the dog when it follows the command, even if it required correction or the use of a leash. As part of obedience training, every dog should learn a command to prevent it from picking something up or dropping something it’s already holding. (“Drop it!,” “Leave it!,” “Don’t touch!,” and “Out!” are common variations of this command.)
If a specific toy makes your dog jealous or possessive, remove it. Bones are particularly likely to transform even the most well-behaved dogs into envious and possessive creatures. If your dog can’t handle them or other toys, avoid giving them to your dog. Make sure to praise your dog when it behaves appropriately. Whenever your dog ignores a toy and follows a command or allows you to take something away, praise it for being a good dog. The amount of praise should always exceed the number of corrections.
When to Consult a Behaviorist
If your dog’s guarding behavior persists, consult an animal behaviorist for advice on the appropriate course of action. Once a solution has been found, make sure all members of the household understand how to handle the issue.
Even if you enjoy it when your dog jumps to greet you after a long day, some of your house guests may not. In the next section, we’ll learn how to keep your dog on the ground.
Preventing Dogs from Jumping Up
Jumping up is a common trait among dogs that can sometimes become a problem. It may seem cute when they’re young, but it can be dangerous as they grow older, especially for larger breeds. Jumping up is often a sign of dominance, and teaching your dog not to jump up spontaneously is important. You can also train your dog to jump up on command instead.
When your dog greets you, try to remain calm and relaxed, as this will encourage your dog to do the same. Make greeting a part of your routine rather than a special event. If your dog jumps up, simply step aside and don’t give them any attention. Avoid shouting or kneeing your dog in the chest, as this will only excite them further. Instead, teach them to sit when you come home and reward them with treats or praise.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
Jumping up is usually not a behavior that requires veterinary attention.
Another behavior that can become excessive is marking their 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 on command, make sure they understand not to jump up spontaneously first. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn, and ensure your dog’s nails are trimmed and filed. Pat your chest and say “Up!” to encourage them to jump up, and step back and say “Off!” when you want them to get down. Do not use the word “down” in this situation, as it may confuse your dog when you try to teach them the “down” command.
To train your dog not to jump up on you or others without permission, use the chest pat and say “up” to indicate it’s okay. If your dog persists, firmly say “off” and ignore him. It’s important for everyone who interacts with your dog to follow this routine to avoid confusion. Dogs thrive on consistency and clear rules.
Dogs use scent-marking to communicate, and it’s a natural instinct. However, it’s important to teach your dog where and when it’s acceptable to do so. Establishing dominance through positive obedience training and consistency can help prevent unwanted marking. Neutering can also decrease hormone-driven territorial behavior. Separation anxiety may also lead to marking, so gradually acclimate your dog to being alone and consider crate training. To deter your dog from spraying furniture, try attaching aluminum foil to the area to create a noise and a splash-back effect.
It’s important not to mistake scent-marking for a housebreaking issue. If you find a large puddle of urine inside, it’s likely that your dog needed to go outside and not an attempt to assert dominance. If your dog has a behavior problem, it’s always a good idea to have your vet examine them first to rule out any physical causes. Excessive leash-pulling is a common issue among dogs, but it can be trained out of them. One way is to use a jewel-link training collar and give a quick snap and release on the leash while saying “Heel” or “Slow” when the dog begins to pull. Another option is using a head collar, which loops around the dog’s muzzle and behind their ears, making it easier to control their head and slow them down. Retractable leashes can also be helpful. If you have a sled dog or draft breed, it’s best to harness their pulling instinct and make it work for you by letting them pull you on skates, skis, or a sled or cart. If your dog is exhibiting this behavior, there’s usually no need to involve a vet.
Training Tips for Managing Dog Behaviors
There are 11 dog behaviors that can become problematic if not addressed properly. However, with the right training, you can help your furry friend overcome bad habits and become a well-behaved companion. Best of luck!
В© Publications International, Ltd.
FAQ
1. What are common dog behavior problems?
Common dog behavior problems include aggression, excessive barking, chewing, digging, jumping, and separation anxiety. These issues can be caused by various factors such as lack of socialization, improper training, health problems, or stress.
2. How can I prevent dog behavior problems?
The best way to prevent dog behavior problems is to start with proper training and socialization at an early age. Positive reinforcement training methods can help establish good behavior and prevent negative habits from forming. Providing your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation can also prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
3. How can I stop my dog from excessive barking?
To stop excessive barking, it is important to identify the cause. If your dog is barking out of boredom, providing them with enough exercise and toys can help. If your dog is barking due to fear or anxiety, desensitization training and counter-conditioning techniques may be necessary. Consistency and patience are key when it comes to stopping excessive barking.
4. How can I stop my dog from chewing everything?
Providing your dog with plenty of chew toys and redirecting their attention when they start to chew on inappropriate objects can help stop destructive chewing. It is also important to make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and attention to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
5. How can I stop my dog from jumping on people?
To stop a dog from jumping on people, it is important to ignore the behavior and only give attention when the dog is calm and has all four paws on the ground. Consistent training and using positive reinforcement techniques can help establish good behavior. Providing your dog with enough exercise can also prevent excessive jumping due to excess energy.
6. How can I stop my dog from being aggressive towards other dogs?
To stop aggression towards other dogs, it is important to identify the cause of the behavior. Consultation with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to address underlying issues such as fear or territorial behavior. Socialization and positive reinforcement training can also help reduce aggressive behavior towards other dogs.
7. How can I stop my dog from digging holes in the yard?
To stop a dog from digging holes in the yard, it is important to provide a designated area for digging, such as a sandbox. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation can also prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Consistent training and redirecting your dog’s attention when they start to dig can also help prevent this behavior.
8. How can I help my dog overcome separation anxiety?
To help a dog overcome separation anxiety, it is important to gradually desensitize them to being alone. Start with short periods of separation and gradually increase the time. Providing a safe and comfortable space for your dog while you are away can also help. Using positive reinforcement and calming techniques can also help reduce anxiety. Consultation with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary for severe cases of separation anxiety.
Leave a Reply