Quck answer
Dog behavior problems can be solved by identifying the root cause of the behavior and addressing it with appropriate training techniques. Common behavior issues include barking, chewing, digging, aggression, and separation anxiety. To address these issues, it is important to establish clear communication with the dog, set boundaries and rules, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and use positive reinforcement training methods. Seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may also be necessary in some cases. Consistency, patience, and dedication are key to successfully solving dog behavior problems.
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Misunderstandings between humans and dogs can lead to behavior problems in dogs. Dogs have different senses and brains compared to humans, and they have their natural instincts that can cause problems when living with humans. Teaching dogs good manners is essential to shape their behavior to fit in with society.
Below are some effective tips to solve common dog behavior problems.
Dealing with Aggression in Dogs
Dogs can become aggressive due to many reasons, such as territorial protection, pain, and reproductive urges. It is crucial to differentiate between types of aggression for the safety of everyone. Owners must learn how to make their dogs sociable and friendly.
Managing Biting Behavior in Dogs
Dogs use their mouths to interact with the world, and biting can occur due to different reasons, including anger, self-defense, love, and playfulness. Owners should know how to prevent their dogs from biting people or other dogs.
Preventing Dogs from Chasing Cars
Dogs have a natural urge to chase moving objects, and this can be dangerous for both the dog and the driver. Owners can train their dogs to stop chasing cars by being patient and following specific strategies.
Stopping Dogs from Inappropriate Chewing
Dogs may chew when they are bored or distressed. Owners can teach their dogs the difference between good and bad chewing, and redirect their chewing behavior towards appropriate items.
Eliminating Coprophagy in Dogs
Coprophagy is the medical term for dogs eating their feces or that of other animals. It is a common habit among younger dogs, but it can indicate a more significant problem in older dogs. Owners can learn how to get their dogs to break this habit and remove the temptation.
How to Stop Your Dog from Digging Excessively
Dogs have a natural tendency to dig, but it can lead to destructive behavior that damages your yard or even your neighbor’s. Additionally, it can be messy and inconvenient when your dog tracks mud into your house. Some dogs may even burrow into your carpet. If you’re tired of your dog’s digging, this section will provide you with tips on how to curb this behavior.
How to Prevent Fighting Behavior in Dogs
Dogs are territorial animals that are highly attuned to their social hierarchy. If your dog perceives himself as the alpha of your household, he may try to assert his dominance over you or other dogs, leading to fighting behavior that can be dangerous for everyone involved. Here, we discuss the root of this impulse and ways to prevent or control it.
How to Stop Your Dog from Excessively Guarding
It’s natural for dogs to guard their food, but sometimes this behavior can become obsessive and even dangerous. Your dog may lash out if you try to take something away from him, which can be especially concerning if it’s a toxic item. Similarly, dogs can become protective of their favorite possessions, which can lead to aggressive behavior towards anyone who tries to take them. This section will provide you with solutions to this problem, some of which involve adjusting your own behavior as an owner.
How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping
While some owners may enjoy their dog’s enthusiastic greeting, jumping behavior can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or even frightening for guests who are not as comfortable around dogs. This can include delivery people, children, or anyone who is afraid of dogs. Fortunately, this behavior can be curbed with proper training. This section will teach you how to train your dog to jump only on command.
How to Stop Your Dog from Marking Territory
Dogs naturally mark their territory, but excessive marking can be a sign of stress or anxiety. With proper training and guidance from you, your dog can be taught to mark only in appropriate places. While you can’t train your dog to sit at the table with utensils, you can control this habit. This section will provide you with the advice you need to train your dog to mark appropriately.
Preventing Leash Pulling in Dogs
Dogs have a natural tendency to pull on leashes, which can be traced back to their history as sled and pack pullers. However, some dogs pull so hard on the leash that it affects their breathing. Although it might not be possible to completely eliminate this behavior, you can train your dog to reduce it. This section provides various solutions depending on your dog’s breed.
It’s essential to note that an aggressive dog isn’t always angry or violent. Read on to the next section to learn how to handle this issue.
Dealing with Aggressive Dogs
Aggression is the most common reason for putting down an otherwise healthy dog. We must remember that dogs are predators and can cause severe and even fatal injuries. A genuinely aggressive dog is terrifying and rightfully so.
You must determine if your dog is genuinely showing aggression. Aggression has a specific meaning in animal behavior and is relative. What may be considered aggressive to us may be perfectly normal for a dog, such as playing. Play is often viewed as a practice for real-life skills, so it’s not uncommon to see stalking, chasing, hunting, and even killing behaviors as part of normal dog play.
The dog’s look and sound are usually the best indicators. Is the dog’s behavior accompanied by furious or loud snarling and barking? Or is it play-growls and happy yips? A surefire sign is if the roles reverse: If there’s a chase on, and then the chasing dog changes direction and is being pursued, it’s play.
There are various reasons why your dog may display aggressive behavior. Here are some types of aggression:
Defensive.
A classic scenario for defensive aggression is when the dog does something wrong, the owner scolds him, and the dog retreats under the bed. The owner reaches under the bed to pull the dog out and reprimand him, and the dog bites the owner. Any dog will bite when they feel threatened. The best thing to do if your dog retreats is to leave him alone.
Territorial.
Territorial aggression is one of the reasons why we love living with dogs. They will defend their territory against all comers, including our home, possessions, food, and us. Without territorial aggression, there would be no watchdogs.
Territorial aggression in dogs can escalate quickly, from minor jumping to serious biting. It is important to establish a dominant relationship with your dog to ensure they feel secure and will not defend territory against friendly visitors. However, they should still be protective of you and your home when necessary. Aggression can also arise from pain-related issues, such as sickness, injury, or aging. It is important to monitor your dog for signs of discomfort and call the vet if necessary. Reproductive aggression is also a common issue, which can be solved through neutering or spaying. If your dog displays any form of aggressive behavior, it is crucial to seek veterinary help or consult with an animal behavioral specialist immediately. Biting is a particularly concerning behavior, which will be covered in the following section.
Dealing with Dogs that Bite
Each year, a significant number of dog bites – ranging from half a million to one million – are reported. The most frequent victims of these incidents are children below the age of 12, who account for approximately 60% of the total number. Chow Chows, Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Dalmatians are the top five breeds known for biting. Among the general dog population, unneutered male dogs are the most common culprits of biting. This means that having an unneutered male Chow Chow in a household with a two-year-old, a five-year-old, and eight-year-old twins can result in at least one trip to the emergency room due to a bite. It does not imply that you should never keep bite-prone breeds or that you should wait until your children are older before getting a dog. Rather, it means that you must have a better understanding of when and why dogs bite and take measures to bite-proof your home and dog.
Preventing Dog Bites
If you face a dog that displays threatening behavior, how you react can determine whether you escape unscathed or get bitten. Since any dog can bite, you should never assume that a growling and staring dog won’t harm you. Similarly, you should not assume that an unfamiliar dog that does not exhibit threatening actions is friendly. Since children are the most vulnerable to dog bites, teach them the following fundamental techniques and practice them yourself.
The most important rule to remember is never to approach a strange dog. If a dog approaches you, do not run. Stand motionless (instruct young children to stand still like a tree) with your fists under your chin and your elbows close to your body. Keep your legs together and look straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with the dog (since 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 behind your neck, and forearms covering your ears (instruct children to lie still like a log). Stay still until the dog departs.
In at least half of all reported dog-bite cases, the victim provoked the attack, albeit unintentionally. Dogs typically give clear indications that they are about to bite, signals that are evident to other dogs and people who understand them. The most common dog-bite scenario involves a person or child who fails to recognize the dog’s warning signs and approaches the animal. Miscommunication is another common cause of bites. An example of this 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 is misinterpreted as play behavior. In either case, the dog’s only way of catching the child is with its mouth.
The body language of a dog that is ready to bite includes staring, bared teeth, growling, standing with stiff legs, raised hackles, and a wagging tail with a stiff, rapid movement. If the dog’s head is lowered and the ears go back against his head, it is likely that he will snap his teeth together. It is important to recognize these signs and back off before it escalates. If your own dog is the one exhibiting these behaviors, it may be necessary to call a behaviorist for professional help. A behaviorist can identify the cause of the biting and develop a plan to change the behavior. In some cases, this could be as simple as increasing exercise or socializing with people and other dogs. If your dog is chasing cars, it may be due to hunting or territorial instincts, or herding instincts. It is important to teach the dog when chasing is acceptable and when it is not. Identifying the root cause of the behavior can help find a solution, which may involve introducing the dog to the object of its obsession in a friendly manner.
Leashing or distracting a dog with an unpleasant noise can help correct predatory chasing behavior. When the dog turns away from the chase, reinforce the behavior with praise and treats. The best way to prevent chasing is to keep the dog fenced or leashed. For dogs that see cars as sheep, give them constructive activities, such as playing with a Frisbee or participating in organized sports like flyball and agility training. Herding dogs like Collies and Shelties should be trained for herding trials. Chewing is a natural part of a dog’s behavior, but it’s important to teach them what they can and can’t chew on. Puppies chew to soothe sore gums during teething, and it can take up to a year for adult teeth to come in. Keep items with your scent away from your dog and never give them old shoes or clothing to chew on. If a favorite item gets destroyed, it can motivate family members to be more careful. Veterinary attention isn’t usually necessary for these types of behaviors.
To make chew toys more appealing, it’s important to take steps such as placing them in the laundry hamper for a day or two before giving them to your dog, rubbing something tasty on the outside of rubber balls or stuffing treats inside hollow toys. Always keep a chew toy within reach and remove any unwanted items your dog may be chewing on, replacing them with a chew toy and praising them for chewing the correct item. Bones should be sterilized by boiling for half an hour before giving them to your dog, and small or easily splintered bones should be avoided. To prevent destructive chewing, keep everything you don’t want chewed out of your dog’s reach, or keep your dog out of areas where non-chewable items are easily accessible. For dogs who chew when left alone, kennels or crates can be used, but never as punishment. Applying an unpleasant-tasting substance to furniture legs or using double-sided tape or a nontoxic, unpleasant-tasting substance on upholstery can also help prevent chewing. As with any behavior problem, have your vet take a look at your dog before attempting any corrections, as there may be a physical cause for the behavior.
To correct inappropriate chewing behavior in dogs, it’s important to catch them in the act and not reprimand them afterwards. If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t be, take the item away and substitute it with a chew toy while praising them. You can also use a shaker can or other distraction to interrupt the unwanted chewing.
Dogs have a tendency to eat feces, which is known as coprophagy. While it may be disgusting, it can be a natural and normal act in some circumstances. For example, newborn puppies haven’t learned to eliminate on their own, so their mother licks them to stimulate urination and defecation and then cleans them up. However, when adult dogs eat their own stool, it’s usually a sign of boredom or loneliness. To prevent this behavior, give your dog more attention and exercise, rotate their toys, and feed them more than once a day.
If you notice your dog eating stool, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any physical causes such as parasites or nutritional deficiencies. Adding brewer’s yeast to their food can boost their intake of B-vitamins, while pumpkin or raw carrot can add fiber to their diet and make them feel full. Your vet can also recommend a food brand that is better suited to your dog’s dietary needs. The only sure cure for coprophagy is prevention, so it’s important to pick up after your dog and keep litter boxes out of their reach.
If your dog is constantly digging, it can be just as frustrating and damaging as a dog that chews obsessively. In the following section, you will discover how to put an end to your dog’s excessive digging habits.
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, with various reasons for doing so. Terriers, for instance, have been bred for generations to dig out burrows and pursue rodents like badgers and rats. Other dogs may dig to create a sleeping space, stash food, or out of boredom. Some dogs do it simply because it’s enjoyable.
To stop your dog from excessive digging, try to determine why he is doing it. Is he bored and attempting to entertain himself? Is he trying to keep cool by lying in the cool soil? Is he an unneutered male attempting to escape and mate with a female from another street? Or is he burying bones and other treats for later enjoyment? Once you have identified the reason behind his digging behavior, you can take the necessary steps to change it.
If your dog is a breed that has been trained to dig, it will be challenging to stop him from doing so completely. Instead, provide him with a space where it is acceptable to dig, like a sandpit or plot of soil. Promote the use of this area by offering toys and treats and praising him when he digs there. If your dog digs a hole because he is attempting to find a cooler place to rest, provide more shade in that area or relocate him to a more comfortable location, such as under a tree or in the house. A dog that is attempting to escape may be more challenging to deal with. Some individuals have gone to the extent of placing concrete or wire beneath their fences to keep digging dogs in. Neutering or spaying removes a significant incentive for escape. Some dogs feel uneasy or threatened when exposed outside for prolonged periods. Simply providing shelter, such as access to a shed, garage, or doghouse, is sometimes enough to put an end to the great escape.
When you catch your dog digging where it is not permitted, use distraction techniques. As soon as he stops, reward him with praise, a favorite game, a toy, or take him to his designated digging area. Never reprimand a dog for digging after the fact. This only serves to confuse him, making him anxious and more likely to dig.
Digging behavior usually does not necessitate veterinary attention. In the next section, we’ll discuss dogs that fight excessively and how to stop this behavior.
How to Stop a Dog from Fighting
Dogs engage in fights for various reasons, such as establishing dominance, protecting territory, defending food, and out of fear. Early socialization with other dogs and people, especially during a dog’s formative weeks, can prevent fighting behavior. However, if you have an adult dog that fights, there are steps you can take to manage the situation.
Your reaction to other dogs can influence your dog’s behavior. If you are anxious or fearful when approaching other dogs, your dog will sense this and view the other dog as a threat. Keeping a loose lead and maintaining a happy disposition can help your dog perceive other dogs as normal and not negative.
Training your dog to obey commands is crucial, especially if your dog is prone to fighting. When another dog approaches, have your dog perform an obedience routine or another activity to divert their attention from the other dog. If your dog growls or barks, you can correct them for failing to follow commands, not because of the approaching dog.
Reproduction is a significant cause of territorial and aggressive fighting. Neutering or spaying your dog is necessary to control and prevent fighting. Both male and female dogs can be aggressive, and neutering or spaying offers long-term health and behavioral benefits for dogs.
When to Seek a Behaviorist’s Help
Dogs have different levels of dominance, and fighting between dogs in the same household is common as they establish their rank. A behaviorist can help you understand and address the issue. Remember that dominance is natural for dogs, and treating them as equals can lead to problems. Understanding your dog’s behavior is key to correcting it.
If your dog guards their food or bones and growls when you approach, there are ways to address the behavior. Read the next section to learn how to stop excessive guarding.
How to Stop a Dog from Overly Guarding Food
A dog’s instinct is to protect its food, but it is crucial for you to have complete control over what your dog eats. This is not only for safety reasons but also for establishing dominance. By allowing your dog to take food or drop things on command, you are asserting your authority as the dominant figure. However, food guarding can also trigger dog bites, so it is essential to establish your authority over meals as soon as possible.
If your dog is still a puppy, it is best to teach them that everything they get comes through you, such as food, toys, and even petting. Make them sit or lie down before feeding them, and wait for your release word before they start eating. Also, teach them that it is okay for you to touch them while they eat. By doing this, you are creating a positive association with food and your presence.
The location of where your dog eats is also crucial. If they are in a confined space, they may feel more possessive over their food. Practice giving them small portions at a time and taking their dish away and refilling it until all the food is gone. Praise them for being a good dog each time you do this. Once they respond well to having their dish removed and replaced, move on to adding food to their dish while they are eating.
It is crucial to remember that these techniques are used to establish your dominance over the dog’s food, but you should not pester your dog while they are eating. Teach all household members, especially children, to leave the dog alone during mealtime.
Protecting Valuables
Lisa, a single working mother, adopted a dog named Hugo from the pound for her two young children as a companion and to guard their home. Hugo is a friendly dog who loves children, but he growls and shows his teeth when he has a toy. Lisa is confused and cannot understand why Hugo behaves this way. He even brings a toy to the children to throw, but growls when they try to take it from him.
A possessive dog is conveying a message, and it is important to understand it. In Lisa’s case, the root of the problem was a misunderstanding about playing. Hugo enjoyed playing fetch, but after several rounds, he wanted to rest and chew. The children, however, thought he was still playing and took the toy away, which made Hugo feel threatened.
Other dogs may show possessive behavior due to dominance. The same techniques used to address food guarding can be effective, but owners need to be assertive in other ways too. Keeping the dog on a leash, even inside the house, sends a clear message that the owner is in control. Obedience training is also necessary, and when the dog starts guarding a toy, the owner should issue a command, shifting the focus from the toy to the desired behavior. It is important to praise the dog when it responds to the command, even if it required correction or a leash. Owners should teach their dogs a command to drop something already in their mouth.
If a certain toy causes jealousy and possessiveness, it should be removed. Bones are especially prone to trigger possessive behavior. Owners should praise their dog when it does something right, such as responding to a command or letting go of a toy. The amount of praise should always exceed the number of corrections made.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the possessive behavior becomes a recurring problem, it is recommended to seek the help of an animal behaviorist. Once a remedy has been established, all household members should learn how to address the problem.
Although some people enjoy their dog jumping up to greet them, it may not be suitable for all house guests. The next section will discuss how to train your dog to stay on the floor.
Preventing a Dog from Jumping Up
Jumping up is a common problem among dogs, from big breeds to small ones. Although it may seem cute when they are puppies, it can become dangerous as they grow older, especially for children or elderly people. Jumping up can be a sign of dominance, which is why it’s important to teach your dog that it’s not acceptable. You can also train your dog to jump up on command.
To prevent your dog from jumping up, greet them calmly and don’t make a big fuss over their arrival. Don’t yell at your dog or use physical reinforcement as this can excite them more. Instead, teach them to sit when you come home and reward them with treats or praise.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
Jumping up is a behavior that usually doesn’t require veterinary attention. However, excessive marking of territory is another behavior that can become a problem.
Training Your Dog to Jump Up on Command
If you want to train your dog to jump up on command, make sure they know when not to jump up first. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn, and ensure that your dog’s nails are trimmed and filed. Pat your chest and say, “Up!” to encourage your dog to jump up, and say, “Off!” when you want them to get down. Don’t confuse your dog by using the word “down” for both commands.
To let your dog know it’s okay to greet you by jumping up, always use the chest pat and say “up.” However, if your dog jumps up without an invitation, firmly say “off” and ignore him. It’s important for everyone in your household to follow this routine to avoid confusion for your dog. Dogs like rules and consistency.
Preventing Scent-Marking
Scent-marking is a natural and normal behavior for dogs. However, it’s important to teach your dog to only do it in specific places and times. Obedience training in a positive and humane way can help clarify your dominance and provide mental stimulation for your dog. Use commands to reward your dog with food, toys, play, or petting.
It’s essential to walk through doors before your dog does and prevent him from jumping on furniture or your bed. Neutering your dog before he’s one year old can also help prevent hormone-driven territorial behavior.
If your dog sprays due to separation anxiety, start by leaving him alone in a room for a minute or two and gradually increase the time you’re away. Confining him 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 he likes to spray. The noise and splash back may discourage him from doing it again.
It’s important to understand that scent-marking is not the same as a housebreaking issue. A large urine puddle inside your home might just mean that your dog needed to go outside while you were away, rather than being a display of dominance. If you notice any behavioral problems with your dog, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet first to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing the behavior. Excessive leash-pulling is a common issue among dogs, but it’s important to teach them how to walk on a leash properly from the beginning. This can be achieved with the use of a jewel-link training collar or a head collar, such as the Gentle Leader. For breeds that have a natural inclination to pull, such as sled dogs and draft breeds, it’s best to harness their instincts and find ways to make it work for you, such as having them pull you on skates or training them to pull a sled or cart. If you’re unsure if your dog’s behavior requires veterinary attention, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.
Eleven Common Dog Behaviors That Require Training
Here, we have discussed eleven different dog behaviors that can become problematic if left unaddressed. By understanding these behaviors, you will be better equipped to train your furry friend to overcome them. Best of luck!
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FAQ
1. What are some common dog behavior problems and how can they be solved?
Some common dog behavior problems include barking, chewing, digging, jumping up, and aggression. To solve these problems, it is important to first identify the root cause. For example, a dog may bark excessively due to boredom or anxiety. Once the cause is identified, a plan can be put in place to address it. This may include providing more exercise and mental stimulation, training and socialization, or consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
2. How can I stop my dog from chewing on everything?
To stop your dog from chewing on everything, start by providing appropriate chew toys and regularly rotating them to keep them interesting. Supervise your dog when they are loose in the house and redirect them to their toys if they start to chew on something they shouldn’t. Use bitter apple spray or a similar deterrent on items you don’t want your dog to chew on. If your dog continues to chew on inappropriate items, it may be a sign of anxiety or boredom and you should consult with a professional.
3. How can I stop my dog from jumping up on people?
To stop your dog from jumping up on people, teach them an alternative behavior such as sitting or lying down when greeting people. Reward your dog when they perform the desired behavior and ignore them when they jump up. Consistency is key – everyone who interacts with your dog should reinforce the same behavior. If your dog continues to jump up, consider using a leash to prevent them from jumping and seek advice from a professional trainer.
4. How can I address aggression in my dog?
Aggression in dogs can be a serious issue and should be addressed with the help of a professional behaviorist. It is important to identify the cause of the aggression, which may include fear, territoriality, or other factors. The behaviorist will work with you to develop a plan that may include desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques, positive reinforcement training, or medication in severe cases.
5. How can I prevent my dog from digging in the yard?
To prevent your dog from digging in the yard, provide them with an appropriate digging area filled with sand or soil. Encourage your dog to use this area by burying toys or treats and rewarding them when they dig in the designated spot. Supervise your dog when they are outside and redirect them to the digging area if they start to dig elsewhere. If your dog continues to dig in inappropriate areas, it may be a sign of boredom or anxiety and you should consult with a professional.
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