05 Common Dog Behavior Problems and Solutions
Dog behavior problems are often misunderstood or mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wishing to help your dog with a challenging issue.
Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help you avoid or better control many of these issues.
01. Barking.
Chewing is a natural action for all dogs. In fact, chewing is an important activity for most dogs; it's just part of the way they are wired. However, excessive chewing can quickly become a behavior problem if your dog causes destruction. The most common reasons dogs chew include:1
- Puppy teething
- Boredom or excess energy
- Anxiety
- Curiosity (especially puppies)
Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by providing plenty of appropriate chew toys. Keep personal items away from your dog. When you are not home, keep your dog crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused.
If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, get your dog's attention and replace the item with a chew toy. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to burn off energy and be stimulated in that way rather than turning to chewing.
If given the chance, most dogs will do some amount of digging; it's a matter of instinct. Certain dog breeds, like terriers, are more prone to digging because of their hunting histories. In general, most dogs dig for these reasons:
- Boredom or excess energy
- Anxiety or fear
- Hunting instinct
- Comfort-seeking (such as nesting or cooling off)
- Desire to hide possessions (like bones or toys)
- To escape or gain access to an area
It can be frustrating if your dog digs up your yard. Try and determine the cause of the digging, then work to eliminate that source. Give your dog more exercise, spend more quality time together, and work on extra training. If digging seems inevitable, set aside an area where your dog can freely dig, like a sandbox. Train your dog that it is acceptable to dig in this area only.
04.Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed dog behavior problems. Manifestations include vocalization, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation, and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner.2 Not all of these actions are the result of separation anxiety. Signs of true separation anxiety include:
- The dog becomes anxious when the owner prepares to leave.
- Misbehavior occurs in the first 15 to 45 minutes after the owner leaves.
- The dog wants to follow the owner around constantly.
- The dog tries to touch the owner whenever possible.
True separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behavior modification, and desensitization exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases.
Inappropriate urination and defecation are among the most frustrating dog behaviors. They can damage areas of your home and make your dog unwelcome in public places or at the homes of others. It is most important that you discuss this behavior with your veterinarian first to rule out health problems. If no medical cause is found, try to determine the reason for the behavior, which can come down to one of the following:
- Submissive/excited urination
- Territorial marking
- Anxiety
- Lack of proper house training
Inappropriate elimination is unavoidable in puppies, especially before 12 weeks of age. Older dogs are another story. Many dogs require serious behavior modification to rid them of the habit once it becomes ingrained. Eventually, most grown (potty-trained) dogs can learn to ring so-called “doggy doorbells” to let their owners know when to let them out for a bathroom break.
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