Natural instincts, basic senses, genetics, environmental factors, past experiences and a host of other factors shape your dog’s behavioral pattern. Therefore, you need to analyze these aspects to understand your dog’s behavior effectively. Activities like aggression, biting, chewing and chasing are common in dogs but they are considered as common dog behaviour problems when dogs live with humans as these behaviors could be harmful for humans as well as dogs. Dogs with behavioural problems need to be trained properly to solve the problem. Ignoring the dog also serves as a good technique in controlling such unwanted dog behaviors.
Some common dog behaviour problems are:
Excessive barking
Barking is a part and parcel of normal dog behavior. Though, excessive barking is not. In fact, it is one of the most common dog behaviour problems. It could be extremely annoying and frustrating. Usually, dogs bark as a sign of warning, to communicate, out of excitement or boredom, due to anxiety or simply to attract your attention. At times, dogs bark to protect their territory.
Therefore, it is important to first find out the reason behind your dog’s excessive barking and then work on it to control it. More often than not, dogs bark to make you aware of their physical needs like food, water or exposure to extreme temperatures. Make sure the dog is comfortable and healthy in his environment. Dog training also helps in dealing with behavior problems of this nature. If boredom or excessive energy is the cause then get your dexterous dog some chew toys to keep him busy.
A high pitched noise tends stop barking in puppies. Though, if you try to yell at the dog, it generally results in even more vigorous barking, either due to fear or due to excitement on your joining in. If the dog is trying to gain your attention by barking then try to ignore him until he understands that his trick is not getting a favorable response.
Destructive Chewing
Chewing, shredding and ripping generally serve as means of relieving stress and a vent to release energy. To control this behavior problem, dogs can be given special chew toys that are meant for dogs. Besides, prevention is better than cure. So, keep all the important items away from your mischievous dog’s reach.
Often, a dog can be discouraged from chewing an item by correcting him with a sharp noise.
Also, energetic dogs need a good amount of exercise. Depriving your dog of this right will rightly result in his chewing away your valuable articles. When going out, confine your dog to a particular area or to his crate with his favorite toys to avoid destructive chewing.
Jumping up
This is yet another problem behavior in dogs and you tend to encourage this behavior by lifting the dog or rewarding him on his command. Basically, this is an attention seeking behavior on the part of the dog and by giving him this attention you are actually reinforcing his behavior. A very simple and effective solution to this dog behavioral problem is to ignore and not to pay attention to the dog’s jumping. This control mechanism might require some effort on your part too if you have been encouraging this problem behavior since a long time.
Digging
Most of the dogs dig due to their hunting instincts. Other reasons include anxiety, boredom, hiding possessions and comfort seeking. While dealing with behavior problems, you should be aware of the fact that you can not stop any problem dog behaviour completely. You can only suppress it under your supervision. Therefore, instead of completely banning the digging activity, try to assign your dog his own digging pit where he can freely dig to his satisfaction.
At the same time, discourage him from digging in other areas until he understands that he can only dig in his assigned zone, nowhere else. Besides, engage him in other activities and exercises to prevent him from digging scrupulously.
Chasing
Common dog behaviour problems like chasing moving objects, especially vehicles are very dangerous. Dog training should specifically address this problem. Leashes are also helpful in controlling dogs that like to go on such chasing expeditions without your approval. A dog whistle can be used to distract the dog’s attention from the moving object and direct the attention on you.
Begging
Many dog owners often fail to realize the negative aspects of encouraging this problem dog behavior in their beloved dogs. Those pleading eyes tend to hypnotize you to give away extra food to your dog. But, these lavish treats are not healthy for the dog. Exhibiting your immense love in this way will result in dog’s obesity, thereby increasing the risks of developing serious diseases. Plus, certain human foods like chocolates are harmful for the dogs. So, resist the temptation of blindly fulfilling your dog’s desires.
Biting
This is a fairly common dog behavioural problem. Puppies have a tendency of mouthing or biting to explore their environment. Again, ignoring the dog is the best way to solve dog behavior problems of this kind. Ignoring means that you do not speak, touch, or even look at the dog for some time. Plus, you give a painful yelp and then stop the play for a few moments so that the dog understands that this behavior is not acceptable.
At times, this biting behavior might become aggressive. For instance, the dog might aggressively snap at you when you come close to his possessions. This particular dog behavior should be dealt by an expert obedience instructor or vet as it can be dangerous.
Aggression
Being the descendents of wolves, dogs also exhibit aggressive behavior, especially when they are nervous, defending, possessive or when they are injured. Aggressive behaviour of dogs is demonstrated by growling, snarling, baring teeth and biting. To solve this problem, first try to determine the reason behind the dog’s aggressive behavior.
Certain medical problems also make the dogs aggressive. Thus, get immediate medical help for the dog to reduce his discomfort thereby reducing the aggressive behavior as well. Generally, it is recommended that while dealing with this kind of serious behavior problem, dogs should be taken to dog behaviorists or vets for proper help.
