Preventing Common Dog Behavior Problems

   Posted: June 2, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 479 | Rating: Not Rated

Many dog owners face the same behavior problems. Dogs are going to growl, jump, and bark. But you have to draw the line somewhere or your dog’s behavior can get out of control, leading to aggression. Common behavior problems include using the bathroom in inappropriate places, destructive tendencies, and even complete disobedience and defiance.

Most behavior problems have easy solutions. It’s usually only a matter of retraining the human, instead of the dog. Your first step to stopping bad behavior is to identify possible causes. You may have to use the process of elimination to figure out what is setting your dog off, but if you are persistent, you will uncover the root problem.

One of the most common triggers for bad behavior is simple boredom. If your dog isn’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation, he will soon begin finding ways to amuse himself, at your expense. This is typically why dogs chew up shoes or claw through furniture. Boredom can even cause your dog to start using the bathroom all over the house, just to get a reaction from you.

You can solve this problem almost instantaneously by giving your dog plenty of activity. A tired dog is usually a well behaved dog, so wear him out on a regular basis. Provide opportunities for your dog to go outside and get some sunshine and fresh air. Every dog should go for regular walks and a good game of catch never hurts either.

If you increase your dog’s activity level and still have behavior problems, it’s time to head to the vet. Bad behavior can sometimes be your dog’s way of reacting to a physical problem, such a pain or a chemical imbalance in the brain. Hormonal deficiencies can also lead to behavior problems.

Your vet will probably recommend that you have your dog spayed or neutered. Some behavior problems seem to be aggravated by the sex drive. A young dog that is showing signs of aggression or usurping human authority probably needs to be spayed or neutered. Another sign is a dog that lifts his leg to urinate everywhere he goes. He is marking his territory which is a sexually-driven dominant behavior problem.

The vet will also provide other recommended lifestyle changes to help your dog adjust. There are many options to try from changing diet to socialization. If you follow your vet’s recommendations and still encounter major problems, then you need to contact a professional trainer. These professionals understand the inner workings of a dog’s mind and can help you take a proactive approach to your dog’s behavior issues, instead of simply reacting to bad behavior. Be patient and you should see a change in your dog’s behavior over time.

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