Many behavioral problems may stem from changes to daily routine or the introduction of new people or animals into our lives, while environmental triggers like noises or smells, food theft, garbage raiding or digging may also play a part.
Many behavioral problems can be successfully treated using a combination of prevention, reward training and medications that reduce fear, anxiety, arousal or impulse control.
Aggression
Aggression can be a significant issue for families who own aggressive dogs, from attacks directed toward people, other animals or inanimate objects (cars, yard equipment or bicycle wheels), which often leads them to be surrendered at shelters. Living with such a dog is challenging but doable if you understand their triggers for aggression.
Dogs that become territorial can react aggressively when others attempt to take away possessions such as food, toys or their bed from them - this problem can easily be addressed by moving these possessions out of sight or altering where they're kept.
In other cases, particularly where aggression towards family members occurs, it may be anxiety or fear as opposed to dominance or social status; training programs which focus on confrontation and intimidation will only exacerbate these responses.
Check this website: Mypetcaretutor
Separation Anxiety
Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which causes them to panic when left alone or separated from their guardians. This anxiety often manifests itself as destructive behaviors like chewing or barking that could potentially result in self-injury or house soiling attempts that can become hazardous for the dog's safety.
These dogs often crave physical contact from their owners and may show distressful behaviour upon leaving or being separated, including escape attempts, excessive vocalization and destruction of property or home. Furthermore, these pups may become restless or salivate or refuse to eat or drink water.
For separation anxiety in dogs, start by training your pup to tolerate short absences - even just seconds - by gradually building them up to twenty and an hour at a time. Try counterconditioning by leaving behind their favorite food toys or playing relaxing music or podcasts when leaving home.
Barking
Barking occurs for various reasons - whether a dog wants your attention, warns against strangers or simply showing dominance over another creature. If your pup is barking excessively or more than usual, it is wise to consult your vet as this may indicate health problems that could be contributing to its behavior.
This is the familiar "harrrr ruff" bark often heard in homes. This particular style of barking occurs alone and is very loud with front legs down with bottoms in the air posture and play bow body posture.
Teaching your dog that being alone is part of life can help reduce this behavior. Teach them to visit an "alone time space" and reward them when they stay quiet with treats when necessary. On walks, train them not to bark when passing people or other dogs.
Chewing
Chewing is one of the most frequently reported behavior problems pet owners experience with their animals, often used by dogs to relieve boredom or anxiety. It may involve destructive chewing as well as use by these canines simply to alleviate boredom or anxiety.
Puppies and young adult dogs typically chew due to teething pain. Others do so to explore their environment through smell and touch; others chew as a means of dealing with separation anxiety; whine or become destructive when left alone with no human companion; while some demonstrate barrier frustration due to being unable to access objects on the other side of a fence or gate.
Addressing chewing requires identifying its cause and creating an appropriate treatment plan. For instance, if your dog chews inappropriately due to boredom or anxiety, providing alternative toys that they can chew on as well as providing appropriate play and exercise sessions and redirecting their destructive habits away from dangerous items can help provide effective results.
No comments yet