Common Dog Behavior Problems

Common Dog Behavior Problems

Dog behavior problems are often misunderstood or mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wish 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 

·        Barking

·        Chewing

·        Digging

·        Separation Anxiety

·         Inappropriate Elimination

·        Begging

·        Chasing

·        Biting

·        Jumping Up

·        Aggression

·        Bad Breath

·        Yawning

·        Howling

·        Food Guarding

·         Whining

 Sometimes dogs can suddenly show bad behavior — even well-behaved dogs. Since dogs have no sense of morality, they do nothing because they are "wrong" or "okay." They just do whatever works. For example, if you see your dog chewing on a chair leg and giving him a cookie to disturb his furniture, teach him that the next time he wants a cookie, all he has to do is chew on a chair.

Prevent Loneliness

When the dog has no other option, it may try to chew or dig. Do not be held responsible for this, as you should give your dog daily exercise and recreation. In addition to making sure your dog has enough daily activity, you can see when a dog is prone to a particular behavioral problem and why, and take steps to help him overcome it.

Adjust your behavior

When your dog starts to show problem behavior, try to correct it immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fix it. Some problematic behaviors reach a point where it is almost impossible for the average owner to behave. If you think your dog may need some form of assistance that you cannot afford, do not hesitate to seek the help of a trained trainer.

Ulaka

Anger does not always attack in full. It is usually subtle behavior - but equally dangerous. Does your dog grit your teeth when you lighten your collar to remove the furniture? Does he stop to watch his food bowl or special toys? Is it hard to walk with him because you can't trust him to greet other dogs well? All of this is a manifestation of an aggressive tendency that may lead to one day being bitten. If you see anything like this, act quickly. What to do? Really setting boundaries, rewarding only good behavior, not responding emotionally, and checking how you eat things you should use around your home right away. After all, tightening boundaries with an aggressive dog can cause aggression to escalate. Basically there is no way around it: Because of the severity of serious injuries, it is important to start working with a specialist. Take a call or go online right now and call 1-800-PET-DOGS or go to www.apdt.com. This is the contact information for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a national association of certified, rewarding and ethical dog trainers. Finding someone in your area is the first step; if that person is not qualified, they should try to pass it on to the right person.

Barking or hissing

The first thing you need to remember about barking is that it is natural and, for most dogs, really fun. On your part, when barking or yelling annoys you, try hard not to “bark” or back off — which is what you do when you yell or beg your dog while barking this way. The message he received from you “barking back” says that maybe he should sound louder, or maybe he should repeat himself to stop. Instead, teach him to bark at a command using the words "talk" or "bark," and be quiet with the command using the words "shush" or "shut up." It’s usually easier to teach “talking” first, when your dog is actually barking. Encourage him by simply saying, “Speak up.” Feeding it will require it to stop barking and chewing. When he finally calms down, says "shush Good," and rewards him again.

Persuasion

This bad habit is easier to prevent than to cure, so from the beginning, when it's time to eat, put your dog in his crotch or lock him in a room with a crazy chewing toy to keep him in. Leave it alone when you're done. If you want to feed him leftovers, put them in his food container and put them in a regular meal. If you have a beggar, first take him out or lock him up. They are for you and your family to suffer from barking and complaining for as long as it takes. Only release him from custody when he has been released.

Chewing

All dogs need to chew. Acknowledge this fact, and take responsibility for providing your dog with safe, acceptable chewing toys such as the Nylabone® toy. If she is chewing things around the house, do not let her relax in the house. Hitting or imprisoning her with chewing gum and toys you have chosen will leave her with no choice but to satisfy her needs with those. As long as he doesn't take something that you think is safe and acceptable, keep trying until you find something he likes.

Digging

If you have a dog that loves to dig — again, digging is a natural canine and can’t be shut down — don’t fight him, join him. Choose a place in your yard or on the walk where he will not cause much damage if he digs. Encourage him to use the site by burying something where he needs to dig. Praise him when he does. Set up a small sandbox in your yard where your dog can dig. If he digs in an unacceptable area, it is because you are not guarding or directing him to an acceptable place. It’s like “digging” inside. If your dog scratches the ground, it is probably worried or bored. Put him in a safe place (locked up), and give him toys and chew to play with. Or take him outside to walk away and direct him to his excavation site.

Jumping up

Your dog cannot jump on someone if he is sitting, lying on the ground, or locked in some other way. Invite a friend or neighbor, as well as other family members, to help reverse this behavior. Put your dog on its head, let someone cry at the door, get close to your dog, and ask the dog to sit down. You sit, you open the door. He does not sit, he waits and sits. When someone comes in, give them a few treats and ask them to ask the dog to sit down. You stay, you get treatment. He doesn't stay, they turn their backs on him for a while. He makes sure he doesn’t jump by grabbing his belt. Ask him to stay first, and make sure he stays. After that the person should turn around and ask him to stay. Repeat until the dog obeys. This is something you will need to do do it over and over until your dog can control it. Even if you lock him up while you are waiting for guests, you will eventually want to include him in the party, where he will need to know how to greet guests - by staying and being rewarded for it. If your puppy starts to jump on you, turn your back on him. Praise Him and give Him healing when all four feet are on the ground. If you have guests, make sure your puppy is leash before opening the door. This will help you to control your behavior.

Too Playful

It is important that the violent game is resolved and stopped immediately. To resolve your dog when playing with you this way, stop moving or making noises. Get up when you are down. Keep your hands and arms close to your body. Be a template if possible, even if the dog jumps at you. When he plays with others this way, stop the movement and get up slowly, ignoring the dog. When he is settled enough to catch him without further ado, pick him up or lead him to his crib or dungeon. Give long term out of this case. Play should only be allowed when in control. As soon as anyone is seriously attacked, calm down and stop. Do training with him when he is stable, and, to prove that you are his leader.

Concerns About Separation

This is a term used by some veterinarians and trainers to refer to mad dogs when they are left alone, trying to destroy their surroundings, barking and howling uncontrollably, and other things that cause damage.

To combat this reaction, introduce your dog to your approach and action by starting small and making the experience more enjoyable. Without making a big fuss about it, decide to leave the house. Put your dog in his crib or in a locker room with a favorite toy, turn on the radio at a regular or soft rock station (something fun) and, without saying another word, take your jacket, bag, and car keys and go to the House. Walk around the house quietly, listening or checking your dog without him knowing. Give it a few minutes, depending on whether you get upset or not. If he is upset, give him time to calm down. (The attractive chewing toy offered for your outing should be sufficient; if not, find something very appealing.) If he is not irritated but is firmly rooted in the chewing toy, keep quiet.

When it is quiet and you have been out for more than five minutes, go back inside as if nothing had happened, put your things down, and quietly and quietly greet your dog. Do not rush to her and force her to kiss you. Put on his belt and bring him out, as you would a long trip back home. Let him learn that you are coming home and taking care of his needs. Do this a few times a day for the first few days and weeks, extending the time you left the house. Maintain harvest opportunities by making sure your dog has something to play with, and that the radio is loud enough but not too loud, that enough light and heat is available, and that you make sure it is comfortable and safe. If you lock him in one room, be careful not to leave anything around that could make a chewy but unacceptable "toy".

If you feel that you have tried everything and the situation is not the best, consult a professional before you are completely angry. Consider working with a dog trainer and a veterinarian. Your dog may need medication to help with his nerves while training him to handle things better.

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Items

Fortunately, stealing is an easy problem to solve because your dog can't steal what he can't get. Unfortunately, that means the burden is really on you. You should always look for what can be considered a good game: accessible cans, food left anywhere out of the reach, open cupboard doors, etc. Make the inappropriate things of his wish unattainable while at the same time providing many appropriate chewing gum and other toys. Play with your dog using those toys so that his fun can only be used by them. When he steals, do not chase after him, or start a game. Call him or her to you or follow him or her quietly and emotionally until you can catch him or her. Tell him to "Leave" as he opens his mouth to remove the object. Be careful while doing this; if you see that your dog is overly aggressive, let him go. Lock him up as soon as possible and commit to working with an experienced or disciplined dog trainer. The last thing you want a dog to do is open it on top of something that has been stolen.

Humble Submission

When you go in to greet your dog, does it fall to the ground and begin to wet itself? If so, you have a submission urinator. First, check with your veterinarian to make sure the problem is not caused by a health problem. If not, keep her in an easy-to-clean area so that you do not get frustrated twice over by a dirty carpet. Gather your dog or keep it in a safe, enclosed place. If you approach him to greet him after a short walk, do so in a way that is as reasonable as possible. If the problem persists for a while, perhaps you will approach him reluctantly, anxiously, or suspiciously. He can detect your emotions, and it can contribute to his or her anxiety. Pretend you are a strange dog who should walk out the door calmly and gently, but very quickly, to do his business outside. If he urinates as you go outside, do not respond. Sit the course out, let her do her thing, lock her up again while you clean, and continue your whole day. You need to respond as emotionally as possible until you feel better. Slow and stable….

Final Thoughts

When training your dog - whether it is learning a new behavior or changing an existing behavior - it is important to remember that you are human. The advice given here may have worked for many dogs and their owners but may not work for your dog and you. Explore other sources. Talk to other dog owners, particularly those who own the same breed.

Observe your dog as objectively as possible when trying to determine the source of problems so that you can understand what might be triggering them. Involve everyone in your household in the game plan to try to solve problems.

And last but not least, don’t let good intentions keep you from doing what’s necessary: If you aren’t succeeding but know something must be done, seek professional help. Don’t push your dog to the point at which you end up condemning him to a shelter. Help your best friend with all the resources available to you. Your responsibility toward him will be rewarded with his love and trust.