Dogs are known to be one of the most loyal and loving pets humans can have. They are often considered as part of the family and are loved and cherished by their owners. However, sometimes dogs may exhibit certain behaviours that can be challenging for their owners to understand and manage.
These behaviours can range from minor nuisances to serious problems that can affect the dog’s quality of life and the relationship between the dog and its owner. In this article, we will discuss some common canine behavioural issues, the causes of these behaviours, and ways to manage and prevent them.
1. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common behavioural issue among dogs. It occurs when a dog becomes anxious or stressed when left alone or separated from its owner. The dog may show signs of distress, such as barking, whining, chewing, digging, or attempting to escape.
Causes
· Lack of socialization or lack of exposure to different environments and people
· Being abandoned or rehomed multiple times
· A history of being crated for long periods of time
· A change in routine or living situation
Management and Prevention
· Gradually increase the amount of time the dog is left alone
· Provide the dog with toys or puzzles to keep them occupied while they are alone
· Use positive reinforcement to teach the dog that being alone is okay
· Provide the dog with a comfortable and safe place to sleep
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
2. Aggression
Canine aggression is a serious behavioural issue that can manifest in various forms, such as territorial aggression, dominance aggression, fear-based aggression, and redirected aggression. It can be directed towards other dogs, people, or even objects.
Causes:
· Lack of socialization or training
· Fear or anxiety
· Illness or pain
· Past abuse or neglect
· Unbalanced dominance or lack of leadership
Management and Prevention
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
· Ensure the dog receives enough exercise and mental stimulation
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Avoid physical punishment or aggression as it can worsen the behaviour
· Address any underlying medical issues that may be causing the aggression
3. Excessive Barking
Excessive barking is a common behavioural issue among dogs. It can be caused by various factors such as boredom, anxiety, or territorial behaviour. It can be a nuisance to the owner and the neighbours.
Causes
· Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
· Anxiety or stress
· Territorial or protective behaviour
· Attention-seeking behaviour
· Medical condition
Management and Prevention:
· Identify and address the underlying cause of the barking
· Provide the dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
· Use a bark collar or other devices that emit a high-pitched noise when the dog barks
4. Housebreaking
Housebreaking, or potty training, is a crucial step in the process of raising a dog. It can be a challenging task for many dog owners, especially for new dog owners or owners of puppies.
Causes:
· Lack of consistency in training
· Lack of understanding of the dog’s natural elimination schedule
· Fear or anxiety
· Medical conditions
Management and Prevention
· Establish a consistent routine for potty breaks
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Watch for signs that the dog needs to go potty, such as sniffing or circling
· Limit the dog’s access to the house until they are fully housebroken
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
· You can also check out Petstop to buy safety products for your pet to avoid housebreaking incidents.
5. Fearful and Shy Behaviour
Dogs, just like humans, can develop fear and shyness towards certain things, people or situations. This can be a result of a lack of socialization, past traumatic experiences or genetics.
Causes
· Lack of socialization or exposure
· Past traumatic experiences
· Genetics
· Medical conditions
Management and Prevention
· Gradual socialization and exposure
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Avoid forcing the dog into situations that they are afraid of
· Provide a safe and comfortable environment for the dog
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
6. Chewing and Destructive Behaviour
Chewing and destructive behaviour is common among dogs, especially puppies and young dogs. They may chew on shoes, furniture, or other household items.
Causes
· Teething
· Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
· Separation anxiety
· Lack of proper chew toys or bones
Management and Prevention
· Provide the dog with appropriate chew toys or bones
· Increase the dog’s exercise and mental stimulation
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
· Supervise the dog and ensure that they have no access to items that they should not be chewing on
· Consider using a bitter spray or other deterrents on items that the dog should not be chewing on
7. Leash Pulling
Leash pulling is a common behaviour among dogs, especially when they are excited or anxious. It can be uncomfortable for the owner and can also be dangerous for the dog if they escape from their leash.
Causes:
· Lack of training
· Excitement or anxiety
· Lack of proper leash equipment
· Territorial or protective behaviour
Management and Prevention
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce strain on the dog’s neck
· Train the dog to walk calmly on a leash
· Use a front-clip harness to discourage pulling
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
8. Compulsive Behaviour
Compulsive behaviours in dogs include repetitive behaviours such as tail chasing, excessive licking, or spinning. Various factors, such as boredom, anxiety, or a lack of proper mental stimulation can cause these behaviours.
Causes
· Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
· Anxiety or stress
· Genetics
· Medical conditions
Management and Prevention
· Provide the dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation
· Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods
· Seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist
· Address any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the compulsive behaviour
In conclusion, understanding and managing canine behavioural issues is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy relationship between dogs and their owners. It is important to remember that these behaviours are often signs of distress or discomfort, and addressing the underlying cause is crucial for effectively managing and preventing these behaviours.
By providing proper training, socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation, as well as seeking the help of a professional, owners can help their dogs lead fulfilling and happy life.
