Every dog owner may encounter dog behaviour problems in their lifetime that make everyday life difficult.
Whether you are an experienced or novice owner, these challenges will eventually catch up with you.
In this article, I’ve collected some common behavioural problems and possible solutions to help you and your four-legged friend live together in harmony.
Separation anxiety
One of the most common behavioural problems is separation anxiety, which occurs when the owner leaves the dog alone at home or anywhere else.
The dog may become restless, bark, destroy or even pee.
Dealing with the problem is usually a long process of gradually getting the dog used to being away.
It’s important that the owner doesn’t overreact when he or she leaves home or arrives home, so that the dog will experience the separation as less dramatic.
Symptoms of separation anxiety may include: the dog destroys things when left alone: chewed up, torn up belongings, objects.
Otherwise housebroken dog poops, pees in the potty.
Cries, howls and barks for hours if there is no human company.
It’s important to know that your puppy is not doing these things out of mischief, but is very insecure and afraid!
He is trying to relieve his tension in the ways described above.
This is why you should not punish him, as this will only make the situation worse, as punishment will make him more anxious.dr. Pálma Piller – Canine Health Course
Excessive barking
The constant barking is disturbing not only for the owner but also for the neighbours.
There can be many reasons for barking: fear, boredom, defensive instinct or just because the dog wants attention.
The most important thing is to understand the reasons behind the barking and treat the situation accordingly.
Proper training, such as teaching the “quiet” command, can help to control barking.
Pulling on the leash
Many dogs have a tendency to pull on the leash while walking, which is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous.
Pulling on the lead is a learned behaviour that can be traced back to incorrect walking habits.
It is important for the owner to consistently but kindly always signal to the dog that they should enjoy the walk together and that the dog should listen to the owner.
Learning the “loose leash” technique is a complex task and takes time, but is well worth the effort.
Room cleanliness problems
Teaching puppies to be housebroken is a priority, but sometimes adult dogs can fall back on good habits.
This may be due to health problems, stress or simply a change in routine.
The key is patience and consistency: take your dog out regularly and reward him when he does his business outdoors.
Aggression towards other dogs
Aggression towards other dogs is a serious behavioural problem.
To deal with such situations, professional training, counter-conditioning with positive reinforcement, management and gradual habituation to the company of other dogs are essential.
Aggression can be caused by fear, insecurity, instinct or even bad experiences.
It is always worth seeking professional help when faced with such a problem.
Escape
Some dogs are prone to running away, either from the garden or from the house.
This is particularly dangerous as the dog can easily get into trouble on the street.
To prevent escapes , provide a proper fence and teach the dog to stay in the yard.
When investigating this behaviour, it is important to check that the dog’s needs are being met, e.g. enough exercise, sleep, mental exhaustion, etc.
Starting to teach the dog to come to you as soon as possible, even with the help of a trainer, can often solve the problem.
How to get quick help for behavioural problems?
If you feel that you can’t cope with your pet’s behaviour problems on your own, it’s important to seek expert help.
A PetWiseCare on the veterinary chat platformyou can consult not only vets but also experienced dog trainers.
I can assure you that there is a solution to every problem, and together we can find the right way to make your dog happy and balanced.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help – a harmonious dog-owner relationship will make life better for both of you!
Somogyi Fanni
Bálint Csenge