Adopting a new pet is exciting, we think of numerous scenarios of playing and looking after them with love care yet there are also a few tasks that come along with a pet that needs to be addressed at the earliest. Common dog behavior problems like barking, digging, and chewing are all repetitive habits that many dogs do, which a pet parent or a new pet parent might face difficulty dealing with.
Not only is it about making your pet learn to undo these habits. But it is also very crucial as a pet parent to know how to deal with & approach your pet in the right manner regarding making your dog realize the problem.
1. Dog Urinating Inside The House
It is a frustrating and bothering problem that every dog owner faces – Inappropriate elimination. It may be because of excitement, but mostly it is a behavior of submission. If your dog is pee trained and still doing it indoors, then you must visit a vet and rule out any medical conditions and check that your pet is completely healthy.
Also, know How to Care for Small Pets?
When you leave the house, put it safely. When you return, do not rush straight to them, instead greet them as calmly as possible. Let it out quickly so it can relieve itself. The key to this issue is to go through the procedure rigorously. It may take some time but you both will get there.
2. Excessive Barking
Barking is a dog’s way of communicating, responding, and conveying emotions. It differs from each fido’s mood or situation. Excessive barking behavior is an unhealthy mode. Some reasons are greeting, territorial guarding, need for attention, alertness, loneliness or unhappiness, response to new animals, pain or sickness, fear, etc.
Some of the ways that you can counter your dog’s barking are:
- Teach short and fun tricks to start and stop barking.
- Repeat the commands often till your puppy gets it.
- Toss them treat rewards in between every drill.
3. Digging
Dogs really like to dig. You’ll have to train Fido to get them to stop. When you catch them in the act say “no.” Then distract them with a toy. It won’t help to scold them after they are done. You need to be consistent when they are digging, not afterward.
Tip: Give them a sandbox where they can go to town. Bury some favorite toys and watch them have fun getting them out. Pile on the praise — it will help them learn that they can dig all day in that spot.
4. Hyperactivity and Unruliness
More often than not, the reason your dog is too energetic, unruly, and hyperactive is that they’re lacking stimulation, exercise, and playtime, or find themselves bored.
Depending on the breed, size, age, and upbringing, dogs will have different levels of activity.
Some active breeds always feel the need to release all the extra energy or fight boredom regardless of location or situation.
Because every dog is different, in order to fix this fairly common dog behavior problem, pet owners must address it in several ways to find the best solution:
- Don’t give into the dog’s game. If this behavior is not something you’re comfortable with, avoid encouraging your pet’s sudden energy outbursts and ignore them completely for a while until they understand that they won’t get what they want.
- Ensure sufficient exercise. Be aware of the exercise requirements of your dog’s exact breed. Make certain your pooch gets enough training, walking, running, and playing on a daily basis to release that pent-up energy throughout the day.
- Clicker training. This is one of the more effective training methods for many other dog behavioral problems. While this technique doesn’t always work with hyperactive dogs, using a clicker can help you calm the dog down every time they show signs.
5. Destructive Chewing
Dogs need to chew. Unlike humans, they do it for many reasons — relieving stress, anxiety, frustration, cleaning their teeth, and keeping their jaws strong.
Our canine buddies explore the world and its many wonders with their mouths. Is that a new shoe? Time to chew and see if it’s tasty! You won’t have dog training problems with this type of behavior as it has one lethal enemy — exciting chew toys.
How to Deal With Destructive Chewing?
Don’t freak out if your puppy gnaws everything in sight. Teething hurts, and chewing helps alleviate pain. To redirect that, you need to:
- Dog-Proof your house and keep any items you don’t want to be destroyed away from the puppy’s reach
- Apply chewing deterrents to all types of clothing and fabric
- Rotate chewing toys so the dog never gets bored
- Give it chewable snacks like pig ears and skin rolls, or rawhide bones
Remember, you can’t stop chewing, only redirect it.
6. Stealing Things
This is probably the most common one of a dog behavior problem. Our canine companions will usually steal anything that interests them and what can be reached. This isn’t even as much of a problem as general understandable animal behavior. All dogs “steal” and it’s hard to prevent this, so when you’re preparing to adopt a pet, consider things that they will reach out for when you’re not around and dog-proof you’re home.
How to solve it?
When you’re just preparing to bring a dog into your home, especially if it’s a young puppy, consider things that they will reach out for when you’re not around.
Use redirection to attract the dog’s attention and away from things that shouldn’t be touched. Exchange the “bad” stuff with the “good” stuff – put down plenty of dog toys for your dog to chew on, or anything else that won’t harm the dog and you don’t mind having canine saliva all over.
7. Dog’s Chasing Behavior
Chasing goes way long back to a predatory instinct. Dogs run at other animals, vehicles, and even people they find suspicious. This is a matter of concern for a pet owner as chasing might to accidents and injuries. You cannot be attentive at all times to your pet. So, how to prevent dogs from chasing unnecessarily?
Solution:
Train your dog to obey when being called. If you find it difficult then get a trainer for your dog. You can also use a leash while taking your dog out for a walk. It allows better control. Also, try to observe your pet’s behavior on why exactly they are chasing or what triggers them, this will help you to understand and look out for better ways to control.
Your best chance at success is to keep the chase from getting out of control. Dedicated training over the course of your dog’s life will teach him to focus his attention on you first, before running off.
8. Constant Biting
There are many different reasons why dogs have the behavioral problem of biting. Dog experts agree that this is mostly due to their instinct of living in packs. Young dogs, on the other hand, bite everything and everybody as a means of exploring the world, understanding the environment, and learning about their own place. Nonetheless, this dog behavior should be prevented when possible, especially in puppies, because it’s likely to become a much bigger problem as the dog grows.
How to solve it?
Although dog biting comes from the fact canines are still animals that use their mouth the way we use hands, regular proper training and socialization can fix this. Spending time with your pet and letting them socialize with other animals and strangers will help in fixing this problem the most. Expose your dog to different settings, places, and new things and whenever you’ll see your pooch getting uncomfortable, don’t ignore it and attempt to switch that around. In short, this is a habit that can be changed with some constant supervision and work.
9. Stealing
Are the pair of socks missing from the drawer, the newspaper not in place, or your dog taking food off your plate? To deal with this naughty behavior is simple. Do not leave things alluring out where your dog can reach them. So, they do not seek out anything else.
Solution: Give them as many exciting toys as possible to keep them busy. This makes certain that they are occupied and won’t look for things to damage. When your dog robs, never chase them because they may take it as a game.
10. Jumping Up
Jumping up is a common and natural behavior in dogs. Puppies jump up to reach and greet their mothers. Later, they may jump up when greeting people. Dogs may also jump up when excited or seeking an item in the person’s hands. A jumping dog can be annoying and even dangerous.
There are many methods to stop a dog’s jumping, but not all will be successful. Lifting a knee, grabbing the paws, or pushing the dog away might work in some cases, but for most dogs, this sends the wrong message. Jumping up is often attention-seeking behavior, so any acknowledgment of your dog’s actions provides an instant reward, reinforcing the jumping.
The best method is to simply turn away and ignore your dog. Walk away if necessary. Do not make eye contact, speak, or touch your dog. Go about your business. When he relaxes and remains still, calmly reward him. It won’t take long before your dog gets the message.
Final Thoughts
When training your dog—whether it’s to learn a new behavior or modify an existing behavior—it’s important to remember that he is an individual. 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.
