20 Oct Solving a Variety of Dog Behavioural Problems (Part 1)

Maybe you have just gotten a dog, or you wish you could better manage your dog’s behavioural problems. You should know that recognizing most dogs’ behavioural problems is the first step in eliminating and preventing them. Most dog owners are familiar with typical behavioural problems. But some people wonder why these behaviours are formed in dogs. Barking, biting, chewing, and the unknowing behaviour of dog owners often cause other general behavioural problems.

Shaping the dog’s behaviour

Animal behaviour involves a wide range of different reactions. Factors such as heredity, early life training, environment, dog physiological condition and natural motives play an important role in shaping behaviour. Whether these behaviours are instinctive or acquired, they may be undesirable for humans and even the dog himself. Some of them, such as aggressive behaviour, can be very dangerous and cause injuries to humans and other animals.

behavioural disorder

A behavioural disorder in animals may be a sign of a pathological or instinctive problem that is untimely and extreme. On the other hand, the animal owners’ tolerance for a particular behaviour is different. For some, tolerating a behavioural disorder is easy, while others find the same other destructive and unacceptable. In all cases of behavioural disorders, the vet should carefully examine the animal for physical health. To treat these problems, you must first consider the cause of the unwanted behaviour. Sometimes what isn’t desirable to humans may be natural, which has become an excruciating dilemma along with the dog owner’s ignorance.

Common Behavioural problems in dogs 

Dog’s barking 

Most dogs bark, howl or moan. Excessive barking is a behavioural problem. Before you try to limit your dog’s barking, find out its reason.

Causes of dogs barking.

• Warning
• Playful or excited
• To attract attention
• Anxiety
• Laziness or fatigue
• Responding to the other dog 

It would help if you learned to control your dog barking too much. Be patient. Also, teach your dog the commands to be quiet and bark. Pay attention to details that may last for a long time.

Anxiety in dogs 

Separation anxiety is one of the most discussed behavioural problems in dogs. Some behaviours, such as noise, chewing, improper urination, defecation, occur when a dog is separated from his owner. Of course, not all of these behaviours are due to separation anxiety.

Symptoms of separation anxiety

• When the dog owner is ready to go, the dog becomes anxious.
• Misbehaviour occurs approximately 15 or 45 minutes after the dog owner leaves.
• The dog tries to chase his owner by staying around him.
• He tries to touch his owner wherever he is.
• Resolving separation anxiety requires a lot of practice, training and behaviour modification.
• Medication is also recommended in acute cases, but this should be the last method.

Chewing objects in dogs 

Chewing is a natural practice in all dogs. But the best prevention is to lock your dog in place. However, if your dog is causing damage, chewing can quickly become a significant behavioural problem.

Causes of chewing

• Baby teeth of puppies
• Laziness or high energy
• Anxiety
• Curiosity (especially in puppies)

You can encourage your dog to chew, provided he has chewing toys. Keep your personal belongings out of the reach of dogs. When you aren’t at home, you can lock your dog in a place in the house or keep him in a special place to cause minor damage. If your dog was chewing on the wrong object, order him quickly. Next, replace that object with a toy. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your dog gets enough exercise.

Digging the ground

Most dogs will dig up the ground if they get the chance, part of their instinct. Some breeds like terriers like to dig more, which goes back to their predatory history.

Cause of digging the ground in dogs

• Laziness or high energy
• Anxiety or fear
• Hunting instinct
• Seek comfort or relaxation (like building a home or cooling himself)
• To hide objects ( such as bones or toys)
• To escape or gain more access

If your dog digs the yard, it can be very frustrating. Try to understand and limit the cause of it in your dog. Then focus on solving the problem. Spend more time with your dog and at the same time consider more exercise for him. If digging was unavoidable, set aside a separate area for the dog. He will learn that it isn’t particularly problematic to dig in that area, such as a sandbox.