Even the most well-mannered and obedient dogs may exhibit unpleasant behavior from time to time. While the occasional behavioral mishap isn’t too concerning, frequent negative behavior can escalate into a challenging issue to prevent or correct. Here are some effective tips for curbing common dog behavior problems.
Rule Out Medical Conditions
A sudden shift in behavior could be associated with an underlying medical condition. A dog with allergies may begin excessively grooming to relieve discomfort, or a dog urinating inside the home may be experiencing a bladder infection. Even behavior changes that aren’t traditionally classified as medical concerns, such as increased barking and vocalizations, may be an early sign of a dog’s health abnormality; therefore, it is crucial to visit your veterinarian when you recognize behavior changes in your dog.
Learn Your Dog’s Triggers
Discovering the situations that make your dog behave negatively allows you to proactively work towards removing their reactive triggers. Identify the subject that invokes an adverse reaction from your dog. For instance, a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior when they hear thunder or fireworks is likely triggered by loud noises.
Provide a Sufficient Energy Release
Pent-up energy or boredom are common themes when looking at negative dog behavior. When dogs do not get sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they may become bored or frustrated and indulge in unpleasant behavior, such as chewing your belongings. To combat the unwanted effects of an under-stimulated dog, ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and interactive playtime with toys or treat dispensing puzzles.
Practice Redirection
Certain breeds are predisposed to a particular behavior. For instance, small terrier breeds may bark more as they historically use their bark to signal their owners about prey or danger. Breaking instinctive behaviors can be a battle; in these cases, it is recommended to replace prevention with redirection. If your husky digs up your yard, it’s likely due to their genetic instinct to dig holes to stay cool. Instead of scolding your dog or preventing them from digging, redirect them to a designated spot where they can dig, such as a sandbox or water bucket.
For more information on correcting behavioral problems, contact your local veterinarian.