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Dogs are amazing creatures. They provide us with companionship, love, and loyalty – and for that, we should be grateful. However, dogs are not always perfect angels. Like humans, they can sometimes exhibit behavioral issues.
This blog post will provide you with everything you need to know about behavioral issues in dogs, what they are to how to deal with them. So whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or just thinking about getting one, read on for some invaluable information!
There are plenty of reasons behind these mood swings of your doggie. It can be natural, or it can be because of some other reasons.
Let’s start digging deep into the main reason for these behavioral issues in dogs. Why do they occur, and how can you manage them?
Table of Contents
- What Are Behavioral Issues In Dogs?
- Destructive Chewing
- Digging
- Begging
- Urination and Defecation
- Barking
- FAQ
- How Can I Help My Dog Deal With Behavioral Issues?
What Are Behavioral Issues In Dogs?
Undesirable behavior that dogs exhibit as a reflex action of something is called a canine behavioral problem.
According to a study conducted in 2019, 86% of dogs exhibit one or more behavior problems.
The most common destructive behavior dog owners have found in their dogs is barking, unconditional aggression, and munching on things that come in their sight.
Below, we will dig deep into the common canine behavioral problems.
Common Behavioral Issues In Dogs
These are some common issues related to behavior found in dogs.
Destructive Chewing
Chewing is the ingrained habit of dogs or puppies. They do it for various reasons, to relieve anxiety, stress, or frustration. But it can become nasty if your dog gnaws at everything that comes into sight.
Your little buddies gnaw everything in their sight, as for most dogs, it is a way to relieve pain that might be related to teeth. It is also a natural way to make your dog’s teeth clean and jaws stronger.
Your aim as an owner of a dog should be to help your dog learn to chew appropriate toys. You must stop him from the destructive chewing if you want to stop the new couch from getting ruined.
Reasons:
The most common reasons dogs chew a lot are:
- Teething.
- Weariness.
- Anxiety.
- Curious nature.
Solution:
- You won’t need any special training in this case, as there is a lethal enemy of your canine’s chewing problem- an exciting chewing toy that fulfills your dog’s gnawing habit needs.
- Dog chewing toys can boost the mental stimulation of pups and are also beneficial for their dental problems.
- Encourage your dogs to chew the right things that aren’t dangerous if they swallow them.
Digging
It’s instinctive; your dog starts digging once you give them a chance. Dog breeds like terriers are more prone to digging because of the breed’s hunting histories. It can be exhausting for you to see your dog digging up your yard.
Reasons:
Most of the pups dig for the reasons given below:
- Excess energy.
- Fear of something.
- Anxiousness.
- Loneliness.
- Hunting instinct.
- To seek comfort.
Solution:
- Try to find the real cause of the digging.
- Invest time in training and exercise.
- Provide your dog with a sandbox to dig in or a Snuffle mat.
- Train your dog to dig the specific area.
Begging
Begging is genuinely a bad habit that dog owners should not encourage. Begging for unhealthy foods can lead to digestive problems and contribute to unhealthy guts.
It can be hard to resist that begging look of your pup, but prohibiting it can prevent future problems with your dog’s habit. You must train your dog to eat his food in his place.
Reasons:
- A love for table treats.
- To taste different things.
Solution:
- It would be best if you prohibited your dog from begging for food from others.
- Teach him the eating ethics.
- Tell him that he has a separate place to eat.
- Dog owners should eat their meal before the dog.
- Give your doggie their meal in a different room.
Urination and Defecation
Dogs urinate and poop where they should not be. As a dog owner, it is quite frustrating to clean up all the mess. It can be disastrous for your house and not allowed in any public areas. It means that most public areas can prohibit the entry of your dog.
Reasons:
- Instinctual physical response.
- Housebreaking lacking.
- Excitement.
- Being scared.
- Urinary tract problem.
Solution:
- You have to modify your dog’s behavior in a profound way.
- Please give them the practice to get rid of this ingrained habit.
- Get them for a proper checkup to know if it’s because of some urinary tract infection.
Barking
Barking is considered a regular activity for dogs. They can bark to express several emotions. If your dog barks excessively, then it’s a nuisance. There are many reasons behind it.
Dogs bark too much when they want to seek their owners’ attention, but it’s time to take action if your doggie is barking day and night. Address the main reason behind the barking of your dog.
Reasons:
- Warning or alarming sign.
- Excited.
- Anxious.
- Response to another dog.
- To seek attention.
- Playfulness.
Solution:
- Teach the commands of speak and quiet to your dog.
- Give him the attention he wants.
- Check out the surroundings if there is any danger for which he had been barking to warn you.
- Try to keep your dog calm and composed with positive encouragement.
FAQ
How Can I Help My Dog Deal With Behavioral Issues?
You can take these steps to help your dog in such a situation. It can solve the behavioral issue of your dog to some extent.
- Take your dog out for walks and exercise.
- Teach him the commands of bark/quiet.
- Spend quality time with him.
- Avoid scolding or shouting at the dog.
Why Is My Dog Acting Weird And Looking Around?
It can be because of fear from any object or response to other dogs. Dogs tend to sniff around if a smell catches their attention. Your dog might be sensing some danger or excited to see a fellow dog.
Dogs are very vigilant creatures, and they keep a constant check on their surroundings. That is why they have made such excellent hunting and herding livestock.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about behavioral issues in dogs. Hopefully, this has helped shed some light on the matter and show that many of these problems are relatively common. If your dog experiences any of these issues, don’t worry – help is available. Contact your local vet or animal behaviorist for advice and support, and remember that with patience and perseverance, most behavioral problems can be corrected.
And finally, always remember that dogs are sentient beings capable of forming strong emotional attachments to their owners; they deserve our love, understanding, patience & respect. Thanks for reading!
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