What to Do If My Pet Has a Behavioral Problem

If your dog persistently growls, bites, or is defensive against people or other pets, your pet might have a behavioral problem. Aggression/defensiveness is just one behavioral problem. Other unwanted behaviors include counter-surging, jumping on people, and chewing up shoes. If your dog is exhibiting these behaviors, it is important to intervene quickly.

Why Is Your Dog Misbehaving?

If a dog that was previously mellow suddenly starts misbehaving, something has likely changed mentally or physically with your pet. Many things could be causing this, including a medical problem or a stressful event.

It could also be that what you consider behavioral problems is the natural behavior of dogs of a specific breed. Maybe your pet has too much energy or lacks mental stimulation. It could also be due to a need for more training or attention. Whatever the reason behind your dog’s misbehaving, don’t fret, because there are strategies to curb it.

Strategies to Help Curb Behavioral Problems

Below are some things you can do if your pet has behavioral problems:

 

1)    Spend More Time Training Your Dog

Training helps a lot with misbehaving dogs, particularly positive reward-based training. Your bond strengthens by rewarding your dog when they do good things, like when you ask them not to jump on people and they oblige. At the same time, it provides the pet with mental stimulation.

 

2)    Exercise to Help Release Their Energy

Like mental training, exercise helps curb behavioral problems by releasing the dog’s excess energy. If you tend to be out of the house for long hours and can’t spend time with your dog, they probably don’t get enough exercise. Your dog channels this energy into jumping, barking, dragging, and chewing. Therefore, you might be able to stop these habits by playing with your dog until they get tired (but be careful of heat exhaustion), or by ensuring they have a dog sitter or daycare set up while you are out of the house.

 

3)    Puppy-Proof and Supervise to Prevent Bad Habits

If you puppy-proof your home, it can help prevent your dog from learning and developing bad habits. This involves not leaving toys and shoes around the house for your dog to bite and chew. Additionally, keep your eye on your dog and correct their bad behavior as soon as you see it, so it doesn’t stick.

 

4)    Give Rewards for Best Behavior

Positive reinforcement works well with dogs. While it’s important to call out bad behavior, it’s more important to reward good behavior. When you see your pet lying quietly and not making a fuss, you can pet and praise them. Also, don’t forget to tell your pet what a good dog they are when they behave well while you are walking outside.

 

5)    Always Be Consistent

The most important part is to be consistent. Your dog will not learn good behaviors if you only tell it or show it to them once. You’ll have to do it repeatedly, reinforced by rewards whenever they perform desired behaviors.

If you want to discuss dealing with a misbehaving dog at your next appointment, call True Animal Vet at (281) 867-5968, or visit our clinic in The Woodlands, Texas.