Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but even the most well-behaved canine companions can exhibit challenging behaviours. Understanding these behaviours is crucial for maintaining a harmonious relationship with your pet. In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify common dog behavioural problems and offer some tips for addressing them.

Excessive Barking

Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, but excessive barking can be one of the most common dog behavioural problems become problematic. This behaviour can stem from various causes, including boredom, anxiety and many more.

How to Identify:

• Your dog barks continuously for long periods.

• The barking is often triggered by specific stimuli, such as the doorbell, other animals, or being left alone.

What to Do:

• Identify the cause of the barking and address it. For example, if your dog barks due to boredom, provide more mental stimulation and exercise.

• Address the negative emotion or association with being alone or other animals or noises.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common dog behavioural issue that we see in many of our behaviour cases. It can manifest when the dog is left alone, leading to destructive behaviour, excessive barking, and even attempts to escape.

How to Identify:

• Your dog becomes anxious or panicked when you prepare to leave the house.

• Destructive behaviour occurs when your dog is left alone, such as chewing furniture, urinating, or defecating indoors.

• Your dog follows you excessively or becomes overly excited when you return home.

What to Do:

• Install a video camera to identify exactly what your dog can and can’t cope with. Only leave your dog for periods that they feel good about the absence.

• Create a comfortable and safe space for your dog when you’re away, with toys and enrichment.

• Consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional strategies or medications.

Aggression

Aggression is one of the most serious behavioural problems in dogs. It can be directed towards other dogs, people, or even objects, and can stem from fear, territoriality, or a history of abuse.

How to Identify:

• Growling, snapping, or biting in certain situations.

• Stiff body posture, intense staring, or raised fur when encountering specific triggers.

• Aggression may be directed at strangers, other animals, or even family members.

What to Do:

• Identify and avoid the triggers that cause aggressive behaviour.

• Never punish aggressive behaviour, as this can increase fear and exacerbate the problem.

• Seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviourist to develop a safe and effective management plan.

Conclusion

Identifying and addressing common dog behavioural problems early is essential for a happy, healthy relationship with your pet. While some behaviours are simply annoying, others can be dangerous or indicative of underlying issues. Always approach behavioural problems with patience and understanding, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. With the right approach, you can guide your dog towards better behaviour and strengthen the bond you share. We are always happy to help you address these common dog behavioural problems. Contact us here.