4 Common Doggy Dilemmas and How to Overcome Them
We all like to think of man’s best friend as being our perfect little angel. However, many of us who have been pet parents to our canine buddies may have learned this is sometimes not the case. Sometimes our pups can be dog-gone difficult!
Here are four common doggy dilemmas you could face and suggestions on how to handle them.
Aggression
This is the most common and troubling behavioral problem in dogs. It is also the main reason dogs are put up for adoption and it can manifest in all breeds in similar ways. With most breeds, biting and food guarding are typical ways to show aggression. Keep in mind that some dogs are able to cause greater injury when they bite than others.
The most important factor when it comes to aggression is pinpointing where the aggression is coming from. It may seem like a dog’s behavior is coming out of nowhere but this is rarely the case. There is a progression of behaviors that occur before the dog will act on a perceived threat or challenge. It is your responsibility as a pet parent to assess the situations that are agitating your fur baby. The ASPCA has a great guide to assist you in identifying different types of aggression and potential causes. The most common causes of aggression are fear and lack of exercise, so be aware of times when your dog seems fearful or if your pup appears to need a long walk to burn off energy. For more advice on how to handle aggression, visit animal behaviorist Caesar Millan’s page.
Separation Anxiety
Like other issues, separation anxiety can manifest in different ways such as chewing, barking, digging, pacing, and having accidents inside. Sometimes these issues arise because your dog hasn’t been taught how to behave in the house, but if poor training can be ruled out then the culprit might be distress when you aren’t around. Before you identify separation anxiety in your pup, make sure they are getting enough exercise and that they don’t have any digestive problems or medications that may be throwing their system off balance.
When dealing with mild cases of separation anxiety, counter-conditioning may be beneficial. This is when you teach your pet to associate something they like with the situation they have trouble with, for example a treat that takes time to consume or a puzzle toy with a treat. Make sure to remove the toy when you come back so they only get to enjoy it while you are gone. Over time they associate your leaving with things they look forward to! For more severe cases, the process will be slower. Training them that you putting on your coat or shoes does not mean their world is about to end takes many small steps you can read about here.
Barking
Barking is a less dangerous bad habit but can be a serious problem resulting in poor sleep and tension with neighbors. Remember that barking is your pooch’s way to communicate with you and some barking should be expected. However, when it becomes excessive and for no apparent reason is when it can cause issues.
Barking can be caused by a variety of factors such as fear, excitability, and boredom. If your dog is barking excessively then it is most likely trying to alert you to a problem. Some people use bark collars that give the dog an electric shock when they bark, however they can learn to trick the collar and continue barking. It is more productive to find the root of the dog’s problem and adjust it than it is to try and deter them from barking. The ASPCA has a resource to help identify the type of barking your dog might be practicing. After you’ve identified why your dog is barking, address the issue. First decide the best course of action to take for your dog’s specific type of barking and then be consistent with your action. Being consistent is key! It is also important to stay calm when correcting any behavior (particularly if it is caused by excitability). Becoming more emotionally intense can exacerbate the situation.
Chewing
Chewing is an important practice for dogs, especially puppies as it relieves the pain of teething. It also keeps gums and teeth clean. When dealing with a dog that chews, milk bones and other doggy chew toys are an important addition to your household so your dog has something to gnaw on whenever they get the urge.
Destructive chewing can be a costly problem if they decide to go after things like furniture. As previously discussed, dogs have a variety of ways to exhibit issues. The most common and easiest to rectify chewing is exercise. If you know that your dog is not simply chewing out of boredom you can read five steps of getting your dog to stop chewing here.
Do you have any tips on puppy problems or doggy dilemmas? Share them in the comments below!