Common Dog Behavior Problems

If you’re a new dog owner, you definitely will misinterpret or misunderstand some common dog behaviors which might cause you to start worrying unnecessarily. Although some practices are supposed to give you concerns, some shouldn’t. Here are some common dog behaviors you should pay attention to:

1. Barking. A lot of dogs bark, howl, and whine for different reasons. However, an excessive exhibition of that behavior is an issue. If your dog barks a lot more than usual, then you need to try to understand the trigger of such a response. Most of the common causes include warning or alertness, playfulness, boredom, responding to other dogs or seeking attention. To control this behavior, you need to be patient and consistent with telling the dog to be quiet. 

2. Chewing. Dogs like to chew things around the house. When your dog's chewing becomes excessive and has degenerated to the point where the dog chews essential items, it then becomes a problem. The most common reasons dogs chew are anxiety, puppy chewing, boredom or curiosity.

To control your dog and stop it from chewing expensive things in the home, get him a chew toy. Whenever he chews something important, make a sharp sound and replace the item with a toy. By being patient and consistent, this behavior will die off eventually, leaving you with a well-behaved dog.

3. Digging. Dogs digging up the yard can be a most annoying behavior, but it is also considered natural due to their hunting history. Some breeds of dogs are prone to digging than others, like the terriers. What could cause this behavior? Boredom, fear, anxiety, hunting instinct, comfort-seeking or trying to hide a possession like bone or toy.

One of the ways to eliminate this behavior is to take the dog out more often for exercises. Then, build a sandbox where your dog is allowed to dig as much as it wants.

4. Separation anxiety. This kind of anxiety happens when a dog doesn’t want to be away from the owner. They want to be around the owner all the time. Whenever such a separation occurs, they might start barking or howling. When the dog becomes anxious whenever the owner leaves, that is a signal of discomfort. If the behavior happens within the first 15 to 45 minutes after the owner left, that is also another sign to bear in mind. One of the most visible signs is the dog wanting to follow the owner around regularly and touching the owner whenever possible.

This behavioral problem is an issue and might entail medication in extreme cases. Apart from that, with training, desensitization exercise and behavior modification, your dog will be fine.

Register with a dog trainer in your neighborhood to have a well-mannered dog that will be your best friend!