What Are The Most Common Dog Behavioral Habits and Problems That Are Not Normal, and how to fix them?
What Are The Most Common Dog Behavioral Habits and Problems That Are Not Normal, and how to fix them?
Domesticated dogs now are considerably better at acting the way people want them to be than they were thousands of years ago. Even with that said, many canine behaviors are instinctual and may become a concern for pet owners, whether they are inconvenient or even harmful.
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Most Common Dog Behavior Problems
1. Hyperactivity and Unruliness
More often than not, your dog's excessive energy, unruliness, and hyperactivity stem from a lack of stimulation, exercise, and fun, or from boredom. Dog's levels of exercise vary depending on breed, size, age, and upbringing. Some energetic breeds, regardless of place or environment, feel the urge to expel excess energy to combat boredom.
Remedy to this problem:
Because every dog is different, pet owners must handle this very frequent dog behavior problem in numerous ways to find the optimal solution:
Don't play the dog's game. If you are not comfortable with this behavior, avoid encouraging your pet's unexpected energy outbursts and ignore them totally for a while until they learn that they will not receive what they want. Exercise regularly. Be aware of your dog's specific exercise requirements. Make sure your dog gets adequate exercise, walking, running, and playing on a regular basis to burn off excess energy.
Training with a clicker. This is one of the most successful training strategies for a variety of different canine behavioral issues. While this strategy may not always work with hyperactive dogs, employing a clicker can help you calm the dog if they exhibit indications of stress.
2. Thieving stuff
This is quite likely the most frequent of dog behavior issues. Our canine pals will generally steal anything that piques their attention and is reachable. This isn't even as serious as a common and reasonable animal behavior. All dogs "steal," and it's difficult to avoid this, so when you're getting ready to acquire a pet, think about what they'll grab for while you're not around and dog-proof your home.
Remedy to this problem:
When you're just getting ready to introduce a dog into your home, especially if it's a young puppy, think about what they'll reach for when you're not there. Use redirection to draw the dog's attention away from potentially harmful objects. Replace the "bad" with the "good" - provide lots of dog toys for your dog to chew on, or anything else that won't injure the dog and you don't mind getting canine saliva all over.
3. Rough Play
Dogs like playing with other dogs and humans; unfortunately, this enjoyment may quickly escalate and turn into something that might harm you, other pets, or your children. Rough play between dogs is acceptable in most instances, but it must be halted quickly if you believe your dog is out of control around other animals or humans. It's also vital to discern between a play and "nearly a fight," and to proceed with caution if the two dogs are fighting.
Remedy to this problem:
When your dog starts being rough with you during playtime, get up and raise yourself above the dog's level. Stop engaging with the dog by not making any noises, moving around, or reacting to its activities. Keep your arms tight to your body and completely freeze. Your pet will quickly recognize that the game is ended. This should be done shortly after physical play begins, potentially followed by the order "No!" Another aspect of these most typical dog behavior issues is roughhousing with other animals in your home, such as a cat. If you see this, immediately halt the playing between the two and block your dog from the other animal/play while attempting not to interact with or excite him. At this moment, your pet requires a vacation from socialization, so avoiding contact for a while is a smart idea.
4. Constant Biting
Dog's biting habit can be caused by a variety of factors. Experts believe that this is mostly due to dogs' propensity to live in groups. Young dogs, on the other hand, attack anything and everyone as a way of exploring the world, comprehending the surroundings, and discovering their own position. Nonetheless, this canine behavior should be avoided wherever possible, especially in puppies, because it is likely to worsen as the dog matures.
Remedy to this problem:
Although dog biting stems from the fact that dogs are still animals that use their mouths in the same way humans use our hands, frequent adequate training and socialization may help to correct this. Spending time with your pet and allowing them to mingle with other animals and strangers will go a long way toward resolving this issue. Expose your dog to new settings, locations, and objects, and if you see your dog becoming uncomfortable, don't ignore it and try to change it. In summary, this is a habit that can be broken with consistent monitoring and effort.
5. Chasing After Moving Things
Another aspect of a dog's instincts is its predatory behavior, which is difficult to suppress. Chasing after moving objects is one of the most prevalent canine behavior issues, depending on the breed's prey drive. Your Fido most likely enjoys chasing cats, vehicles, squirrels, bicycles, little children, or any other animal or human for no apparent reason. While this is a natural dog behavior, it can occasionally have harmful repercussions.
Remedy to this problem:
Canine behaviorists understand that there is no way to totally stop a dog from chasing objects, but you can attempt to avoid anything negative from happening as a result of your pet's instinct to chase. You can also reduce the dog's desire to chase and desensitize them to particular distractions. Desensitize your pet to the daily world and environment by socializing them. Make your dog feel at ease around all of these "moving objects" so that he or she realizes they are a part of the environment in which they live. Then, while you're outside in an area with possible hazards like automobiles or other animals, keep your dog on a leash (and make sure he's leash-trained). Teach your dog basic instructions and how to respond to obedience cues, including "No," "Stay," and "Come" when called. Always be on the lookout for potential triggers that may irritate your dog, such as cats, animals, bicycles, joggers, automobiles, or other appealing and rapidly moving distractions.
6. Inappropriate Elimination
Inappropriate urine or feces of dogs is a common canine behavior problem that is unanimously regarded as one of the worst. Not only does this degrade your home's furnishings and carpets and spread an unpleasant stench throughout the house, but pets that can't control their excretion habit hinder you from bringing them out more frequently to new areas.
Remedy to this problem:
Understand that improper elimination in dogs can represent a medical ailment as well as a behavioral one, especially in elderly canines. As a result, you must consult with your veterinarian as soon as you become aware of the situation. Once your veterinarian has ruled out any medical issues as the cause of a dog's improper elimination, there is just one thing you need to do to resolve this challenging issue: train (or retrain) the dog. Inappropriate elimination occurs when the dog does not comprehend why they cannot discharge themselves wherever they want. You'd need to go back to housebreaking principles, the same ones you used for training a puppy, and go through proper elimination methods with your older or senior dog. Keep in mind that incorrect elimination is common in pups under the age of 12 weeks and is difficult to "cure" immediately. In the meanwhile, you can use dog diapers to reduce your pet's soiling.
7. Jumping Up on People
When dogs meet other dogs, they welcome each other by sniffing behinds and faces. Dogs would want to do the same with people, but our faces are inconveniently placed at the top of our bodies. For dogs, jumping up on people is typically an attempt to follow proper doggie etiquette. However, this may sometimes be seen as a sign of dominance. In any case, strangers are unlikely to embrace this troublesome conduct, which should be addressed before it becomes harmful.
Remedy to this problem:
To remedy this typical dog behavior issue, ignore your dog until she stops attempting to leap up at you. Do not yell, do not call your dog to come to you, and do not push her away. Any of these activities will likely delight the dog and promote even more leaping because it appears to them to be a game. Begin caressing and rewarding your dog until once her feet have returned to the ground, so she understands that her jumping up was the reason you were ignoring her.
8. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a very prevalent canine behavior problem that is more of a mental health concern for dogs than a behavior problem. This much discussed topic is frequently the source of many other canine behavioral issues, such as improper elimination, destructive chewing, excessive barking, and other kinds of expression used by dogs to ease separation anxiety.
Remedy to this problem:
Separation anxiety may be exceedingly distressing for both the dog and the owner. This issue should be addressed with training first, but if that fails, the assistance of a professional behaviorist may be required, as well as anxiety aids in the form of medication (some even suggest Prozac, the medication prescribed for humans, as an effective medication) which are very effective at calming dogs down, anxiety vests to relieve discomfort, and other methods. In terms of training, the easiest strategy to begin dealing with this frequent dog behavior issue is to educate your pet that you will always return: leave the room for 5 to 10 minutes, then return; adjust this time limit based on your dog's reaction. In the meanwhile, utilize toys for separation anxiety to keep your dog from destroying your shoes. You may even turn on the television or radio for your pet. Another solution to this typical dog behavior issue is to acquire a suitable dog box and gradually crate-train your pet. Just keep in mind that cages aren't right for every dog that suffers from separation anxiety, and you'll have to watch your pup to see if crating helps or hurts him. When some dogs have their own "cave," they feel safer and spend less time stressed out due to separation anxiety.
9. Excessive Barking
Barking is not a problem habit in dogs; they bark for a variety of reasons, and it is a natural mode of communication for them. Some causes of dog barking may even be beneficial to you as an owner. For example, you may want your dog to bark to alert you that someone is in the backyard. When your pet continues to bark incessantly and regularly for no apparent cause (to you), this becomes a genuinely harmful behavior.
Remedy to this problem:
Again, obedience training, redirection, and the development of new behaviors in your dog is the most successful strategy. To stop undesired and excessive barking in your dog, you must first determine what causes it and what conditions lead it to bark. If feasible, attempt to remove such factors first. Then, educate your dog how to deal with these situations more effectively and/or desensitize the dog to those triggers. For example, if your dog barks when someone comes to the door, educate the dog to bark a few times and then wait calmly by the door to see who is there.
10. Aggressive Behavior
Aggressive behavior in dogs does not necessarily have to manifest as an assault. This typical canine behavioral issue is frequently a subtly aggressive display of your dog's teeth, snarling, and barking. And just because your dog does not attack or bite does not indicate that any predisposition for aggressive behavior in them is acceptable, especially if this hostility is frequently directed towards the owner or family.
Remedy to this problem:
To begin with, you should never deal with a violent dog on your own; instead, employ an experienced trainer. If it is not feasible, proceed with caution. Show your dogs that they are not in control of the situation and establish limitations on how capricious they can be. Ignore their bad and hostile conduct and reinforce them with positive reinforcement. Monitor your pet's aggression and, if none of the obedience training, setting limits, and reinforcing good behavior strategies help to resolve this behavioral issue, consult with a veterinarian and a professional dog trainer. You may need to train your dog to learn how to interact with people, something only a professional can accomplish.
11. Begging for Food
A dog begging for food is perhaps one of the most prevalent dog behavior issues that many pet owners confront on a daily basis, if not multiple times each day. This is simply an unintended consequence of loving your own pets so much that you want to give them everything they ask for, and the more you do it, the worse this habit will get. Dogs know that people can't resist puppy eyes and utilize it to their advantage.
Remedy to this problem:
Teach your dog that begging for food will not result in food to fix his begging problem. That's all there is to it. You must ignore the dog when it begs and do not feed him when you are dining at the table. Be persistent and patient. Do not punish your dog for begging since the attention he receives may perpetuate the practice. Remember that this is a continuing process, and if you give in after a lengthy period of practice, the process must be restarted from the beginning.
12. Jumping on Furniture
Most dog owners do not want their pets to spend too much time on furniture, especially if they are let to wander freely outside or destroy your sofas due to separation anxiety. Unless you have a dog-friendly couch, prohibiting your dog from using furniture is logical and manageable. For dogs with dominance issues, prohibiting furniture can be used to learn them to cease being dominant and to assert their control over the dog.
Remedy to this problem:
If you're trying to teach your dog not to climb on furniture, start by giving him his own pet bed. When teaching, either verbally or with a treat, reward the dog for utilizing his own bed instead of yours. Then, if you find your Fido on the couch, instruct him to get off immediately. If required, restrict access to the furniture when you are not there, or apply non-toxic furniture repellents.
13. Mouthing
Mouthing is a frequent dog behavior issue in early puppies, and it should not be mistaken with biting or aggression (even if they may start similarly). When your dog mouths you, he wraps his jaws and teeth around your hand or finger but does not bite. While all dogs develop this behavioral issue at some time, it is most commonly noted in pups. While this behavior may appear to be innocuous, it really creates a risk of an unintentional bite and should be corrected.
Remedy to this problem:
Bite inhibition is the most often used dog training strategy for biting and mouthing. This approach is used by many dog experts on early puppies with excellent success. In addition to biting inhibition, you should concentrate on your dog's behavior of mouthing:
- When your dog mouths you, find a dog toy to replace your hand.
- When the dog stops mouthing, provide positive reinforcement and treats.
- Encourage gentler games with your dog.
- Practice obedience training and let the dog know when he makes a mistake.
14. Digging
Digging is not only one of the most prevalent dog behavior issues, but it is also a natural tendency of your domesticated animal that isn't always possible to repair and entirely eliminate from the dog. Most dogs like digging to some extent, and it is typically better not to discourage this activity, but rather to guide them away from undesirable digging areas and onto where it is safe and good to dig.
Remedy to this problem:
Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, and the first step in fixing this issue is determining the source of the digging and what the dog is attempting to accomplish by digging. Some dogs do this out of boredom or to attract your attention. In this instance, your dog requires additional exercise and fun. Your dog might be looking for subterranean prey. Deal with the prey if this is the case. Some dogs dig to hide from the wind or rain, or to sleep in the cooler earth below. Reduce your dog's time outside in this situation, or equip your dog with a dog house. Finally, some dogs crawl beneath fences to escape. Restrict access to the fences or fortify the ground beneath the barriers. Once you've determined the cause of your dog's digging tendencies, treat it correctly using the most successful methods already mentioned: habit correction and positive reinforcement.
15. Destructive Chewing
Dogs use their jaws in the same way that people use their hands to explore and interact with their surroundings. Chewing, like barking and digging, is a normal habit in dogs, but it may be troublesome when it is harmful. Excessive chewing in dogs can be caused by physical difficulties or extreme separation anxiety, in which case a veterinarian or canine behaviorist may be required.
Remedy to this problem:
Make sure your dog has lots of chewing outlets, such as fascinating and tasty chew toys. Cut off access to any cables, cords, papers, or anything else your dog may have been chewing on. If your dog continues to chew on the incorrect items, it might be because he is bored or under-exercised.
16. Excessive Licking
The behavioral problem of obsessive, excessive licking in dogs is one of the most difficult ones to resolve, owing to how difficult it is to detect and determine if this is a troublesome or typical activity. When your dog licks everything, from their paws to your furniture, you, carpets, automobiles, and more, this is an indication of an excessive licking problem.
Remedy to this problem:
Because excessive licking in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from psychological issues such as anxiety to genuine medical disorders (such as allergies and injuries), the first and most crucial step in resolving this behavioral issue is precisely establishing the cause. Monitor your dog's licking behaviors, as well as any other frequent behavior issues they may have, and begin identifying the problem via elimination. Once you've narrowed down a few possible causes, consult with a medical practitioner to discover if this problem can (or should) be treated.
17. Fear of Noises
Dogs can become terrified of certain noises, either because the noise is loud and frightening (such as thunder) or because the noise is associated with a bad experience. Resolving these phobias, which are now termed dog behavior issues, can be extremely challenging, and limiting exposure to the sound is sometimes the only realistic approach. Exposing a dog to a sound it fears will not desensitize it to the noise and instead, in most cases, exacerbate the dread. Maintain your confidence if the sound is inevitable, such as thunder during a rainstorm. Addressing your dog's fear will most likely reinforce the belief that the fear is reasonable.
Remedy to this problem:
You might try capturing the noise and playing it to your dog at a low volume in a quiet, safe environment. Increase the volume gradually over several sessions, and your dog may finally overcome his anxiety. Once again, don't go too quickly! Forcing your dog to face its fear will not work and may even be harmful. Another excellent option is to use relaxing music, such as classical music or white noise machines, to divert the dog's attention away from the "bad" noise and toward a comforting noise instead.
18. Disobedience
Disobedience is one of the most aggravating frequent dog behavior issues. When dogs do not listen to their owners and do not come when called, it can lead to a slew of additional behavioral problems. Disobedience in dogs is classified into two types: passive and active. Passive disobedience occurs when your dog seems unconcerned with the fact that you just requested him to come, however active disobedience occurs when canines love not listening to you, which is a huge issue.
Remedy to this problem:
To begin combating your dog's rebellious conduct, you must return to obedience training principles and repeat the entire procedure. Do not follow after your dog, do not chastise it, and do not attempt to bribe it. When it comes to this form of misbehavior, be firm with your dog and assert your power. Negative reinforcement seldom works on a rebellious dog, so if your training tactics aren't working, it's time to seek expert assistance. It is critical to address this behavioral issue as soon as possible.
19. Being Overprotective of Family
Due to jealousy, dogs may display overprotective attitudes toward their owners. While it may appear sweet at first, this less frequent canine behavioral issue can progress to aggressive behavior and must be addressed fast. Canines can learn to relax by realizing they do not have to defend their owners. In other words, like a new puppy, overprotective dogs must be re-socialized.
Remedy to this problem:
Begin by introducing your dog to one new person at a time, or a human and their pleasant, well-socialized dog. Gradually progress to more complex social circumstances. Maintain a confident demeanor at all times. If your dog detects your anxiety, he will assume you are in danger and will attempt to protect you. Even if their intentions are genuine, you must inform your dog that this is unacceptable behavior. Use positive reinforcement and obedience instruction as well.
20. Leash Pulling
It is essential for a pet owner to be able to walk their dog on a leash peacefully. If your dog pulls on a leash, you must address the issue by teaching your pup how to walk behind you. However, before you take any action, keep in mind that dogs are not doing this on purpose. Canines just do not know how to walk on a leash in the manner that you desire. The difficulty will be solved after you educate your dog how to do it correctly.
Remedy to this problem:
Begin by obtaining a no-pull harness to protect your dog from injuries caused by tugging. Then, take your dog for frequent leash and harness walks. Keep these exercises brief and enjoyable for the dog. Never allow your dog to do anything you don't want him to do while training against leash tugging. Keep your dog leash short yet loose enough to avoid hurting your pet. The easiest approach to train your dog to walk with you is to have a lot of yummy dog treats on hand and utilize positive reinforcement. Additionally, try walking at a quicker speed and running with your dog on a leash. All of these ways will teach the dog where you anticipate him to be when he's on a leash.
21. Whining for Attention
Whining is basically another method for your dog to communicate, and it usually occurs when your pet needs attention, is anxious, or is attempting to shame you into doing something. While the majority of dogs exhibit these types of dog behavior issues by excessive barking, other canines will instead whimper.
Remedy to this problem:
The first thing you should do to stop your dog from whimpering is ignore her. Do not respond, pet, or talk to your dog until you are certain that there is a particular cause that deserves your attention (such as a medical one). Once your dog has stopped whimpering, begin reacting to their unexpected shift in behavior: pat her, play with her, or otherwise connect with her. Your dog must understand that whimpering was pointless, yet when she stopped, you reacted.
22. Being Overprotective of Property
Similarly to the problem of dogs becoming overprotective of their people, dogs can become overprotective of goods such as food - this is known as resource guarding. This usually signals that your dog is insecure, aggressive, and domineering. You must teach your pet that giving up their favorite toy when asked does not mean they will lose it permanently. Instead, teach your dog that dropping the toy implies a treat right now, and that the toy will return later.
Remedy to this problem:
Begin educating your dog to let go of objects that you share, such as tug-of-war ropes. Begin by playing tug for a bit, then instruct your dog to 'let go' or 'drop it'. In your other hand, hold an extremely delectable goodie. Give her the reward and praise her when she releases go. Eventually, progress to toys that you are not sharing. This is also an excellent method for teaching your dog to play fetch.
23. Humping
Even though some may scoff at such a prevalent dog behavior issue as humping, it is one that dog owners must deal with and strive to resolve. Humping is a sexual manifestation of dogs; nevertheless, some dog specialists believe that canines may hump for other reasons, such as dominance or a reaction to excitement. But don't panic; dog humping is a typical habit that may be addressed and corrected.
Remedy to this problem:
To begin, keep in mind that the only reason you should address canine behavior issues such as humping is if they upset you or someone else. If this natural canine behavior does not bother anyone, you need not be concerned. If your dog's mounting tendency is extreme, there are a few things you can do:
Always keep your dog busy. When you notice what your dog is going to do, find him something else to play with.
Consider neutering your unaltered dog. Even if it does not prevent him from humping, it will lessen his motivation.
React appropriately to your dog's mounting: push him away, ignore him, seat him down, and use instructions to keep your dog under control.
24. Escaping
There are several scenarios in which a dog's urge to flee and run away from wherever she is might have disastrous effects. This problem is frequently caused by your pet yearning for a mate, being intimidated by anything, needing socializing, disliking the surroundings, wanting to wander and explore, and a variety of other factors. The disadvantage is obvious: when a dog is not under your control and is not in a safe setting, she can easily put herself in danger.
Remedy to this problem:
Something in the yard or at home may frighten dogs. Determine what is scaring your pet and remedy the issue by eliminating the trigger. Some breeds are naturally inquisitive and like exploring new places. Make sure your yard is secure, and consider limiting yard time to times when you can supervise. Other dogs may flee due to boredom or a need for social engagement. Giving your dog more time to mingle with you, your family, and other people and dogs may alleviate the problem in this scenario. Finally, having your dog spayed or neutered may help lessen the tendency to go about looking for possible mates.
25. Eating Poop
Coprophagia is the act of dogs eating their own or other animals' excrement. Although dog specialists are unsure why canines partake in this habit, coprophagia is thought to be natural in many species, including dogs.
Remedy to this problem:
Another of the most challenging dog behavior issues to fix is your dog eating excrement. This is mostly due to the fact that dogs constantly sniff everything, and educating them that sniffing is OK but eating is not will be difficult. The best technique to treat canine coprophagia is to:
- Make sure there is no other animal excrement in the environment.
- Immediately clean up after your dog.
- Give your pet toys and games, and play with them on a regular basis.
- Check with your veterinarian for any medical issues, and feed your dog with nutritious food.
Final Thoughts on the Most Common Dog Behavior Issues
You will encounter various dog behavior issues no matter what breed you have. Some of these are natural dog behaviors, while others are learnt through positive or negative reinforcement. For dogs, attention is attention, whether favorable or bad. Even if it is difficult, it is critical to stay impartial when dogs act out. Let us know in the comments section what issues you've had with your dog. Please share your solution so that we may continue to educate the community!
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