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Dog Problems

HOW TO MANAGE BAD BEHAVIOUR IN YOUR DOG

Dogs vocalise for various reasons. Some bark out of boredom or whine for attention or food, however, many vocalisation traits shared by dogs can be traced back to the times they lived in packs. It has been suggested that barking is a behaviour that has become more developed in domestic dog as a means of communicating to humans. Wolves do not bark but communicate by howling.

Barking

It is believed that historically dogs would bark as a response to an intruder into their territory. The dog is torn between fleeing and standing its ground. When dogs lived in packs the other pack members would join in with the barking (referred to as mobbing behaviour) which would scare away the intruder.

Today, dogs can bark for many varied reasons. These include lack of exercise, boredom, frustration, loneliness, separation anxiety, excitability, territorial protection and attention seeking. Other environmental factors can influence barking behaviour, such as other dogs in the street barking or a phone ringing.

Before acting on an issue such as excessive barking, it is important to understand the underlying reason for the problem. Once this is understood, the best management method can be applied.

Howling

Howling is most often carried out by pack dogs such as wolves and coyotes. This is an attempt to signal their location or presence to others in the pack; done mostly at times when they are long distances apart. It is not very common these days for domestic dogs to howl. Sometimes it does occur in domestic situations in response to other dogs howling, the sound of a siren or a female dog in heat. Dogs can also howl out of boredom or loneliness. If dogs are howling out of boredom, this can sometimes be alleviated by exercise and the provision of toys to stimulate the dog.

Growling

This is often used as a threat towards something within close proximity to the dog. Dogs growl when something is unusual or is not comfortable to them. It is used as a warning that physical action will follow if it is not heeded. It is important for any person being growled at, that they move away from the dog. Steps should be taken to curb excessive growling as it is a sign of aggression and can escalate.

Whining

This is usually a sign that the dog is in either physical or emotional pain. They can also whine as an act of submission. Puppies often whine as a defensive mechanism when they feel threatened. Some dogs may whine because they feel a lack security, require attention or exercise. As with excessive howling, owners need to identify the reason for excessive whining and then take action to mitigate it.

Behavioural Problems

Excessive Barking

Barking when excited or in defence of a territory is quite natural in dogs, however, dogs that are bored will bark all day and this is not healthy. This type of barking is a sign of unhappiness, loneliness and boredom. Unfortunately, consistent barking can become a behaviour pattern for the animal. Once this type of barking has become a habit, the dog will require training to control the barking. Owners should consult a veterinary expert for advice on the best training method. This training will require patience, consistency and rewards for good behaviour. Going hand in hand with this training is to deal with the reasons for the barking. Bored dogs may require a more stimulating environment and much more exercise.  When a dog is tired, it is much less likely to bark when bored. Toys are also a good way to keep your dog occupied when you are not there.

Regular exercise for bigger dogs such as walking is a great way to relieve boredom. Smaller dogs do not necessarily need to be walked every day but do crave companionship. If you can take the dog with you sometimes when you go out they will benefit immensely.

Chewing

Chewing is a natural action for all dogs; however chewing can quickly become a problem if your dog causes destruction.

The most common reasons dogs chew are: 

  • teething 
  • boredom and/or excess energy 
  • anxiety 
  • curiosity (especially puppies)

Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by providing plenty of chew toys. Keep personal items away from your dog. When you are not home, keep your dog crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused. If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, quickly correct him with a sharp noise. Then, replace the item with a chew toy. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Begging

This is a bad habit, that is usually made worse by owners as once a dog is given food it will reinforce this behaviour. It can lead to digestive problems and obesity. In a pack setting, a subordinate would never beg from alpha dogs without reprimand. When you teach your dog that begging is permitted, you jeopardise your role as pack leader. Before you sit down to eat, tell your dog to stay, preferably where he will not be able to stare at you. If necessary, confine him to another room. If he behaves, give him a special treat only after you and your family are completely finished eating.

Digging

Dogs will often dig when bored. They will also try to dig to escape, cool down, bury bones, following a strong scent (such as fertilizer) or to fashion a den of sorts.  The best way to deal with this behaviour is to understand it and manipulate it in such a way that it does not distress the owner. Things you can do to redirect this energy is to:

  • Provide a spot that they are allowed to dig in and train them to dig there.  This might be a small sandpit.
  • Make no-go zones more undesirable by adding scents which are unappetising (such as pepper).
  • Provide more appropriate exercise such as fetch, walking and swimming to release energy.

Again you will need to be consistent and patient with your training. 

Separation Anxiety

This is one of the most common problems. Behaviours include vocalisation, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner.

Signs of true separation anxiety include:

  • dog becomes anxious when owner prepares to leave 
  • misbehaviour occurs in the first 15-45 minutes after owner leaves 
  • dog wants to follow owner around constantly 
  • dog tries to be touching owner whenever possible

True separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behaviour modification and desensitisation exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases but this should be a last resort.

Aggression

Dogs can be assertive or pushy but obey commands, this is not a problem. Aggressive dogs display inappropriate responses to normal situations such as constantly growling, snapping or biting. There may be medical reasons for the behaviour, these can include epilepsy, arthritis, hip dysplasia or dental complaints or it may be due to boredom. The dog may require more exercise or diversions when you are undertaking an activity in which they usually become aggressive. Aggression in dogs is serious and should be dealt with in conjunction with a trained veterinary expert. 

Phobias

Thunderstorm and noise phobias are a common problem for dogs and sometimes cats. Dogs can display signs of their phobia at the beginning of a storm such as a drop in barometric pressure, lightning and even the smells associated with storms. Signs that an animal has a phobia can include:

  • hiding
  • urinating or defecating
  • panting
  • loss of appetite
  • vocalising
  • shaking 
  • trying to escape
  • pacing
  • following owner
  • ignoring commands
  • drooling
  • racing
  • dilated pupils

If you believe the animal has a real phobia of loud noises, it is best to seek expert veterinary advice to best treat it. Treatments will not always have the same effect on different animals.  You may need to try and test a few. 

You have been reading an extract from our eBook "Caring for Dogs" by the Staff of ACS.

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