Dog Behaviour 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.

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. 

Aggression
Dogs can be assertive or pushy but obey commands, this is not a problem.  Aggressive dogs, however, 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
• Pacing
• Dilated pupils

• Do not reward or punish the behaviour associated with the phobia
• Provide medication – there are some homeopathic remedies available.  You should consult your local veterinary expert to find out which is the most appropriate for the animal.
• Reduce or mask noise level – noises from fans or air conditioners may block the noise causing the phobia.
• Increase exercise – if you are aware that a storm may be coming or fireworks are scheduled, you can exercise the animal prior to tire them out both mentally and physically.
• Behaviour modification – counter-conditioning, where the animal is taught to display the desired behaviour rather than the instinctive response.
• Desensitisation – The animal’s response to phobia triggers can be decreased by exposing it to increasing levels of the stimulus which causes the response.
  

[22/05/2012 14:00:55]