Pet behavior refers to the way animals express themselves, whether through communication or physical response. Dogs and cats exhibit a range of behaviors which can range from normal to problematic. When these pets display challenging behaviors, many owners seek professional training from behavioral specialists or trainers for assistance.
If your dog is circling in front of you or scratching certain surfaces, it could be an indication of anxiety or fear. Signs that a dog is feeling threatened include stiffened backs, heads and neck as well as a stiff tail.
This behavior could be indicative of an underlying health problem, such as a brain tumor or poisoning. In these instances, it would be wise to visit your veterinarian for a checkup and diagnosis.
Biting is one of the most prevalent forms of dog aggression and it can be caused by a variety of things. To effectively train your pup to stop biting, identify what motivates them and work on eliminating that trigger from their environment.
It is essential to address these issues before they become dangerous for your dog or those around them. A veterinary behaviorist can assist in pinpointing the source of the issue and creating a plan for behavior modification that is secure, efficient and humane.
Aggression toward family members may arise out of fear, hierarchical competition or possessive behavior. This behavior may manifest in various ways, such as lunging, growling, snarling, snapping and biting.
When your dog exhibits these behaviors, they should be restrained in a secure area such as a house or crate until the aggression has been addressed. Doing this is the best way to keep your pup from harming anyone in the home.
Some dogs dig for various reasons, such as to escape, find a comfortable spot to lie in or track animals. If this digging is wreaking havoc on your home, it may be time for professional assistance.
The most successful training techniques use positive reinforcement, such as food or toys, coupled with a mild form of punishment. This approach to training is preferred since it’s effective, safe and doesn’t exacerbate existing issues.
No matter the cause, training your dog’s behavior should always be the goal. This can be accomplished through teaching specific commands, managing their environment and counterconditioning.
Are your dog’s frequent soiling of the house an indication that they may not have been properly house trained or have a health condition such as arthritis? A veterinarian behaviorist can assist in creating a treatment plan to help your pup keep its environment clean and healthy.
Young pups sometimes exhibit this behavior during their socialization periods. If your pet appears to be lacking socialization from his environment or other dogs, it should be addressed promptly in order to prevent issues later in life.
