We love our dogs. Therefore, it is sometimes easy to simply dismiss a few annoying behaviors – perhaps assuming that it is just the dog’s personality, or something they will grow out of. However, canine behavioral problems nearly never just disappear on their own. Instead, they are often early warning signs of more serious and aggressive traits which are likely to appear down the road.
If you see these behavioral early warning signs in your pet, nip it in the bud. We have given some suggestions below, but if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to call a professional dog trainer. Failure to address the problem early may result in chaos in your home.
What to Look For
Like most challenges we deal with in life, most did not appear “out of the blue.” There are early warning signs and behaviors which can signal that all is not well. This is absolutely true for dogs. Virtually all canine behavioral problems can be traced back several months – which means if you can catch the problem before it fully develops, you can deal with it more effectively.
- Your Dog Begins Growling or Barking at Men: As a pack animal, the dog is instinctually interested in hierarchy and their position in the family. As a puppy, if a dog is not socialized well enough, he can begin to exhibit territorial behaviors as he grows in size and confidence.
Think back six months – was your dog tentative around strangers? Did he hide, shy away, or leave the room when someone new was introduced? A dog which is developing healthy behaviors should be inquisitive about new people, and even happily greet them when they arrive.
- Your Friendly Dog Begins Nipping at or Biting Other Dogs: These behaviors are similar to the one above. A dog who is not properly socialized will eventually gain confidence and act out on their feelings of insecurity or territorialism. Early on, this also appears as shying away when a new dog is introduced, or even hiding from other animals. This doesn’t mean that they will have a problem with every dog, but will act out against the ones which threaten him, or which he feels he can dominate.
- Your Dog Begins to Bully the Other Dogs in Your Home: Canine behavioral problems are most often the result of a lack of training on your part. Dogs are highly affectionate and loyal to their human, so in a multiple dog situation, jealousy can ensue.
A dog who has begun to bully other dogs, forcing them into corners or not allowing them to get to their food bowls, for instance; they have not learned their place in the family. That is, that they are not in charge – you are. Early on, look for your dog’s more docile yet territorial behaviors, such as often eating out of another dog’s bowl, or trying to steal their favorite toy.
Remember: It is best to not introduce a new dog into your home until your current pet is well-trained. Not only will this help the new dog to feel comfortable, but will also allow your first pet to understand he is not losing ground – but instead gaining a new friend and playmate.
From demanding your attention at inappropriate times to incessant barking at passing dogs, canine behavioral problems are generally a sign that your dog is not happy and well adjusted. A stable, adjusted dog knows his place in the hierarchy, feels safe, and does not feel he will be forgotten or left out. If you feel that your puppy or adolescent dog needs obedience or behavioral training, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training a call. We are dedicated to ensuring that you and your dogs live in a peaceful, stress free environment you all love.
