| All dogs can be well behaved.
Most dogs are reasonably well behaved but we still see many,
dog behavior problems like fighting other animals, frightening
children and adults, refusing to be toilet trained and most
times walking their owner rather than the other way around.
The first step to a well-behaved pet is to fully understand
dog behavior.:
Dog behavior problems often range from refusing to take orders
to dangerous aggressive dog behavior from being destructive
to being disobedient, from being hyperactive to being pathetically
lethargic to constant barking. Identifying the exact cause
of the dog behavior problem helps most times in winning half
the battle. While most dog behaviors are not matters of great
concern, aggressive dog behavior cannot be taken lightly as
it can be very dangerous. Like any other behavioral problem,
there is no quick cure for aggression but if the owner is
willing to get qualified help and put in the required time
and effort aggression can usually be controlled.
If your dog is aggressive and you think he/she might harm
someone you will need to take your pet to a trainer or behaviorist
who specializes in training beyond basic manners. Be realistic
with yourself about the situation. Dog behavior problems are
much easier to control early on, before you end up being afraid
of your own dog. It can be very helpful to have someone knowledgeable
to talk to, especially if your dog does not seem to be responding
in the way you expect. Most dogs can be helped with proper
dog behavior training. However some aggressive animals cannot
be saved and it is often better to put them to sleep rather
than passing along the problem and danger to someone else.
You will need to work up the courage to take him to your vet
for this.
When your dog is facing behavioral problems the first thing
that needs to be done is to have it checked by a vet. Dog
behavior problems can arise due to various reasons which may
include pain due to a physical injury or at times even due
to hormone levels that may be off. However you need to work
on trying to correct the problem. Rules need to be laid down
for pets and they need to know what acceptable behavior is
and what is not.
Getting your dog neutered will affect behaviors arising from
sex drive including some dominant aggression and inappropriate
lifting of his leg. However if your dog is older or habituated
to this kind of behavior, neutering might not have a strong
effect. It will also take longer for the effects to be seen
in an older dog. The main benefit of neutering is that it
will prolong your dogs’ life.
Shouting at your dog or attempting to physically correct it
by scuffing or rolling the dog over are not appropriate or
effective forms of discipline and will only make matters worse.
Attempting to "show the dog who is boss" may result
in the dog getting more aggressive or injured and will achieve
you nothing.
Increase your dogs exercise. Dogs that get enough exercise
are less likely to have dog behavior problems of any kind
than dogs that are idle. Many owners underestimate the amount
of exercise their dogs need. It is recommended that a healthy
dog get 45-60 minutes of brisk exercise twice a day. Also
give them the mental stimulation they need with obedience
or agility training classes, learning new commands, etc.
Try and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Do not do
things that cause your dog to respond aggressively like staring
at it, teasing it or disturbing it while it is sleeping. Be
careful using a particular treat or toy as it may cause your
dog to become possessive. If your dog starts to get aggressive
re-direct her attention.
Always remember that you are in control. Teach your dog that
she will earn everything from you or anyone else only with
appropriate dog behavior. Avoid giving your dog, your attention
on-demand. Ignore him/her if she is being demanding and wait
until she stops making demands and is calm. Ask her to sit
and then pet her. Work with your dog regularly on 'sit' and
'stay' commands using lots of praise and a treat occasionally.
For the above tips to help they must be used consistently
and your whole family will need to be involved. There cannot
be different sets of rules for different members of the family.
As owners, you need to be prepared to work at it for the rest
of the dog's life. Once your dog has learned to defer to people,
you can move to advanced exercises depending on what you expect
out of your pet.
It is very important to remember that no two dogs are the
same and what applies to one many not necessarily apply to
the other. It is therefore recommended that your local vet
be the starting point. He or she can assess the situation,
prescribe medication if needed and refer you to other professionals
who are experienced with behavior problems in dogs.
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