Dogs will display behaviour that is outside their normal range. This could be anything from a simple yawn to more aggressive behaviour.
Almost all dogs bark, but excessive barking can be problematic. Likewise, chewing on items over which they are possessive can be an issue. Early intervention can help to resolve these issues.
Aggression
A dog that shows aggression to people, other dogs or even itself must be evaluated for its underlying cause. Often the aggression is a result of fear or resource guarding, such as licking or chewing on a favourite toy, and these types of behaviour are very easily addressed with the right type of training that looks at context and does not use punishment based techniques. Sometimes, a dog’s aggressive behaviour is related to welfare issues, including chronic pain or stress.
Understanding the various types of aggression is important as each presents unique challenges for behavior modification and each requires a different approach to treatment with the guidance of a qualified professional. Many dog owners incorrectly assume that all barking, lunging, growling and biting is aggression and that the dog should be rehomed or euthanized, however most aggressive behaviours are preventable.
Chewing
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs. It helps keep their teeth clean and is healthy, but chewing on the wrong things can be a problem.
If your dog is chewing objects he shouldn’t be, talk to your vet about possible causes. It could be due to separation anxiety, boredom, or a medical issue. Providing a variety of textured chew toys and taking extra walks or playtime with your dog can help to curb destructive chewing.
Removing temptations such as clothing, shoes, books, trash and eyeglasses from your dog’s reach can also stop them from chewing inappropriately. If the chewing is related to anxiety, an accredited dog behaviourist can help address the underlying cause of the anxiety.
Digging
Digging is another natural behaviour dogs share with their wild ancestors, and can occur for a variety of reasons. They may want to bury bones or treats, like toys, for example, or they may become anxious when their home is disturbed, such as when someone new moves in or if they are confined outdoors during the day (see House soiling and Anxiety).
Redirect their digging behaviour to a designated digging zone by covering the area and burying safe items to encourage them to explore it. Try to keep your dog busy with exercise, play and training when they are outside so that they don’t have the urge to dig. Punishment doesn’t work and can make your dog more fearful if they are digging because of anxiety or prey drive, so avoid using it.
Hyperactivity
Dogs have an amazing ability to capture our hearts with their unabashed love and joy. But when their energy levels are off the charts, it can be challenging to live with. They can become a nuisance, digging into garbage cans, scratching sofas or destroying the yard. They may also ignore commands, causing frustration and stress.
While hyperactivity can be an issue, it is not a disorder that needs medication. In most cases, a dog with this symptom is simply not getting enough daily physical activity. Exercise can help to reduce their anxiety, improve their training and provide a channel for their undiminished energy. You can find out more on Bulldogology.
Keeping routines like meal time, exercise and bedtime consistent will also help to calm dogs with hyperactivity. Adding in control devices (head halters, no pull harnesses) and training sessions that provide mental engagement can further help to calm these dogs.
Fear
Fear-based aggression can manifest as a range of behaviours, from barking to snarling or growling. It’s important to recognise that your dog is scared or uncomfortable and take steps to comfort them before they resort to using aggression.
Watch your dog closely to see what triggers a fear reaction; for example, specific noises, storms or people. Recording these events can help you to identify a pattern and reduce the frequency of your pet’s fear-based reactions.
If your dog is suddenly afraid of things that never gave them anxiety before, schedule a vet visit to rule out medical issues. They may also recommend calming supplements or pheromone collars and refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviourist to create a treatment plan. Fear is the root of many behaviour problems, including aggression, so it’s important to tackle this first.
