While most people adore
their dog, canine companions are not without their troubles. Here is
a look at some of the more common behavior problems dog owners may
see in their dogs and steps they can take to effectively deal with
them.
Aggression
Your dog's breed, as
well as size, can play a role in aggression towards humans. Researchers
using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research
Questionnaire, a test that has dog owners assess their pet's
behavior, found American Cocker Spaniels and Beagles are larger
breeds that are most likely to show aggression - biting or bite
attempts -towards their owners, and Australian Cattle Dogs are more
likely to show aggression towards strangers.
The data also showed
that Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers, all small
breeds, are most likely to show serious aggression towards both their
owners and strangers. Researchers hypothesize that because a
small dog cannot do as much damage as a larger or more powerful
breed, such as a Pit Bull, dog owners perhaps tend to tolerate this
bad behavior more than they would otherwise. Without realizing it,
pet owners may be encouraging bad behavior by allowing nipping.
Barking
Most dogs bark, but
some dogs bark more than other dogs. Dogs may bark to alert you
someone is at the door or they have to go outside. Some dogs seem to
bark just because they can. After researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania also analyzed data from the Canine Behavioral Assessment
and Research Questionnaire, they found short dogs with long snouts
were especially prone to stubborn barking.
Anxiety
There are three primary
types of canine anxiety that may be affecting your dog.
Separation Anxiety
Pet owners tend to
include their dogs in everything they do. As a result, it doesn't
take long for many dogs to come to expect constant companionship.
When they are denied this companionship and left to their own
devices, they can become destructive or exhibit other bad behaviors,
such as barking, to make their feelings known.
Noise Anxiety
Loud and unexpected
noises can startle any dog, just as it would a person. Unfortunately,
because a dog's hearing is far more sensitive than a human's, loud
noises can also be painful. Dogs with upright ears have more
sensitive hearing than dogs with floppy ears.
Social Anxiety
Dogs who were denied
adequate socialization opportunities as puppies may exhibit social
anxiety towards humans and their environment.
How to Help
Your dog's veterinarian
is the best source for addressing specific behavior issues you may be
having, but there are some tactics that may help in the meantime.
Exercise
Most dog breeds require
regular exercise. Some breeds are naturally more energetic than
others, and their individual temperaments may also play a role in
their energy level. It's not uncommon for puppies of any breed to be
full of curiosity and extremely energetic. In addition to keeping
their weight in check, daily exercise can reduce boredom and
potentially reduce or eliminate behavior issues.
Obedience Training
Dogs of any size and
breed can struggle with behavior problems, and some dogs just tend to
have certain personality traits, such as stubbornness. But according
to Psychology Today and researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania, small breeds tend to have more behavior issues.
Researchers at the
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna also found small dogs - less
than 44
pounds
- were less obedient than large dogs over 44 pounds.
Thankfully, obedience training and positive reinforcement can go a
long way towards ensuring your dog behaves properly. Obedience
training is also a great opportunity for early socialization with
both humans and other dogs.
Some dog behaviors may
also have underlying health issues, such as a urinary tract
infection. Perhaps their diet needs to be evaluated.
Occasionally, a dog may require medication to deal with severe
anxiety, especially noise anxiety. If you are having behavior issues
with your dog - small or large - or have any other concerns, contact
us
today at Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach to schedule an
appointment.
