5 Common Dog Behaviour Issues and Solutions

While a dog can be a wonderful addition to any home and family, there are some dog behaviour issues that drive even the most devoted pet parent barking mad.

Here are five of the most common problems and a few possible solutions.

1. Barking

While barking is a normal form of communication for dogs, when it’s incessant or happens at 3am, it can become an issue. The first step to solving the problem is working out why your dog is barking in the first place. Reasons can include attention seeking, compulsive behaviour, defending territory and greeting people or other dogs.

There are a number of possible solutions to barking issues, depending on the reason for the barking. Blocking the view so your dog can’t see people walking past may help with territorial barking for example. Ignoring the barking can be a solution for attention seeking behaviour.

2. Aggression

Aggression in dogs can be potentially very serious so it’s important to stop it before your pet becomes a danger. Aggressive behaviour can start with threatening barking and end in a physical attack on a person or another animal.

Understanding where your dog’s aggression comes from is key to preventing it. Dogs can be aggressive due to territorial reasons, protectiveness, fear, self-defence or they may exhibit social aggression as a way of exerting their superiority over others.

Some dogs are aggressive because they are in pain, so it’s always worth getting your dog checked out by a vet before you work on retraining them. Because aggression can potentially be dangerous, it’s important that you work with a professional behaviour expert, as your dog will need a customised treatment plan. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, trying to retrain your dog by yourself can make the problem worse if you don’t know what you’re doing.

3. Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour for puppies and dogs and it keeps your dog’s jaws strong while also alleviating boredom and mild anxiety. The problems occur when your dog is chewing on things they shouldn’t be!

The best way to deal with destructive chewing is to dog proof your home, putting away valuable items, especially shoes and clothing, and giving your dog plenty of chew toys and bones to use instead.

Give your dog plenty of physical exercise and stimulation to alleviate boredom. If you’re planning to go out and leave your dog alone for a few hours, make sure you take them for a walk beforehand.

4. Separation anxiety

Some dogs who are left alone for periods of time can show signs of separation anxiety, including repetitive barking or howling. This can be upsetting for everyone, not to mention irritating to neighbours. Separation anxiety can be triggered by a change in family dynamics, schedule changes or moving house, among other things.

Mild separation anxiety can often be treated by conditioning your dog that good things will happen when you go out. A puzzle toy stuffed with a treat is a good way to do this, such as the KONG Genius Mike Treat Dispensing Toy. Give your dog the toy every time you go out and take it away when you come home.

For more severe separation anxiety, food incentives are unlikely to work, as your dog probably won’t eat when you’re not there. Desensitising your dog over time by leaving them for short periods at first and then gradually increasing the duration of your absence can help. It’s a good idea to work with a professional animal behaviourist for this.

5. Digging

If you’ve ever had your backyard destroyed by a dog, you’ll know how frustrating digging can be. There are a number of different reasons dogs dig holes, including boredom, instinct, anxiety and just for fun. The first step to stopping this behaviour is determining exactly why your dog is doing it.

Make sure your dog’s daily needs for interaction and exercise are being met. If the digging persists you can try designating a specific digging area in your yard – praise your dog when they dig there and try to make the rest of your yard less appealing by placing rocks around or fencing it off.

While it might be frustrating, with patience and the right approach, most behaviour issues can be managed or alleviated altogether.