Pet parents become understandably confused and frustrated when their formerly well-trained dogs begin to engage in bad behavior. Aggression, destruction of furniture, excessive barking, and over-attachment are all unwanted behaviors that challenge the serenity of any home. In such cases, it is important to get to the root of the problem to ensure that your dog is healthy and that your bond remains strong.
First, it is worth mentioning that bad behavior in untrained dogs is to be expected. If you do not train your pup or dog, and rely on his general good temperament instead, you should expect some unwanted behavior down the road. Pet parents should make sure their dogs have basic obedience skills and engage in short practice sessions every week. Such sessions need not be lengthy; practicing commands for 15 minutes or so a few days a week should be enough to reenforce wanted behaviors and keep him mentally stimulated.
In the case of trained dogs, however, the problem of bad behavior is often surprising and requires the owner to delve deeper into the possible causes of the unwanted changes in his pet. Pet parents will need to spend some time watching their pups to notice any clues to how their dogs are feeling. Does your pup constantly lick his paws, for example? Paw licking could simply be a sign of food allergies, but if paired with other symptoms such as excessive panting or hyperactivity, then it could be a sign of stress or anxiety.
The following list is a helpful guide to identifying other signs of stress in your dog:
- Lip Licking
- Excessive Panting
- Excessive Yawning
- Excessive Barking
- Restlessness
- Aggression
- Being Easily Startled
- Destructiveness When Left Alone.
- Pulling or Biting on the Lead
- Overeating or Loss of Appetite
- Increased Shedding
- Shaking as if Shaking Off Water
If you have observed a few of these behaviors in your dog, then you can be reasonably sure your dog is experiencing some degree of anxiety, and you will need to take steps to address the issue. As with humans, stress in dogs can cause mental and physical discomfort at best and actual illness at worst. If the cause of your pup’s anxiety is obvious such as a recent move or a traumatic interaction with another dog, then a little patience along with some extra attention and calm, positive reinforcement of expected behavior should be enough to get Rover back on track. If, however, you are unsure of the reasons behind your dog’s stress, then you should consult your vet to rule out any physical ailments and consult a professional behaviorist to work with your pup.
The following is a list of common triggers for stress in dogs:
- A Recent Move to Unfamiliar surroundings.
- Being left Alone for too Long.
- Confusion about Owner Expectations (due to owner inconsistency).
- Overstimulating Environment.
- Aggressive or Negative Training Methods.
- Loud Noises.
- Traumatic Encounter with a Strange Human or Dog.
- Traumatic Vet Visit.
- Long Car Trip
Untreated stress can become overwhelming for your pup and make for an unbearable living situation at home. For both your sakes, give your anxious dog some extra attention through play and training, provide him with additional exercise, do not leave him alone for too long, provide him with a healthy and consistent routine, do not subject him to loud or chaotic situations and consult a professional behaviorist to help you resolve the situation. Give your pup the best chance for security and happiness, and he will thank you through loyalty and good behavior.
