Dog Behavior Questions

Dogs can't talk, but they can make their feelings clear enough without having to say a word! Not for nothing is he called man's best friend - a dog is loyal, loves you unconditionally and protects you when he feels you're threatened. Dogs are generally easy to understand, and can make their feelings known without much trouble, but sometimes, your dog may behave in a manner that's baffling. One might think questions about dog behavior generally arise among first time dog owners, but that's not really the case. Sometimes, even experienced dog lovers are at a loss to explain the reason behind surprising behavior. For dog health questions, as well as advice on behavior, a visit to a veterinarian will lay your doubts to rest. The following are some typical behavioral traits exhibited by dogs that you may find insightful.

Basics of Puppy Behavior

While your new companion is probably the cutest puppy in the world, it can sometimes drive you completely round the bend, with its never-ending energy levels. Most puppies will adjust fairly well as soon as you get them home, though you can help smooth the transition by lavishing your little ball of fur with special attention and care. Be encouraging and loving, let him explore his surroundings, and sniff around corners, till he familiarizes himself with his new home. The most common puppy behavior questions will involve barking, chewing and house training - and the first thing to understand is that these are all normal behavioral traits.

Barking
Barking is part of any dog's behavior, although puppies may bark a whole lot more than older dogs. This is because this is the easiest way they find they can get your attention, whether they're hungry, thirsty or just want their tummies scratched. Most often incessant dog barking will lessen as they grow up and understand that there are other ways to get your attention, specifically if you are firm with them from a young age.

Chewing
If you have a puppy, my advice would be to take it in your stride that something of importance will find itself embedded in your puppies teeth, while his chew toy lies unmolested on the floor. Puppies chew when they are teething, just like babies. Chewing helps strengthen the teeth, and can also provide relief from teething pain. It's important to let your puppy chew on something, but train him on what's chewable and what isn't; if that isn't working, and the chew toys are still uninteresting, keep all things of value out of reach, and puppy proof the house.

House Training
You'll heave a sigh of relief when this one is got out of the way, but in the meantime, there's a lot of cleaning up to do. Initially when puppy potty training it's a good idea to take your puppy to a particular spot to familiarize him with his designated 'potty spot'. When very small, puppies need to be taken out regularly to avoid 'accidents'. Dogs learn by repetition, and respond to tones in your voice, so remember to visit the same spot, and praise your pup if he's been good.

Basics of Dog Behavior

In most cases an adult dog will settle into a routine with his owners without much of a problem. However, moving house, a change in routine, or separation for long periods of time can result in a changed behavior. The following are some common behavioral problems you may encounter.

Jumping
Are you one of those people who try to sneak into your own house, to avoid have your dog 'welcome' you home? Jumping up onto someone is one of the most common problems dog owners face, and it can be especially problematic if you have a big dog. This behavior is your dog's way of welcoming you home, and the best way to deal with it is to ignore him once you enter (heartbreaking though it may be), until he calms down. On repetition he will learn to respond to this treatment and greet you more sedately.

Aggressive behavior
This is a problem in adult dogs that need attention. Sometimes aggression can be related to a past incident, specifically in rescued or rehabilitated dogs. Essentially aggression in dogs arises out of fear, or dominance. Dogs who are aggressive when afraid, will generally flatten their ears against the head, and crouch low, with their bodies angled away from the source of fear. Dogs who exhibit dominance aggression will have their ears erect and their bodies angled forward, ready to lunge. Aggressive behavior is best dealt with in coordination with a behavioral counselor who will give you the required dog behavior advice.

Separation Anxiety
Typically, separation anxiety in dogs will exhibit in destructive behavior, so you might come back to find your favorite shoes chewed on, or worse, after having left your dog alone for more time than he's able to handle. This is a ploy to get your attention; your dog feels anxious and abandoned, and deals with this feeling by chewing or biting. Disciplining will not help a dog in this situation, the best way to work around this is with love and attention. Spend some extra time with him, maybe take him for a longer walk than usual, and leave him some toys to keep him occupied.

Dogs are the most fantastic friends you can have - they're faithful, loving and fabulous fun to hang out with. A dog will listen to you for hours on end, and is more in tune with your emotions than you can ever imagine. Questions about your dog's behavior will arise from time to time, and you will receive all sorts of advice, but remember, you understand your dog better than most, so pay attention to his signals, and you may find the answer staring you in the face!