Strange Dog Behavior

You might have experienced that a dog who is usually obedient and friendly suddenly exhibits eccentric behavior for no apparent reason. Strange as it may sound, but dogs also suffer from certain psychological disorders, which force them to behave in a strange manner. Strange or odd dog behavior can be corrected with the help of training, medications, etc. However, the treatment can be effective only if the cause behind dog behavior problem is known. Given below are some of the causes responsible for unusual dog behavior.

Causes of Strange Dog Behavior

Genetic Predisposition
Some dog breeds are genetically programmed to behave odd. Such dogs have a tendency to become aggressive, dominant for unknown reasons. Hence, while buying puppies of lesser known breeds, make sure you acquaint yourselves well with the traits of the concerned breed. If your otherwise quiet and friendly pet suddenly exhibits violent or dominant dog behavior, then it may be due to some other reason than genetic predisposition.

Anxiety
Dogs suffer from various anxieties, separation anxiety in dogs is amongst the most common types. Anxiety may force the dog to behave nervously and resort to ways of self mutilation. An anxious dog may attack others or may even harm himself.

Neurological Disorder
Behavior in dogs is controlled by neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Higher levels of serotonin are required for stability in dogs. Whenever there is an imbalance in the constitution of any of these chemicals, it may lead to odd dog behavioral problems. Medications can effectively restore the balance of these chemicals.

Boredom
Some dog breeds are naturally hard workers. So, if you do not exert them enough, they are more inclined to spending their energy somewhere else. Barking unnecessarily, snapping at mid air, picking up fights with other dogs are some of the signs of strange behavior due to boredom. This problem can be solved if you make sure your dog is getting enough exercises.

How to Treat Strange Dog Behavior

Much like humans, strange behavior in dogs can be cured with counseling. However, dog counseling is a long and exasperating process. Since, it takes 6 to 8 months for humans to experience positive effects of counseling, you can expect much longer time with dog counseling. However, before the vet settles for any treatment option, your dog is likely to undergo several blood and urine tests to check if there is no underlying physical condition that is preventing him from behaving normally. If everything appears normal in the physical examinations, the vet may check for hormone levels and the levels of neurotransmitters. Medications can be prescribed accordingly to restore the balance of hormones or neurotransmitters.

The training for correcting dog behavior that is both strange and dangerous requires lots of patience on your part. You incessantly need to repeat the dog training techniques to enforce good behavior in your pooch. A professional dog trainer can be of great help, since he is better acquainted with dogs' psyche and the corrective measures. Moreover, your dog is more likely to obey the orders of a stranger than you. Do not resort to corporal punishments if your dog refuses to obey you. That will have an opposite effect on your dog's psychology.

Also, do not forget to reward your dog whenever he shows good behavior. This will help him understand what kind of behavior is appreciated by his owner. Also make sure you are exerting your dog enough so that he has little energy left to indulge in anything else. Try to understand your dog's psychology and do not take him for a muted human being. Dogs do not understand what is right and what is wrong according to human perspective. Hence, it is unlikely that he will follow the human norms of behavior. Hence, allow your dog to follow his natural instincts to some extent, just make sure he does not pose any threat to himself or people around him.

Sometimes, odd dog behavior disappears as suddenly as it appears. Hence, do not hit the panic button immediately after your dog exhibits abnormal behavior. Be patient and raise an alarm only if he shows persistent strange behavior and/or he poses danger to his surrounding.