Page 22 - Creature Companion, September 2020

PET CARE
DESTRUCTIVE HABITS IN DOGS
AND WAYS TO CORRECT THEM
If your dog isn’t happy, then neither are you!
By Sandeep Lad*
DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN
DOGS INCLUDES ANY ACTION
THAT IS HARMFUL TO THE DOG
OR THE HOUSEHOLD.
However, destructive habits in
dogs are controllable. They can be
changed when you change! One must
focus on preventing the problem
while encouraging better choices.
You getting upset doesn’t help at
all. Stress/confusion is one of the
reasons for destructive behaviour.
Since our pets cannot phone a friend
or watch TV they resort to destructive
behaviour.
Dogs show their stress or anxiety
in different ways like destructive
chewing, barking, Chasing, reasons for developing such habits
undesirable elimination (urinating
22 Creature Companion | SEPTEMBER 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 7 • NOIDA
• Separation Anxiety – It is a
condition when your pet exhibits
distress and behavioural problems
when separated from you. Some
symptoms are chewing, barking,
escaping, shivering, urinating etc.
• Stress, fear or confusion–
Sometimes dogs may feel stress
when they are teased by children,
confined to a small area, or crated
near another animal.
• Lack of exercise – Dogs need
exercise. They say a tired dog is
a good dog! Dogs that stay cooped
up inside all day get bored and look
for ways to entertain themselves.
If dogs get plenty of exercise with
mental and physical stimulation,
they have no desire to escape,
chase or fall prey to any other
destructive habits.
• Lack of obedience training
– It often leads to aggressive
behaviour in dogs because they
respond to situations using
their own instincts and not
proper training since they have
never been taught differently.
Obedience training can help
prevent annoying habits such as
jumping, inappropriate barking,
and chewing.
• Hunger – Hungry dogs are
destructive dogs. A hungry dog
might chew and destroy objects
to find additional sources of
nutrition. Have a consistent
feeding routine for your dog.
To prevent such destructive habits,
make sure you spend quality time
with your dog as it can help your pet
and defecating) etc. Some of the feel more secure in his environment
as well as strengthen your bond with
are: your pet. Please understand that