Page 332 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS

Behavioral problems

Most dogs that are trained in basic rules from a young age happily integrate
into their household. However, some dogs may develop unwanted behaviors
that require further training or specialized help.

DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR The first stage of training is to put the
Chewing is a natural behavior in puppies desired behavior on cue, by associating a
and dogs, but when it becomes excessive or command word with the behavior. For
is targeted toward something inappropriate example, a dog that chews furniture can be
it can quickly become a source of tension taught to chew special toys containing food
between owner and dog. Sometimes instead. Offer your dog a toy with treats
dogs exhibit destructive behavior as an hidden inside and praise him as he begins to
outlet because they are experiencing investigate it, telling him “good boy, chew”
physical pain or suffer from separation in a clear voice. It is vital that you make some
anxiety—a condition characterized by temporary changes to restrict your dog’s
extreme distress during the absence of their opportunities to perform the unwanted
owner. Dogs can be affected by anxiety behavior, such as preventing chewing by
disorders, however supportive and happy using a bitter spray to make the furniture
their homelife. You should seek your vet’s taste unpleasant.
advice or consult a professional behaviorist if When you have made a good association
your dog suffers from anxiety. between the cue word and the correct
Occasionally, destructive behavior such behavior, you have a channel of
as chewing or digging can become a problem communication when your dog misbehaves.
in otherwise healthy, adult dogs. This is often Do not punish your dog, since he is not
a sign that the dog is not being sufficiently being bad—he is displaying a natural
stimulated, and it may help to provide him behavior. If you catch him chewing the
with an acceptable outlet for this natural furniture, simply interrupt him (for
behavior—such as allowing him to dig for example, with a hand clap) and hand him
treats in a sandpit. This will only work in his chew toy, saying “good boy, chew.”
dogs where all of their other needs, such as
physical exercise, nutritional requirements, EXCESSIVE BARKING
and social interaction, are met. Barking is a completely normal dog
behavior; however, excessive barking Don’t pay attention
can quickly become a problem within a Do not give your puppy any fuss or attention
if he jumps up. Only praise him when he has
household. Bear in mind that dogs sometimes all four paws on the floor again.
bark when shut in a room or in the yard for
long periods, and allowing more freedom treat in front of his nose to stop him from
will often result in reduced barking. barking. Then simply say the word “quiet”
The easiest way to control problem barking and feed him the treat. Incorporate training
is to train your dog to bark on command and sessions into play, and end with a fun game of
follow this with teaching “be quiet” on tug-of-war or something similar. Don’t use
command as well. Start by doing something this training, however, if your dog is barking
that would normally cause your dog to bark, out of aggression; in this case, a professional
such as waving a toy. Insert the command to behaviorist will need to be involved.
“speak” just before he barks. Praise him for
barking and then approach him and hold a JUMPING UP
A common complaint from dog owners, and
the one problem they are most guilty of
Dealing with chewing
Puppies naturally use their mouths to investigate creating themselves, is their dog jumping up
their environment, especially when teething, but you at people. Puppies naturally try to get closer
should never punish them for this or they will learn
to hide from you when they are chewing. to people’s face and hands, which they

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