Dog Behaviors to Address Quickly

Whether you have a brand new pup or an older dog, bad behavior can sometimes rear its head. If your dog is barking at everything under the sun or acting aggressively with strangers, you may be wondering whether that is normal and what to do if it’s not. We’ll be looking at some dog behaviors today that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Aggression

Dog aggression can be frightening, especially for those who are new pet parents. It can involve lunging at others, biting, and growling. This is one of the most serious dog behaviors and should be handled immediately. Watch the dog’s behavior to see if you can find what is triggering this reaction. There are a variety of aggression training methods that might help.

Chewing

Chewing in moderation isn’t a problem. It’s completely normal for dogs to chew on things. However, when chewing causes destruction to items around the home, something needs to be done about it. This might be caused by a lack of training, separation anxiety, or boredom. Make sure your pet has to chew toys and any important belongings are kept off limits.

Barking

There are an array of reasons that a dog may bark. It can be a way to exhibit happiness or excitement when playing. It might be a method of socializing with other dogs. Some pets bark to get your attention or to protect what they consider their territory. However, it can also be a sign of anxiety or fear. Barking can be normal unless it becomes excessive. It then becomes a behavioral issue that requires some help.

Digging

Most dogs will do some digging if given half the chance. It’s instinctual for them to do so. Digging is something they tend to do based on their history with hunting. Digging can be a sign of fear, anxiety, boredom, or excess energy. It can also be used as a method of comfort or a way to get to new locations. Giving your dog more exercise can help in some cases. If not, consider dog training to nip this behavior in the bud.

If you’re not having any luck dealing with bad behavior by your dog, it might be time to move in a different direction. Consider working with a professional trainer from Dog Training Now Charleston, who has experience stopping unsavory behaviors. Some behaviors are hard to treat on your own and an expert might have tips to make things easier.