Despite many people being pet lovers, dogs sometimes do things that aren’t likable and loveable. According to a survey, 75% of pet parents like to change and correct their dog’s unwanted behaviors. If you’re a pet owner having a hard time with your furry companion’s annoying antics, you’re not alone. Thankfully, some unwanted dog behaviors can be curbed with reward-based training and strategies to ease your concern.
So let’s discuss the common dog behaviors pet parents often struggle with.
Unhealthy Dog Behaviors You Should Watch Out for
When you adopt a dog, whether a puppy or a fully-grown one, it’s inevitable to witness annoying and problematic behaviors. This is a normal thing to see. Dogs are like children that need to be taught and corrected to be well-behaved. Also, your dog’s unhealthy behavior will not go away on its own, so it’s up to you to help them. Below are five dog behavioral issues that need to be corrected.
1. Annoying Hyperactivity
Hyper dogs are different from energetic ones. Energetic dogs have longer stamina but still get tired. However, hyperactivity is when dogs don’t switch off and become manic. This can be prevented by helping your pet burn excess energy. Refrain from feeding them candies, caramel, and sugary foods, as they fuel hyperactivity. If your pet continues to be hyperactive despite your efforts, you can ask the vet about it when you take them for regular dog wellness exams.
2. Excessive Chewing
Chewing is normal and a part of how dogs are wired. However, it can be problematic if it gets to the point where your dog is destroying your valuable possessions and causing a mess everywhere. When left neglected, excessive chewing can put them at risk of severe dental problems and accidentally swallowing foreign objects.
When this happens, you’ll have to take your pet to vet surgeons to attend to the problem. You may see the common pet surgical procedures at westsalemanimalclinic.com. This behavior can be easily solved by providing your pet with safe and appropriate dog chew toys and keeping your personal things away. If you see them chewing the wrong thing, distract them and immediately replace it with a chew toy.
3. Begging for Food
Begging for food is easier to prevent than cure and is an inevitable part of dog ownership. You can prevent this habit from worsening by putting your pet away in a crate or room with chew toys to occupy themselves during your family’s meal time. By only letting your dog out when you’re finished eating, you’re training them to restrain themselves from begging or getting food despite being able to smell it.
When you do this, you and your family may have to endure a few days of persistent barking until your pet gets fully trained, but it’ll be worth it after.
It’s worth noting, though, that when your pet starts being lethargic and losing appetite altogether, it could be a symptom of underlying health issues. It’s even worse if they suddenly become anxious and overly sensitive, as this could be a sign of serious health problems. Take them to an emergency vet Salem for immediate treatment and diagnosis of their condition.
4. Jumping Up
Jumping up is often a dog’s way of greeting its owners and looks cute for smaller dogs. However, they may also do the same to your visitors if this behavior is not corrected. Teaching them the sit and stay command can help stop jumping problems.
5. Stealing Food off Counters
Trainers usually call this behavior counter surfing. It’s a difficult habit to break since dogs think they’ll get huge rewards by eating everything they can steal from the table.
Here are the best ways to help eliminate it:
- Never leave food unattended.
- Use baby fences to keep your dog from going to the kitchen when you’re not around to supervise them.
- The command “leave it” can also be helpful when you catch them stealing snacks that aren’t for them.
Conclusion
Unwanted behaviors are common in pet dogs. Feeling frustrated when your pet exhibits undesirable behaviors is normal, but sulking around will never solve the problem. You can follow the steps mentioned above, but only your vet can help you better if your pet’s behaviors worsen despite your efforts. In some cases, the vet may recommend an experienced dog trainer to curb your pet’s unwanted behaviors that are beyond your control.
