Dealing with
Dog Behavioral Problems
When You've Had All You Can Take
Dog behavioral problems can quickly turn a happy home into a stressful chaotic environment.
Has your life been turned upside down since the dog arrived?
Is your dog driving your crazy?
Are you ready to throw in the towel and declare him a lost cause?
Wait…
There is hope!
The vast majority of dog behavioral problems arise because the dogs needs are not being met. Understanding what your dog needs and making sure those needs are met, could turn your home back into a peaceful haven and save your dog from ending up back at the shelter.
Exercise
Many dog behavioral problems are caused by lack of exercise. All dogs need exercise. Small dogs and large dogs all require some form of daily exercise. Opening the door to let the dog roam about the back yard is not exercising the dog. Take your dog on a long walk each day (preferably twice).
Walking your dog properly
is a wonderful way to exercise and bond with your dog and save the house from destruction. Play Frisbee or fetch with your dog. Take your dog on hikes with you. Teach your dog agility or fly ball. Involve your dog in the family activities whenver possible. A high energy dog can be a challenge to sufficiently exercise each day. But keep in mind, a tired dog is a happy and well behaved dog.
Leadership
Some dog behavioral problems are caused because the dog does not respect you or your home. The dog may be getting into trouble because he feels that he is the alpha dog in your home. Dogs are pack animals that like to follow a pack leader. You must be the pack leader if you hope to co-exist in the same house with your dog. Your dog needs a job and rules. He needs to know what is expected of him.
Teaching your dog basic obedience
will help to establish you as the leader. A dog that has been taught basic obedience is a dog with manners. Dogs love to please. When your dog knows what you expect and is able to follow your directions, he is a much happier dog who is much easier to live with.
You can easily teach your dog basic obedience in your home for free. However, if you have never done any dog training before and have a dog who is not cooperating with you, you may find it highly beneficial for both you and your dog to enroll in a group training class. Group training classes are much less expensive than private one on one training. They are a great way to socialize your dog and for you to meet other dog owners who may be having the same types of problems that you are. Your local shelter may offer group training classes. Your local pet store also may offer group training classes. If you are not sure of which class to sign up for, your veterinarian should be able to give you some referrals.
Boredom Many dogs get into trouble when they are left alone and become bored. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety. However many owners think the dog is suffering from separation anxiety when in fact, he hasn't gotten enough exercise and he's bored. Dogs need something to do. Some breeds of dogs must have a mental challenge. Luckily, manufactures are coming up with some terrific activity toys to entertain and mentally stimulate your dog when you are away. Products such as
Everlasting Fun Ball Large 4 Inch
Hide-A-Toy Squirrel
Kong Original Red Tuffy Large
Busy Buddy Bouncy Bone Large
are great options. Investing in a few puzzle type toys for your dog may prove to be the best money you’ve spent in some time.
Bring in the Professional
If dog behavioral problems persist after you have addressed all of the above, it may be time to hire a professional trainer that can offer you the personal help to address your dogs specific problems. Ask your veterinarian or your local shelter for a recommendation.
You may be able to get the help you need with one or two sessions or you may need ongoing help with ongoing expenses. Please don't give up on your dog until you have at least contacted a professional trainer in your area. Most of them will be happy to discuss your situation on the phone and provide you with a free or reduced cost consultation with you and your dog.
When All Else Fails
If you have tried all of the above and your dog continues to have behavioral problems that are creating chaos in your home and possibly problems in your neighborhood or community,
surrendering your dog
may be the best option. The dog that you brought home, may have been the wrong choice for your family and your lifestyle.
Just because the dog has behavioral problems in your home, does not mean that the dog is a "bad dog". The dog may be in need of more daily exercise than you are capable of providing. Maybe your family is too busy to spend quality time with the dog and he is acting up out of boredom and loneliness. Your local shelter will be able to assess the dogs needs and find him a family that is a better match.
Dog behavioral problems typically indicate that a dogs needs are not being met. Your dog is not happy. Many owners that keep a dog with behavioral problems, do so only to avoid the guilt of turning him in to the shelter. Instead of the dog being given a second chance at finding a family that can fulfill his needs, the dog typically ends up being further neglected. Owners that are frustrated with a dog, may ban the dog from the house and leave him to live a life alone outside in the yard. They may start to feel resentment and begin to take out their anger and frustration on the dog.
If you are unable to successfully address your dogs behavioral problems, the dog may not be the right fit for you. If you have done all that you can do but are still left with a dog that is turning your home into chaos, the best thing you can do for your dog may be to realize the mismatch and give him a second chance to find his perfect forever home.
If you do surrender your dog, please remember the lesson learned. If you bring home another dog in the future, do your homework on the breed and the dog so you are not in this position ever again.
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