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Is your dog the perfect pet…

…or a perfect nightmare?

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Before you blame the dog, it might interest you to know that most dogs behave the way they do because of their owners.

However, most owners don’t know what they’re doingwrong and can’t correct their own bad behaviors.

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The following is a brief overview of common caninebehavioral problems, their likely human causes, and thebest solutions. Wake up and get to studying!

A Behavioral Guide for Dog Owners

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Below is a list of common dog behavioral problems.

Click for more information.Barking

OverexcitementDiggingAnxiety

Aggression

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Your dog is barking again and you just can’t seem to figure out why. Did the neighbor’s cat get into your yard again? Is there a fire truck going by somewhere? What on Earth has gotten into your dog?

Barking – Context

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Barking - Causes

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Simply put, barking is your dog’s way of talking to you.What they want varies, but it’s clear that they wantyour attention for something that is very importantto them.

Barking - Solutions

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Reward your dog for good barking, like when they’reAlerting you of an intruder (someone at the door).If they’re barking at an unwanted time, try to figureout what they want. If nothing is apparent, divert theirattention with a toy, but only give it to them oncethey’re quiet.

Someone has come home – you or a family member, acquaintance – and the dog, as usual, goes nuts. It barks, pants, runs, wags its tail, and jumps up on whoever just walked in.

Overexcitement - Context

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The dog’s reaction begins naturally – alert to the newcomer. An excited, positive reaction is only intensified by greeting the dog with smiling, high-pitched voices, and praise.

Overexcitement - Causes

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Do NOT reward your dog with attention and praise until they calm down, and be sure to tell your guests to do the same. Do not pet the dog, speak to it, or make eye contact until it is calm. Then reward it with praise.

Overexcitement - Solutions

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Your dog has dug another giant hole in your yard. Some of these holes have even been dug partway underneath your house’s foundation. Not only does it ruin your lawn, but it poses a serious risk to the dog if they get stuck.

Digging - Context

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Digging is a common outlet for a dog’s frustration and pent-up energy. They often dig up things that they enjoy smelling, which is only an added perk.

Digging - Causes

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Take your dog for long walks or give it other viable forms of exercise. If you have a second dog, let them play together safely to release energy. This will most likely translate into reduced habitual digging.

Digging - Solutions

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You come home from a multi-hour absence to find your home completely demolished. Your dog has escaped its crate and torn up nearly everything, but is very happy to see you come home.

Anxiety - Context

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Separation anxiety is a chronic problem with many dogs and may stem back to abandonment issues with their previous owners or residences. Whatever the cause, they are afraid of being abandoned when you leave.

Anxiety - Causes

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Train them by leaving them for smaller increments of time (30 seconds at first, then increasingly longer) until they are more comfortable with you leaving. Leave an old piece of clothing with your smell on it, for comfort.

Anxiety - Solutions

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Your dog snarls, bares its teeth, or even snaps at someone – be it you, a family member, or another pet. It has become hostile for no apparent reason and seems willing to bite someone.

Aggression - Context

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Aggression could be caused by several things – most often, fear or territorialism. The dog could be asserting its dominance, or it could be afraid for its own safety.

Aggression - Causes

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Aggression should never be taken lightly. If your dog bites someone, it could be forcibly taken from you and put to sleep.

Consult a professional dog trainer for a thorough assessment of the causes and solutions for your dog’s behavior. Note: Visiting a website does NOT count as a professional consult.

Aggression - Solutions

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Below are further resources for dog behavior information.

Cesar’s Way – The website of Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, with helpful articles on several dog behavior topics.

Sheppard Software – An educational website with a page

that details explanations for several dog behaviors.

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Problems Barking

Context -> Causes -> Solutions

Overexcitement Context -> Causes -> Solutions

Digging Context -> Causes -> Solutions

Anxiety Context -> Causes -> Solutions

Aggression Context -> Causes -> Solutions

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