Overcoming Bad Habits
In many cases, even the most obedient dog can develop unwanted habits like noisy barking, biting, demanding attention and so on. Bad habits usually derive from frustration, primarily due to lack of love and exercise. If your dogs develop bad habits, it is necessary to find how these bad habits have developed and then try to eradicate it personally or by a professional if it gets dangerous and unruly.
Any problem cited in the dog can be improved if the bonding between you and your dog is good, if your dog’s essential needs are fulfilled and if your dog’s training is carried out correctly. In order to teach your dog’s good manners, you must show them what you want and reward it by praising it, stroking it or treating it with food. You should never resort to punishment in order to correct bad behavior as it will only worsen the situation by breaking the bond between you and your dog.
More importantly, adequate socialization is a very essential part of overcoming bad habits in your dog. You should take your dog out frequently so that it would not be frightened to encounter new situations, meet strangers as well as other animals including other dogs.
The following are the causes behind and the solutions to the common bad habits dogs develop during their lifespan:-
Pulling the lead
Pulling the lead, a common problem faced by majority of dog owners, is caused by boredom or excitement or it may simply be manifestation of dominant behavior. It is important to understand and assess why your dog is pulling the lead. One possible solution to this problem is a process which needs to be repeated frequently till the dog gets used to it. Walk with your dog on either side, holding the lead in both hands. When the dog pulls on the lead, slide one of your hand down the lead and pull it firmly until your dogs is in the correct heel position. Command it to sit. Start to walk again. Repeat the procedure each time your dog pulls forward. Once the dog walks without pulling, reward it with a food treat.
There are various remedies even if your dog is not trained. When your dogs pulls on the lead, use an element of surprise: turn immediately in the opposite direction. Praise your dog when it follows you. Another possible solution is by using no hand resistance. Keeping the lead attached to the collar, loop it around your waist. Hold the lead lightly, and keep the dog in the heel position using food, a toy or verbal commands as incentive.If your dog chews on the lead, spray bitter-tasting, non-toxic liquid on the lead. Your dog is disciplined by the unpleasant taste.
Refusing to come
Refusing to come is also a very common problem. If the cause behind the dog’s refusal is reluctance to obey your command, then your dog requires retraining. Other reasons for your god’s improper behavior may be because there is lack of bonding between you and your dog; your dog might be bored or distracted by sexual opportunities; or your dog may have excess energy or desire to play with other dogs. Refusal to come also shows sign of fearfulness in your dog. Otherwise, the dog may be demonstrating dominant behavior.
Chasing vehicles
Chasing is considered to be normal canine behavior. However the desire varies amongst the breeds. For instance, sight hounds are natural chasers whereas scent hounds like bloodhounds and gundogs are less likely to chase. Since chasing is self-rewarding, most dogs do it for fun. But many times, a dog is also trying to chase things away. Though dogs derive satisfaction from chasing, it can turn out to be extremely dangerous. In such cases, if dogs chase vehicles for fun, their enjoyment needs to be channeled into acceptable games like giving it toys to keep it occupied. However, if the reason is fear, the dog needs to learn that those things are not dangerous. An instant solution is to ask a friend to cycle or drive past a dog and as the dog begins to chase the vehicle, ask your friend to halt suddenly and squirt water pistol and say “No”.
Chasing animal
Chasing other animals results from improper socialization as due to lack of contact with other animals, the dog perceives another animal as potential prey. One possible way of dealing with this problem is by training the dog chase a safe object. Professional help is also recommended in this case.
Aggression towards dog
The sight of one dog growling at an unknown dog is a common. Dogs are prone to aggression between equals. Aggression is majorly directed towards same sex, especially in males and frequents in some breeds. This problem simple occurs due to lack of early and continuing socialization with other dogs.
Aggression toward people
Though most dogs are satisfied to be subordinate members of their pack, some consider themselves to be the leader. This is when aggression toward people occurs. In such cases, it necessary to show the dog that you are dominant. To do so, you must be firm like commanding the dog to get “off” when it gets on furniture. Additionally, withdrawal of affection and rewarding the dog only after it complies to sit reinforces your control. Another way to emphasize on your control is to make sure that you are the first one to eat since pack leader always eats first. Do not give it food between meals.
Other than trying to show dominance, nervousness is can also be the reason behind your dog’s aggression. For a fact, sensitive dogs are like to display brutality than dangerous looking ones. In order to prevent insecurities in your dogs, it is very crucial to socialize your dog well from an early age so that it is comfortable in the presence of new people. Additionally, make sure that you do not punish your dog as, if you do so, it will view as untrustworthy and can resort to violence even during normal interaction.
Rivalry between dogs
Jealousy and rivalry are the two most common emotions that occur in dogs of the same sex, size, age and temperament. Dogs usually fight over bones, sleeping areas or their owner’s attention. Sibling rivalry is very common and there are many ways to tackle this problem. Siblings usually fight over bones. It is very helpful if the dogs are given bones in different rooms. It does not really matter even if you are giving equal amount to both dogs; one dog will always want another’s bone. Sibling rivalry can also be reduced by feeding your dogs in the same room, but you got to make sure they are facing opposite direction. Both the dogs will learn that they will be rewarded for not squabbling. Remember to put the dominant dog’s bowl first. If your dogs have similar personalities, command then to sit and reward them at the same time. They will learn to be obedient in each other’s presence. However, if there is any indication that one dog is more dominant, it is sensible to greet the dominant one first as this will reduce the dominant dog’s need to be dominant.
Although most dogs enjoy the introduction of a new dog into the house, initially there may be some feeling of jealousy. When you bring a new dog home, make sure to give the resident dog more attention in the presence of the new arrival as it will soon associate the puppy with pleasurable activities. Another solution is when the new puppy is absent, ignore the older dog. It will associate the presence of the puppy with increased attention from you.
Fear biting
Perhaps one of the most dangerous problems, anxiety and inadequate socialization causes dog to resort to violence. Biting is also genetic in some breeds such as German Shepard. Professional help is recommended in such case. To solve this problem, it is necessary to know the reason behind your dog’s aggression. If the reason is insecurity, then it is important to socialize your dog again to the entire family in order to help it overcome its apprehension. If your dog is trying to show its dominance then it is essential to remind it that you are the one in control. An entire process of training should be done in order to control your dog.
Car travel problem
Car travelling excites many dogs as they anticipate walking or meeting new dogs in their trip. However, travelling is not always welcomed by dogs because the constant uncontrollable motion may cause nausea. To prevent car sickness, avoid feeding your dog before and travelling. It is also advisable that you protect your car with newspaper. In order to make your dog accustomed to travelling in cars, take short frequent trips.
Some dogs bark excessively when they travel, primarily to get attention. Someone should always sit with the dog and command it to be “quiet” when it starts barking. If the barking becomes notorious, muzzling your dog is recommended. Dogs may also dig on or chew the interiors of the car. A simple remedy to this is to spray non-toxic, bitter tasting substance on the interiors of your car or to provide the dog with a toy to chew on.
Dog owners should always keep in mind not to leave their dogs unattended in car during warm season as dogs have poor control over their body temperature and overheating may cause fatal heart stroke. In case you are taking a long trip, allow the dog to drink and relieve itself every few hours.
Boredom
If you come home to scenes of canine, it means that your dog has not received stimulation of mind and body. Howling, digging, destroying, jumping and rhythmically pacing back and forth are signs of anxiety. The only way to prevent problems associated to boredom is by fulfilling your dog’s mental and physical needs. Howling for attention, digging to escape, rhythmic jumping and anxious destruction are all signs of separation anxiety. While dogs dig to let out their frustration, they howl in order to derive attention because they are frustrated. It can be hazardous to the dog’s mental condition if it is left alone for a long period of time. When you leave the dog alone at home, leave back a toy it is obsessed with. Additionally, rub the toy with your hand, leaving behind your scent so that your dog will feel more secure in your absence. Always remember to leave silently. You can leave the radio or TV on so that the dog hears familiar sounds and does not feel lonely.
Anxious destruction
Most of you must have encountered a situation where your dog has chewed away your new shoes, or made holes on your shirt or has destroyed your brand new furniture. Bad habits such as howling, digging and destroying are signs of anxiety and boredom. It may also be that your dog is under exercised. In such cases, it is important to understand the dog’s mental and physical needs as dogs are social animals and require stimulation of their senses, minds and bodies. An easy way to prevent your dog from chewing away on your valuable items, it is best that you give it a toy it can regularly chew on.
Jumping up
Homecoming, picking up on the dog’s lead and arrival of a visitor usually makes a jump. When dogs jump on you, it is usually to show its affection for you and to get closer to your face. In other case, it jumps to display its dominance. Usually, under exercised dogs are boisterous and difficult. Therefore, you should ensure that your dog gets frequent exercise. Jumping up is self-rewarding which is why it is necessary to discourage it in your dog. When your dog jumps on you the next time, hold its collar and command it to sit. When it sits, crouch down and give it undivided attention. This will control the problem if done repeatedly. Ignoring is another option but it will only work if you turn your back on him and avoid any type of interaction until it settles down. Keep in mind not to raise your voice or wave your arms as it will only stimulate the dog.
Excessive barking
Barking is a normal canine behavior since a dog barks instinctively when it hears unexpected noises. However, barking becomes a serious problem if it happens for a prolonged period of time. Breeds like terriers, poodles and Lhasa Apsos become chronically excessive barkers if they are not controlled. If your dog has become a compulsive barker, shouting at it while it is barking is not an easy solution as it will only think that you have joined in. Instead, squirt a non-toxic, non-irritating, unpleasant tasting substance into its mouth when it is barking. It is also helpful to cause a distraction for a dog to make it stop barking immediately. For those with trained dogs, practice the “quiet” command with your dog. Hold your dog by the scruff of the neck, obtain direct eye contact and give it a quick, firm shake. Then say “quiet”.
Dogs may also bark extremely to get attention. Instead of encouraging it by responding immediately, stay aloof for a while. Don’t look at your dog, touch it or speak to it until it settles down.
Demanding attention
If you have a close bond with your dog, any activity which shifts your attention away from it will make it insecure. This is when your dog will try hard to get your attention any way it can. For example, they can become hysterical if not picked up. If your dog persistently jumps up, scratches you or demands your attention any other way, leave the room as your sudden departure will force it to settle down. Return after 1-2 minutes and command it to sit. Reward it for its good behavior if it complies.
Another possible long-term solution is to give your dog regular ‘time-outs’. By time-out it means to spend at least half an hour with your dog daily in the same room without looking at it or talking to it or speaking to it.
In general, it is important to be a good pack leader. Make sure you do not respond to all your dog’s needs and start and end any social interaction you have with your dog as you please.
Stealing food
It is instinctive for dogs to look for food and in doing so we often find dogs feeding on rubbish form our bin. Though humans perceive waste in the bin as rubbish, dogs find it delightful and rewarding. Therefore, it is important to keep your dog at a distance from the bin at its own will. An easy way to tackles this problem is to spray non-toxic, bitter-tasting substance on your bin. This will cause unpleasant experience for your dog the next time it goes to the bin and it will keep its distance if encountered with the same situation repeatedly. If your dog is trained, the next time you find your dog scavenging through the rubbish, command it to leave and put the lid firmly on the bin while it is watching.
Begging
Dogs can cause great nuisance by begging for food while you are eating. If you are giving an occasional treat, you are actually aggravating the problem. The next time your dog disturbs you at the dinner table, command it to sit. Then, prepare its food way from where you eat. Make sure you eat first even after preparing your dog’s food as a pack leader always eats first and you need to show your power to the dog too. After you finish eating, put the food on the floor keeping your dog in the sit position and release it.
Only feeding on specific food
“My dog doesn’t eat anything but meat!”, “My dog just feeds on milk”, “My dog doesn’t have dog food for dinner after having rice and meat for lunch.” These are the common woes of dog owners. However, many of us do not understand the nature of dogs eating habits. Like changing taste is not an easy task for us human beings, it is equally challenging for dogs as well. Hence, you cannot expect a dog who is feeding on meat for all its life to start eating dal-bhaat overnight. Though your dog’s palatability cannot be completely changed, it is possible to some extent. In order to change your dogs taste, you need to carry out a 7-day procedure. On the first day, give your dog 90% of what it has been eating adding 10% of what you want it to eat. Slowly increase the proportion of what you want your dog to eat while reducing the proportion of what it used to eat. On the fourth day, the proportion of both the food should be equal i.e. 50-50. By the seventh day, give 100% of the new food.
Vet’s visit problem
Most of the dogs give immense trouble to their owners while visiting the vet. The whole experience of going to a new place, meeting other dogs; being put on table and handled by a stranger can be overwhelming for the dog. If you are facing this problem then this signals that your dog has not received adequate socialization. You should ensure that your dog is used to getting into new situation and meeting new dogs so that it would not become apprehensive next time it needs to go out.
House training
Nest animals are instinctively clean and will always go out of their nest in case they need to go to toilet as soon as they are able. If your dog keeps eliminating inside house, it is necessary to teach your puppy that the whole house is its nest and that the garden is its toilet. To prevent your dog from eliminating indoor, take the dog out:
- First thing in the morning
- After it has eaten
- After it wakes up from its naps
- After it plays or receives some type of exercise
- After it encounters any excitement
Make sure to take your dog out every few hours. It is not sufficient that your puppy goes out alone. Go with it and stay with it till it is done. Praise it enthusiastically after it eliminates.
Problems with sex
Dogs can cause great nuisance by their excessive canine sexual behavior although it is perfectly natural. This problem is more common in male then in females. Though neutering is the easiest way to tackle the problem in case for males, simple sexual activity can be controlled through careful training.
Your dog may choose you as the sexual substitute if it does not get the chance to mount on female dog since bitches do not allow males to mount them unless they are in season. Though this behavior, which starts before puppy reaches puberty, is harmless, it is extremely annoying. Since it becomes difficult to control in adulthood, such behavior should be strictly controlled from early on. The next time your dog tries to mount on you, say “no” and leave it in isolation for a short period. After ignoring it for a few minutes, return and reward it. Isolate your dog if it tries to mount on your visitors too. Your dog mounting on you or anyone else also means that your dog is under exercised. Ensure that your dog receives regular stimulation.
When you do not allow your dog to mount on you, it may attempt to mount on furry toys, cushion or rugs which can damage your articles. Next time you find your dog thrusting on a rug, command it to get off and squirt it with water pistol. This will distract it.
Nervousness
Dogs can develop fear of loud noises, moving objects and hands. Though nervous behavior is common in small breeds, it can develop in all kinds of dogs for various reasons.
Many dogs are terrified by loud noises like that of fireworks and try to hide. It is up to the dog owner to distract the dog and make the dog feel comfortable in the presence of the noise. One practical way to tackle this problem is by making the sound familiar. Under controlled circumstances, play a recorded version of the sound your dog is most afraid of. Play quietly at first but increase the intensity as days pass by. Always reward your dog if it does not react nervously to the sound.