Common Dog Behavior Problems to Watch For

Bad Dogs

If you've recently acquired a new puppy or even adopted a dog, you'll probably enter into a transition period with that dog. A little separation anxiety is normal, especially considering that you've essentially relocated the dog in a potentially permanent change of residence. But if after a while your dog continues to exhibit some odd behaviors that strike you as outside the normal realm of dog training issues, you might want to consult a professional. Here are some common behavioral problems in dogs to watch out for.

-Aggression.

This is probably the most serious problem to have, which is why it's being listed here. A little aggression, of course, is normal, but you should be able to expect a reasonable amount of control over your dog. If, however, your dog seems out of control and all of your attempts to contain its behavior seem to be in vain, then you might want to consult a dog trainer. This is especially true if your dog poses a danger to any members of your family or other humans it interacts with - don't let the situation get dangerous before you take your dog for help.

-Chewing.

Some dogs attempt to release anxiety by taking it out on your shoes, your clothes, and other easily-chewable items around the house that can create a mess. If your dog leaves a pile of shredded tissue on the floor on a regular basis, you'll want to address this problem quickly. Many times, a problem like chewing can be solved by giving the dog some established rules (for example, reward the dog with affection only when it's not chewing) and giving it plenty of regular exercise as an outlet for its anxiety. If problems persist, you'll want to consider a dog trainer to get to a deeper root to the problem.

-Refusing to confront fears.

In humans, this can also be a problem, but when it's present in dogs, it's very obvious. Some dogs are afraid to get into cars and others are afraid to enter certain parts of the house. In this instance, you'll want to try some progressive training that helps guide your dog into confronting its own fears - don't force the issue. Make sure that you address these problems by at least talking to a dog trainer for some possible solutions.

For many of these problems, knowing when a dog has crossed the line from nervousness into genuine anxiety or aggression is the real issue. Be sure that you don't let a dog's behavioral problems develop into habits, and make sure that you contact some professionals for further advice.

Photo Credits; Locutis

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