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Some Dog Behavioral
Problems
CHEWING - DIGGING
- EXCESSIVE BARKING
CHEWING
- Usually takes place when owners are not there.
- Puppies will chew when minor stresses (e.g. social
isolation , boredom, etc.) produce tension which tends to be released orally.
- Puppies will frequently chew anything in sight when
they are teething.
SOLUTION
- Provide nylon and hard rubber chew toys:
"Kong," "Bite-A-Bone," etc.
- Don't give personal belongings to the dog, such as old
shoes.
- Dog-proof the house by putting the chewable items out
of the animal's reach.
- Spray items the dog chews with the commercial product
called Bitter Apple.
- If you catch the animal chewing something try shaking
an empty soda that has been taped closed and has a few pennies inside. The loud noise
frequently will startle and distract the dog so that you can introduce a more appropriate
behavior.
- Use a plant spray bottle or squirt gun filled with
plain water on the animal when you catch it in the act of chewing. Do not squirt in the
animal's eyes.
- Try putting your dog in a crate when you are gone. Do
not crate the dog for more than four hours at a time. Call for more details.
DIGGING
- Prevalent in Northern breeds especially. They try to
cool themselves by lying in the holes they dig.
- Most problem digging is the result of boredom or lack
of exercise.
SOLUTION
- Fill holes the dog digs with large rocks and/or water.
This frequently discourages the animal from digging in that area again.
- Build a digging area or dog run and encourage the dog
to dig only there.
- Provide plenty of exercise and attention for the dog.
- Sprinkle a mixture of hot spices in the dirt where the
dog digs. This make the animal sneeze.
EXCESSIVE BARKING
- Defending territory.
- Boredom.
- Wants attention.
- Wants to be with other members of the family.
- Wants to come inside.
- Some stimulus other than people, animals, etc.
- In some breeds, barking is more prevalent than others.
SOLUTION
- Gradually teach the animal to be left alone: Put the
animal in another room when you are home alone with him/her. Initially leave the dog in
the other room for just a few minutes. Let the dog out for a short time, then back in the
other room for another few minutes. Each time extend the time the animal is alone in the
other room. Next start going out of the house for short periods of time. Start with one
minute, and vary the routine. If the dog starts barking, go to the animal and discipline
him or her through the door. When the dog quiets down, let him or her out. Never let the
dog out while barking. The animal has to be quiet, even if only for a few seconds.
- Put a peep hole in the fence so the dog can look out
and see what is going on in the outside world.
- Leave the radio or TV on while you are away.
- Get another dog for company.
- Sneak and Peek - Pretend you are leaving the house. Do
all the rituals of getting your coat, purse, car key, etc., then drive away a few blocks
and park the car. Sneak back into the house and wait. The purpose of this is to try to
catch the dog in the act of barking so you can discipline him or her.
- For disciplining techniques, you can try using an old
can that has been sealed with a few rocks or pennies inside. Shake it when the dog barks.
You can also try squirting the dog with a squirt gun, but never in the eyes.
- Try toys that keep the dog occupied, such as toys that
distribute random morsels of food.
- You must make an effort to catch the dog barking,
which is often difficult since dogs frequently bark excessively when the owner is not
home.
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