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Dealing With the “Bad Dog” That Isn’t Really Bad

Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can enjoy. The bond between owner and pet grows over the course of years, and strengthens with time. Many owners consider their dogs a part of their own family. And those who remain single find a lasting companionship with their pooch that is irreplaceable.

That being said, canines can develop bad habits that drive their owners crazy. It’s worth noting that nearly all such issues can be resolved through desensitization training and positive reinforcement of acceptable behaviors. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of 4 common canine problems that can leave you growling in frustration.

Tip 1 – Digging

Your pooch might start digging for many reasons. Boredom can lead to trouble when he begins looking for ways to entertain himself. The bugs and roots he can uncover by digging up the soil provide him with entertainment. He might also dig if the weather is making him hot and he lacks shade. The uncovered dirt will cool and sooth him. And of course, he might dig in order to hide bones and other possessions.

Tip 2 – Soiling

Puppies will urinate and defecate in inappropriate places until they are properly housebroken. That is expected. However, older dogs will occasionally do the same, even after having been successfully housebroken in the past. Sometimes, it occurs as a result of feelings of anxiety. Other times, it’s to mark territory (acceptable when done outside). Still other times, adult canines do it as a submissive trait.

Tip 3 – Jumping

Jumping is often misconstrued by owners as an enthusiastic greeting from their dogs. In reality, it can also be an act of dominance.

When your dog was a little puppy, he likely jumped on siblings and mother until he learned from experience that doing so was no longer tolarated. If you adopt your dog a few weeks after he is born and fail to curb the behavior, it can become problematic. If you do not take steps to modify his behavior, he might gradually infer that his place in the pack (i.e. your household) is the same as your own. That makes curbing his jumping even more difficult.

Tip 4 – Excessive Barking

All dogs bark. Aside from whining or howling, it’s the only way they can audibly express their emotions to those surrounding them. However, if barking becomes excessive, it can turn into a problem – for you and your neighbors.

It’s important to understand the reasons your canine barks. He might do it to warn intruders away from his territory. He might do it to get your attention. He might also bark simply because he’s bored; barking gives him something to do. While it can be nerve-wracking, excessive barking can be resolved with training and patience.

The companionship you enjoy from your dog will last throughout his life. Even though he may develop behavioral issues that can drive you crazy, those behaviors can be modified with the right approach. And that keeps the friendship you share with one another alive.


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This entry was posted on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 2:53 pm and is filed under Dogs - General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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