Our pets are part of the family, so it can be worrying when their behaviour is problematic. Issues can include aggression, excessive barking, separation anxiety, destructive chewing, inappropriate toileting in the home, reactivity to dogs or people or resource guarding behaviours, among others. Although these are not always big problems in the beginning, they can escalate and are very stressful for your pets and you as the owner.
It can feel quite lonely when you are going through this (everyone has that friend whose dog seems like an absolute angel all the time!) and can be hard to know what to do and where to find help.
Although this article is written primarily regarding dogs, cats are not immune to behavioural problems, and help for this is also available. The steps to follow are largely the same as described below!
Step one: Avoid putting your dog into situations where they will rehearse the behaviour
The more they do it, the more the behaviour is reinforced. There are many ways this can be done depending on the behavioural issue but it can mean:
- Not inviting non-family members into your home
- Keeping your dog separated from other pets or certain family members who trigger the behaviour
- Removing access to the items they tend to chew on
- Guiding them gently away from triggers, ending a stressful walk or not taking them for a walk at all where their reactivity to dogs, people or other animals is persistent
- Keeping curtains closed so they cannot see their triggers out the window
What you do will very much depend on what triggers the undesired behaviour in your pet. These are not forever, they are just to reduce rehearsing the behaviour while you seek additional help.
It is important to avoid punishment when your pet is carrying out the problem behaviour. It does not address the underlying issue and often makes the behaviour worse. They may also associate the punishment with a different aspect of their behaviour, making retraining difficult.
Step two: Rule out medical cause with a vet check
Before jumping to conclusions, make sure your pet is not in pain or unwell. Behavioural problems are sometimes linked to underlying medical conditions like arthritis, digestive issues, urinary infections, or vision loss. Even where these are not the direct cause, any unmanaged pain or discomfort will exacerbate problem behaviours. Your vet can conduct a physical examination, discuss your concerns, provide any additional testing or medication needed and then can refer you if needed for further treatment or to a clinical behaviourist.
Step three: Provide mental enrichment
While undertaking the first two steps, it is important to provide them with something to do. Boredom can be a contributor to certain behavioural issues, and walks are often not enough to address this, although they are a good place to start if your dog is not going on them already and they are not a trigger. Ideas for what to add to your pet’s day include:
- Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
- Training sessions that challenge their focus and teach them new skills
- Sniff walks – letting them linger over smells is enriching and calming
- Playtime with new toys and textures
- Scent training
Even 15 minutes of targeted engagement daily can work wonders.
Step four: Encourage sleep
Many pets, especially those who find life a bit too stimulating or have certain triggers, do not get enough sleep, which can compound problem behaviours. Creating a safe, calm space which is trigger free for them is really important, and making it a part of their routine that they sleep there throughout the day can really help.
Step five: Find a behaviourist
All of the previous steps mentioned are there to support this one: seeking help from a qualified animal behaviourist. They are trained to assess both psychological and environmental factors and will work with you to develop a tailored plan to address your concerns and help your pet. Look for professionals with accreditation from recognised bodies (e.g. ABTC, APBC, or CCAB in the UK). You’re not alone, many pet owners face these challenges, and qualified support can make a huge difference. Usually, they will offer their services in your home, or at a designated site they use for training – which of these will be more beneficial will be determined by the types of concerns you have about your pet.
We understand that having a dog with behavioural concerns can feel lonely, and very stressful. By following these steps you will be investing in a happy and healthy future for you and your dog.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you have a pet with behavioural issues and would like more advice.
