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DOG BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish my dog would stop doing *fill in the blank* "? If you have, you're in the right section! Below is a list of common dog behaviours and what they might look like; please note that your dog may not fit neatly into any of these categories, and that's okay! We always conduct individual assessments and alter our training plans so that they are the most effective for you, your dog, and the situation. For that reason, you must call or email us to book a consultation.

 

Below, you'll find common behaviour problems you might want to seek our help for. This list is not exhaustive (you might not see your dog's behaviour on the list). This list is only intended to provide you with some sample problems that we can help you with: a consultation is ALWAYS required before any advice can be provided.

Dog pulling on leash

Leash Problems

  • Leash pulling

  • Running around or "going crazy" on the leash

  • Barking at people, dogs or items

  • Car chasing

  • Biting the leash

  • Refusing to move

Image by Akshay Madan

Excessive Vocalization

  • Barking

  • Howling

  • Whining or crying

  • Growling

  • Yipping

Image by JESHOOTS.COM

Voiding Issues

  • Peeing or pooping on the carpet/floor (indoors)

  • Marking furniture or other inappropriate items

  • Asking to go outside excessively (e.g., barking at the door non-stop)

  • Wetting their bed or crate

Dog with Leash

Separation Anxiety

  • Excessive barking or whining

  • Digging

  • Self-mutilation

  • Voiding

  • Destroying things (e.g., chewing pillows)

  • Can't be separated from you

  • Extravagant greetings when you come home

Mess in the kitchen_edited.jpg

Destructive Behaviours

  • Digging up lawn

  • Shredding or chewing inappropriate items (e.g., socks, the couch, trash)

  • Self-mutilation

Dog lying in the withered grass

Doesn't Listen

  • Ignores you

  • Looks at you but does nothing (e.g., you say "come" and the dog keeps walking away or just stares at you)

  • Barks or "complains" when you ask them to do something

Dog with Lampshade

Fear

  • Barking or whining

  • Running away or hiding

  • Leash pulling

  • "Going crazy"

  • Growling, biting, or any aggressive behaviour

  • Drooling, panting, tail between legs

Bulldog Scratching

Self-Mutilation

  • Excessively licking, biting or chewing themselves

  • Digging so much they rip open their paw pads

  • Scratching themselves

  • Ripping out their own fur

Doggie Jump

Jumping

  • Jumping up on people when they enter the house

  • Knocking people over during play

  • Jumping to grab food or toys out of your hands

  • Counter-surfing

Image by 2Photo Pots

Attention Seeking

  • Stealing inappropriate items like socks (the "keep-away"game)

  • Vocalizing

  • Being destructive

  • Poking or pawing at you

  • Jumping on you

Barking Dog

Aggression

  • Biting, snapping or nipping

  • Barking, growling or snarling

  • Baring teeth

  • Lunging

  • Predatory behaviours

  • Guarding people, places, toys or food

Dog Wash

Other Issues

  • ​Begging at table

  • Crate training problems

  • Dog wasn't socialized at all or was poorly socialized

  • Not "getting along" with other animals (e.g., chasing cats, fighting with other dogs)

  • Can't groom them (e.g., brush, bathe, or clip nails)

  • Many, many, more...

Book your consultation.

SOCIALIZATION

A lot of behavioural problems stem from improper socialization or aversive exposure to the environment. If the dog (or cat) does not interact with enough animals or people in a reinforcing, positive way, this can cause many issues down the road. Bad experiences (e.g., abuse) can also condition animals that social experiences are bad or punishing; while these problems might take longer to resolve and require rehabilitation (counter-conditioning), we would love to help your dog.

 

Critical socialization periods occur when the dog is still a puppy. It's important that fear and aggression are handled properly, especially during these puppy stages. If you have a puppy, it is highly recommended that you enroll them in puppy school as it provides many socialization opportunities and educates pet parents on how to train their dog and how to react in different situations (e.g., your puppy gets scared or starts growling). 

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Regardless of whether you have a puppy or have an adult dog that needs socialization, please contact us. We always assess the situation and create training plans specifically for you and your dog.

Socialization
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