Dog Behavior Problems
If you are experiencing dog behavioral problems, you are not alone. A significant number of dog owners experience some form of behavioral issues. At Species K9 we define a behavioral issue as any behavior that is problematic to the owner. Meaning, that one owner has a dog that jumps on them when they get home each day causing scratching and bruising, and they wish the dog would not do that. Another owner is greeted in the same manner but then engages in play with the dog and enjoys this kind of relationship with the dog. The same behavior from the dogs, with different responses from the owners.
What are common Dog Behavior Problems Issues?
- Jumping
- Nipping
- Barking
- Aggression (more on this later)
- Digging
- Counter surfing
All these behaviors are rooted in nature and can be observed in wild canines. A researcher by the name of David Mech studied wolves in the wild and published a ground-breaking paper entitled Alpha Status, Dominance, and Division of Labor in Wolf Packs. There we gained a lot of details about pack structure and behaviors. All of these are seen in our four-legged companion. When breaking down a behavior we want to look at the original intent of the is. This allows us as trainers and owners to better understand how to address these behaviors correctly.
Much of the time when a dog is expressing an unwanted behavior(s) they are self-advocating. Meaning an internal drive is not being met therefore they are trying to meet that need by doing a behavior that is unacceptable to the owner. By understanding what original intent of that behavior, we can then address the root cause that prevents the dog from self-advocating. We first start by tracking the day and time when the behaviors happen, so we can intervene on behalf of the dog before the behavior occurs. This teaches the dog that their needs and internal drivers will be met, and it no longer has to self-advocate.
Through obedience, we can then control the dog under a wide variety of situations. During obedience training, the dog bonds with the owner and strengthens that level of trust. We are now “speaking” to the dog in a way they understand as if they were in a wild pack of canines.
For more information on the types of aggression please click here. If you are ready to start training and have the dog you have always wanted please contact us today.