“Why does my dog misbehave?” is the most common question dog trainers are asked. Think about it – is your dog really misbehaving, or is he doing what he thinks is the right thing? The main reason why dogs “misbehave” is because they have been forced into behaving in that way because humans have failed to train and stimulate them sufficiently.
It’s important, however, before embarking on a retraining program, that you get your dog checked out by a vet to establish that there is no physical reason for the problem behavior.
Here are five of the ten of the most common dog misbehavior problems compiled by About.com.Dogs.
1. Excessive Barking
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These are the most common types of barking:Warning or AlertPlayfulness/ExcitementAttention-seekingAnxietyBoredomResponding to Other Dogs
2. Digging
Most dogs dig for these reasons:Boredom or Excess EnergyAnxiety or FearHunting InstinctComfort-Seeking (such as nesting or cooling off)Hiding Possessions (like bones or toys)To Escape or Gain Access
3. Biting
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The motivation to bite or snap typically comes from the following:Fear or DefensivenessProtection of PropertyPain or SicknessDominance AssertionPredatory Instinct
4. Begging
- image sourceBegging is a bad habit, but many dog owners unfortunately encourage it. This can lead to digestive problems and obesity. [...] When you teach your dog that begging is permitted, you jeopardize your role as pack leader.
5. Aggression
- image sourceDog aggression is exhibited by growling, snarling, showing teeth, lunging and biting. It is important to know that any dog has the potential to become aggressive, regardless of breed or history. However, dogs with violent or abusive histories and those bred from dogs with aggressive tendencies are much more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs. Reasons for aggression are basically the same as the reasons a dog will bite or snap, but overall canine aggression is a much more serious problem.There is often no quick-fix solution where some behavioral difficulties are concerned, such as aggression, chasing other animals and problems with car travel, so you have to be prepared for a prolonged and sustained program of retraining, as well as enlisting the professional help of a dog trainer.
