Common Behavior Problems and Solutions |
Back |
The Importance of Prevention
The best way to avoid bad habits from developing is to manage your puppy’s environment so that he does
not have the opportunity to engage in problem behaviors such as chewing, digging, house soiling or running
away. The most important rule is supervision. Consistently monitoring your pup’s behavior will allow you to
reward him for desirable behaviors and redirect him if he starts to get into trouble! Crates and pet gates can
be used to confine puppies to safe areas when they cannot be closely supervised.Jumping to Greet
Dogs jump up to greet because they are excited and happy, and getting close to a person’s face and hands is an
attempt to engage in a friendly interaction. However, this is not always pleasant for humans. Teaching your
puppy to sit quietly for petting while he is greeting you and other people can prevent jumping up. Treats,
praise and petting are provided for sitting and are withheld for jumping up. Practice this with your puppy when
he is on lead so that you can positively reinforce “keeping four on the floor” with praise and treats. Although
it is difficult, never reinforce your dog for jumping up by petting him or speaking to him when he jumps up. |
Destructive Behaviors
Puppies naturally investigate with their mouths, and will chew any (and all) new and interesting objects! Keeping
this in mind, a golden rule of puppy-raising is that puppies are never left unsupervised. Provide a variety of
appropriate chew toys for your puppy and offer these to him frequently. If he does pick up something that is not his,
simply remove it from his mouth and redirect him to one of his own toys. Praise him quietly whenever he is chewing
on appropriate items. |
House-Soiling Problems
As with all problem behaviors in dogs, effective treatment of house soiling problems relies upon correctly
identifying its cause. The most common causes of house soiling in young dogs are incomplete house training,
excitable urination, and anxiety due to separation or fear.
|
|