Jumping on shoes, barking at the doorbell, and counter surfing are just a few of the problematic behaviours that dog owners have to contend with,. As human beings, we do have our own bad habits, and dogs, being exceptional members of our families, are not immune either. Therefore, let’s cut them some slack. It’s worth noting that, just like humans, dogs tend to repeat habits they find rewarding. However, we can break this cycle by rewarding them even more so that they don’t repeat it. In this article, we help you tackle 5 bad dog habits and how to break them. Indulge.
5 Bad Dog Habits and How To Break Them
Inappropriate/Destructive Chewing
Chewing, especially in puppies, isn’t a bad thing. Chewing releases pent-up energy and helps in shaping their gums and teeth. The only downside to this is that dogs chew indiscriminately and inappropriately, destroying anything in their path.
Don’t get me wrong. You’d lose your marbles if you got a dog that didn’t exhibit any chewing at all. Right? It’s totally normal or natural for dogs to chew. However, it’s essential that you teach your dog what’s appropriate for chewing and what’s not.
Punishing your dog for inappropriate chewing doesn’t help either. You’ll end up lowering your dog’s self-esteem by making it cringe or cower every now and then. Upholding positive reinforcement during such instances is vital.
Rather than punishing your dog for chewing up the calendar or shoes, train them on what’s chewable and what’s not. You will need to stock up on chewable toys and reward them every time they chew on them.
Further, explore other options such as mental stimulation and exercise if inappropriate chewing continues in older dogs.
Begging
As unbelievable as this may sound, table manners should also trickle down to our dogs. It’s no longer an isolated case where dogs slather their mouths at the family dinner table, longing for a piece of the action—an embarrassing situation, particularly if guests are involved. Don’t think that you’ll get off the hook that easily. It only shows that you condoned or reinforced such behaviour in the past.
In extreme cases, dogs can literally bring down the party by taking off with the tablecloth. And yes! We know that those puppy-dog eyes make you all mushy on the inside. They are just hard to resist, but don’t get sucked in.
To curb such behavior, you’ll need to be firm and discourage feeding at the dinner table. With time, your dog will learn that it always won’t get its way with begging, thereby stopping such tendencies.
Further, you could train your dog to always stay in its bed during meal times. Better yet, plan their meals around yours so that they eat away in their bowls as you enjoy your plate.
As we dissect the 5 bad dog habits and how to break them, let’s shake things up with some dog facts.
Did You Know…
A guy with a dog is 3x likely to get a girl’s phone number. Guys, now that you know, use it to the max.
That a dog’s nose print is unique, the same as to human fingerprints
Just like humans, dogs have dreams and dream about doing dog things…Hmmm!…Interesting! Maybe like chasing burglars? We’d love to know whether your Doberman sleepwalks!
Digging
It’s perfectly normal or natural for dogs to dig. However, to understand why your dog destroys your lawn, get to know the reasons behind such tendencies. Dogs dig for several reasons. They may want to look for a perfect cooling spot, a place to warm up during the cold, escape from boredom by simply looking for a spot to hide their stash, or maybe they just tracked the scent of a squirrel. Whatever the reasons may be, it pays first to understand the reasons behind
Offering a comfortable cooling space and a mat would definitely aid your dog in cooling off. Further, alternative activities during playtime or extended walks can reduce your dog’s boredom levels by aiding it in using up excess energy.
If your dog simply loves to dig, go ahead and create a special zone in your yard where such behaviour can be tolerated. In the absence of such, create a sandbox and cordon it off from other lawn areas.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs always get upset when their owners leave. The current pandemic is just about to create havoc as different countries and states strive to return to normalcy. I can tell you for a fact that dogs loved the lockdown period and took advantage of it. Many dogs got to know their bosses during the work-from-home period.
As we gear up to head back to work, separation anxiety is sure to kick in. A lot of them aren’t ready to accept the fact that they’re going back to the lonely path.
Teach your dogs that you’ll always come back. It’s advisable to start early for the unlucky ones who have to physically appear at their workstations. For starters, leave them alone for 5–10 minutes, staying away a bit longer each time.
An added tip is to incorporate a chew toy or leave the radio or TV on. It will significantly reduce anxiety levels. Lastly, always act calmly while heading out or coming in so that they understand that being alone is okay.
Aggression
Any dog can exhibit aggression tendencies, and this only means that they are scared or nervous. And that’s where the professionals come in. Enlist the services of a professional dog trainer so that your dog learns how to rely on you and interact healthily.
Note that guard dogs exhibiting aggressive tendencies shouldn’t be left alone with unfamiliar adults and kids. Further, you can always use the muzzle as a deterrent in such cases to reinforce calmness.
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Final Word
Dogs are wonderful pets and pleasant to be around. However, as much as they are pleasant, they have their shortfalls. The guide, “5 bad dog habits and how to break them,” serves as an essential blueprint for both experienced and first-time dog owners. If you experience any weird tendencies, check in with your vet to understand such behaviour and alleviate any fears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for “Bad Dog Habits and How To Break Them”
How long does it take to break a dog’s bad habit?
The time it takes to break a bad habit varies depending on the dog’s age, the habit’s severity, and the consistency of training. While some behaviors can be corrected in a few weeks, others might take months of consistent effort.
Can old dogs be trained out of their bad habits?
Yes, old dogs can learn new behaviors or unlearn bad habits. It might take a bit longer compared to puppies due to ingrained behaviors, but with patience and consistent training, improvement is achievable.
Should I use punishment-based techniques?
Punishment-based techniques are generally discouraged as they can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Positive reinforcement, where good behavior is rewarded, is considered more effective and builds a better bond between the dog and owner.
When should I consider seeking professional assistance?
If you’ve tried consistent training and positive reinforcement without seeing improvement, or if the bad habit poses a danger to the dog or others, it might be time to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
Why does my dog revert to bad habits even after training?
Reversion can happen if the training isn’t consistent, if the dog is exposed to stressful situations, or if underlying causes like health issues aren’t addressed. Regular training refreshers and monitoring for stressors can help maintain good behaviors.
Are some breeds more prone to certain bad habits?
While individual temperament plays a significant role, some breeds may have natural tendencies towards specific behaviors due to their history and genetics. However, with proper training and understanding, these tendencies can be managed.
How can I identify if a bad habit is due to a medical issue?
Any sudden change in behavior should be a cue to consult a veterinarian. Symptoms like excessive licking, sudden aggression, or drastic changes in appetite accompanied by bad habits can indicate underlying medical problems.
Is using a crate an effective method to break bad habits?
Crates can be useful tools for certain training scenarios, but they shouldn’t be used as punishment. When used correctly, crates can provide a safe space for dogs, but it’s essential to ensure the dog associates the crate with positive experiences.
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