Guide to Behavior Problems in Puppies

Territorial Aggression Toward People. Typically, territorial aggression is expressed toward another member of the same species. But, territorial aggression by dogs can also be directed toward human beings. This is probably because dogs regard us as fellow pack members, as well as friends and providers. A dog's territory generally includes the house and yard, surrounding streets, and the owners' car.

Territorial Aggression Toward Dogs. When dogs exhibit excessive territorial behavior toward other dogs on their home turf, but do not respond aggressively to them on neutral territory, territorial aggression is the likely diagnosis. There are two different motivations for territorial behavior: dominance or fear/anxiety.

Dominance Aggression. Dogs fight for a number of different reasons, but quests for dominance or control underlie much of the sparring.

Aggressive incidents may be isolated to one or two specific situations, such as competition over specific resources or space-guarding.

Excesssive Barking. The first step in quieting your pooch is to understand why he's raising such a ruckus in the first place. Dogs, after all, bark for all kinds of reasons. They bark when they're anxious or when they're lonely. They bark to draw attention to themselves – or to warn of someone encroaching on the property. Sometimes, they bark just because it feels good.

Running Away. For dogs, roaming is a natural behavior that involves scouting, hunting, exploration, and discovery. But when the neighborhood is concrete or tarmac, and is seething with automobiles and trucks, this can present a serious problem. Free-ranging dogs get into a lot of trouble in our society and a good number of them wind up in the pound. For this reason, a wandering dog is not a happy dog – not in the long run anyway.

Begging Occasional begging for food isn't the biggest behavior problem owners encounter with their dogs. However, some dogs that won't leave their owners alone at mealtimes and are constantly nudging for a piece of the action to the point of ruining the meal.

Jumping on the Furniture. Jumping on furniture is one of those behavior problems that bother some owners, but not others. One person may enjoy having his small dog resting on the furniture and may even encourage it. However, owners of seborrheic [oily-skinned] or dirt-impregnated dogs may prefer that their dog stay on the floor.

Jumping on People. What can be done to plant those four feet firmly on the ground? The reaction to jumping should be no reaction. When good behavior is consistently rewarded and jumping is ignored, dogs can quickly learn that keeping four feet on the ground is a preferable posture. You should remain utterly silent, avert your gaze and adopt an indifferent posture.

Eating Feces. Whether by nature, nurture, or a combination of factors, eating feces (coprophagy) often rears its ugly head as a persistent and irritating habit that long-suffering owners are forced to endure. In the majority of cases, coprophagy can be successfully treated at home by means of a combination of managemental and environmental measures.

Once you understand what is behind a problem behavior and what is needed to address it, you are on the road to its successful resolution.