Common Behavior Issues

Behavior Issues and Your Dog

Behavior issues are the main reason dogs are abandoned, given to a shelter, or put to sleep.  Dr. Draper, DVM, PhD, MBA from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine expresses his concern over recent statistics:  42% of veterinarians report behavior problems, 15% of clients' dogs are put to sleep due to behavior issues, over 4 million dog bites occur each year, and in 2004 there were 20 deaths caused by dog bites.  We can reduce the number of needless deaths by educating dog owners, utilizing behavior modification techniques, and training puppies before behavior problems surface.

Studies also show that most dog bites are from pets or other dogs known to the victim.  Children, especially boys between the ages of 5-9, comprise the largest number of dog bite victims.  ANY dog large or small can become a dangerous or a vicious dog.  Actually, more small dogs bite than large dogs, and most bites occur as a fear response not as an aggressive attack. 

35% of a dog's behavior is genetic and 65% is a result of the environment.  The owner is more responsible for the behavior than the breed of the dog.  Improper training techniques, overly harsh corrections, hitting, and/or the lack of socialization increase the incidents of negative behaviors.  The following are some common problems:

Mailman syndrome:  Mailman comes to the door, the dog barks.  The mailman leaves and dog (in his mind) wins the battle.  This event occurs 6 days a week.  If this behavior is not corrected, you have trained your dog to protect your house from the mailman. 

Tug of war games:  The game of tug is usually the first game people like to play with their puppy.  However, tug encourages and reinforces biting and fighting for an object.  Because this is a fun game, a puppy will try to start a game of tug with anything in his reach, which may be a pant leg, a child's blanket, and/or the leash. 

Noise phobia:  A loud noise occurs and the dog whines or shivers.  The owner picks up the dog and says in a soothing voice, "It's okay, it's okay."  If the owner continues to do this when a loud noise occurs, a fear reaction is created and constantly reinforced.  The owner is not protecting the dog.  They are creating anxiety that will generalize to other noises and worsen over time. 

A lack of knowledge about dog behavior and how dogs learn create behavior problems that can be prevented.  Establishing a solid foundation of obedience, early socialization, and becoming aware of how your dog learns will reduce the occurrence of behavior problems in your household.  The principals of learning don't change, but there are specific behavior modification programs and many training techniques that can be used for select behavior issues. 

Reading about dogs, working with a reputable trainer, and patience are keys to preventing future bad behaviors and solving existing behavior problems.  Your dog will be happier when he knows the rules, and you will have a more peaceful household and look forward to many wonderful years with your canine partner. 

Written by Susan Jakobs:  Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Evaluator and Trainer for Edward Hospital's Animal Assisted Therapy Program, Northwest Community Hospital, Palos Community Hospital, OSF St. Anthony's, Rockford, OSF St. Francis, Peoria.  www.dogbuilders.com