There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. But there’s no uncertainty about one thing: we love dogs! The percentage of American households with a dog hasn’t been determined with much precision, but the estimates tend to hover between 42-60% - that’s an impressive percentage even at the lower end of estimation!
As much as we love them, there’s no denying that a misbehaved pup can be a lot of trouble. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways to alleviate issues if we take the time to understand several aspects of canine misbehavior.
The importance of routine
Dogs are more like children than you might think. One of the key similarities is found in their need for routine. Dogs feel much more secure in a new home, as well as throughout their life, if they know when to expect certain things to happen, such as feeding and walks. You should take a look at guides to maintaining a schedule for your dog. Don’t underestimate the importance of this, because a lack of routine can make them anxious and unsettled. In fact, the same goes not just for dogs and children, but for adult humans, too!
Walkies
Going out for walks is essential because it helps your dog work off some of the massive reserves of energy they have. It’s also an essential part of maintaining a routine. A misbehaved dog may be quite loud or even a little aggressive when they see people or other animals, which is why the right type of leash is so important. Getting a no pull dog harness might be the best solution for you, as a sudden need to stop your dog may arise - and it’s easier than you think to pull too hard on a leash.
Training
If you’re having a lot of problems with your dog, then it may be best to get an expert involved. Dog training can be an essential step in making sure your dog is behaved around people and other animals, and will help prevent destructive behavior around the home. Dog training is sometimes seen as quite an extreme step, something that only really “bad” or even dangerous dogs need. But you should consider talking to an expert about any doggy difficulties you may be having.
Boredom and anxiety
When people think about canine misbehavior, they’re usually thinking about destructive behavior. Chewing door frames, ruining clothes, ripping furniture apart - that sort of thing. But it’s important to consider what might be causing this. The key to understanding destructive behavior in dogs is often found in considerations of boredom and anxiety. Again, routine and frequent exercise can help a lot in this area. Make sure you’re showing your dog plenty of attention, and play with them as much as you can.
In the genes?
At the end of the day, there are certain breeds that are prone to what we would class as misbehavior. Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are more likely to be loud and hyperactive than many other breeds, and Whippets and Basset Hounds love to chew on things. This is something to keep in mind when you’re adopting a dog in the first place. You’ll know to take extra care during their upbringing!
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