Quick Tips to Avoid Common Doggie Doodle Disasters

If you have a new dog, you may have been unprepared for some of the disasters that are caused by unpleasant behaviors. To stop the chaos, you’ll need to find the problem and a solution to help get your pet back on track.

The Worst Behaviors and Some Common Causes

Let’s review some of the worst issues you might be having, such as:

• Aggressive behaviors

• Excessive barking.

• House-trained dog having an “accident.”

• Inappropriate chewing.

The first thing you need to do is assess what is causing the behavior. This can include a change in environment, food, sickness, temperament, and more. Additional causes include

Not Enough Activity

Dogs who aren't getting enough activity may become frustrated and act out, so make sure your pup is getting a lot of exercise. If you have a busy schedule, hire a dog walker to stop by once or twice a day to walk your dog while you're out. If needed, hire a pet sitter who can keep him company more regularly.

Separation Anxiety

According to this post from Cesar’s Way, separation anxiety can cause a number of behaviors, including chewing or even shredding linens, pillows, and more. Take a long walk with your dog before leaving for the day, or consider a pet companion for when you’re away.

Physical Illness

If your already-trained dog is suddenly peeing or pooping in the house, take him to the vet right away. He may have a physical or medical problem that needs immediate attention. Pain can also cause many of these behaviors. We personally use our local vet, Dr. Matt Moodie. Who just so happens to co-own one of our upcoming Mini-Berendoodle studs!

Growing Pup

Untrained puppies will have many of these behaviors as they grow, especially chewing out of curiosity, but keep training your pup. Spay and neutering is also a good option to help curb behaviors.

How to Deal with Big Problems

If none of these issues fit the bill, you’ll need to dig deeper to help your dog.

Aggression

This is one of the most egregious behaviors and must be dealt with as soon as possible. If it is not caused by physical pain, it can indicate other problems such as:

• Fear or anxiety

• A need to establish dominance

• A need to protect territory or possessions

Aggression can have numerous causes and can be directed in different directions – at you, at others, at other dogs. To solve the problem, read PetCube’s guide to handling aggression.

Excessive Barking

Barking is the main way a dog communicates, so if this is an issue, it’s likely that something is wrong. Once again, you must determine the trigger. When and where does it happen? What or who is it directed at? The ASPCA has a comprehensive article about barking, how to stop it, and what to do if nothing works.

Dog Accidents

It can be scary when accidents start out of the blue for a house-trained dog. If your vet tells you that he is healthy, it’s time to look for another cause. Whole Dog Journal notes that having an accident can be your dog’s stress response.

Take note of these factors:

• Is it happening in the same place or at the same time?

• Have there been changes to food, medications, or other products in your home?

• Has there been some change in routine that may be stressing him out?

• Is something happening that you’re not aware of, like neighborhood kids teasing your dog when you’re out?

However, accidents can also be a response to a change in routine, lifestyle, consistency, etc. Read these five mistakes dog owners make that can lead to this problem from Dog Training Breeds.

Excessive Chewing

If your dog is grown, this may be caused by anxiety. If so, Pet Place advises not to punish your dog; it can make things worse. Instead, find the cause of his anxiety and work to alleviate it. If you are trying to sell your house, keep in mind that the moving experience may cause anxiety in pets as well as people. Dogs, in particular, may be upset by frequent strangers in the home, such as at an open house, so take your dog with you when you leave the property so potential buyers can visit. You can learn more about training on our website.

Unpleasant dog behaviors don’t have to lead to disaster. Find the cause of your dog’s problem to help him get back to enjoying life.