Behavior Problems

Unwanted behavior is the number one cause for pets losing their homes. It is worthwhile to treat behavior problems seriously and thoroughly. Treating behavior problems saves lives.

Most pet behavior problems result from normal behavior such as scratching, biting, eliminating or escaping. Some problem behavior can be managed by teaching a pet to respond to commands or confining pets when they are not supervised. Some behavior problems stem from a pet's failure to obey commands, such as a dog failing to come when called while chasing cars. Behavior that is dangerous or has become an established habit requires behavior modification through pairing the behavior with consequences while establishing a more appropriate competing behavior.

Destructive Behavior

The most common complaint with young dogs is destructive behavior. Destructive behavior is usually an easy problem to solve because it is directly related to supervision. When a dog is with you, he'll consistently be reprimanded when he picks up your belongings and SHOULD be consistently rewarded for playing with his own toys. When you dog is not with you, he can be safely confined in a puppy proof area of your home or yard. If you are gone for long periods of time you may have difficulty confining the dog adequately while still providing sufficient exercise and enrichment. Consider having a dog walker come during the day or installing a dog run or enrolling your dog in day care at a kennel that can provide a stimulating environment for a growing dog.

There are many reasons a dog may destroy your belongings. For example, puppies that are not supervised will explore anything. If it smells good, tastes good or feels good they will play with it. By play, I mean chase it, kill it and eat it. If no one is nearby to say, "Stop that", the behavior continues.

Destructive behavior can also be attention seeking behavior. If running around with your shoe causes you to drop whatever you are doing to chase the dog, then your dog is using the destructive behavior to get your attention. He may benefit from a vigorous exercise program or positive attention from you for desirable behavior. Actively reward a dog with attention for playing quietly every chance you get. Your dog may also benefit from a leadership training program to teach him that all things in the house belong to you.

Another cause for destructive behavior is a desire to reach something outside the house or room or fence he is confined to. If the destructive behavior is centered around doorways, windows or fences, your dog may have a problem with territorial or predatory aggression and may be reacting to a trespasser such as the mail carrier or a neighbor's cat. I have observed squirrels park on an outside window and work a dog inside a house into a frenzy. This barrier frustration usually usually occurs whether you are home or not.

Finally, some dogs panic when left alone. These dogs are not destructive when supervised and are house trained. But when left alone, even for just 30 minutes, they wreak havoc in the house. These dogs can be suffering from Separation Anxiety. This is a specific form of destruction related to insecurity which can be handled with separation training.

Behavior modification

In rare cases, a pet exhibits abnormal behavior that is repetitive, unpredictable and out of context. The most common are tail chasing and paw licking in dogs, excessive grooming in cats, and persistent screaming in birds. Some repetitive behavior responds to occupational therapy, which provides healthy outlets for activity by meeting the needs of the particular species of animal through changes in the environment. In many cases of abnormal behavior, evaluation by a veterinary behaviorist who prescribes medication is helpful. Medication is most successful when used in conjunction with a behavior modification plan.

Check out Karen Pryor's book, Don't Shoot the Dog for in depth information about the theory behind the science of behavior modification. Here is one example of how the method is applied.

MODIFYING YOUR DOG'S BEHAVIOR

Let's say your dog jumps up on you when you come in the door and you would like to change this behavior. Simple obedience training suggests that if you train your dog to lie down on command, the problem is solved. You say "down", the dog complies and doesn't jump. But in many cases, dogs are not responsive to commands while they are excited--such as when you arrive home. After a number of arrivals and unsuccessful commands the bad behavior becomes a habit. This requires behavior modification.

First, we establish the desired behavior and put it on command...

TEACHING THE DOWN POSITION

Say "down" once. Show your dog a treat and put the treat on the floor in your closed hand. Don't let your dog get the treat no matter how much she paws at your hand or wiggles around until she resorts to leaning on the floor. As soon as her chest touches the floor, release the treat and praise. Remember, you can only say "down" once, at the beginning of the exercise. The idea is to practice enough that she notices the word "down" means she has a chance to get a treat for assuming a certain posture. Practice 5 times each day for one week, about 5 minutes each time. Once she lies down as soon as you touch the floor, you move on to the next level of training.

During the second week, say "down" but don't put your hand with the treat on the floor at all. Withhold the treat until she lies down. Gradually, increase the time she spends in the down position before receiving the treat. Mix food rewards with praise so that she does not always receive food. Add a signal that she has earned the treat such as saying "Good Girl" when she has remained down long enough. Be sure to give the treat while she is still down and not while she is getting up. Practice 5 times each day.

The third week, introduce distractions such as other dogs and kids playing around when you ask her to "down" until she will respond in many situations. You now add a consequence by saying, "No" when she does not lie down when you ask. Continue to give her the treat when she downs even if she needs a correction. The idea is that you say "down" and she stays down until you praise her or give her a treat. But this week, there is a consequence for NOT responding quickly. Practice indoors and out.

Finally, the solution. As you come in the door, ask your dog to lie down. Immediately go to her and praise. Do this several times each day for another week. Now she knows how to get what she wants--your attention when you come in the door. The stimulus of you coming through the door now means lie down instead of jump up! Congratulations. You've just completed your first behavior modification plan!