Common Dog Behaviour Problems

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in addressing any behaviour concerns?

Preventing and managing the behaviour (correct)

Consulting with a veterinary specialist

Providing immediate training solutions

Identifying specific problems in the household

Which factor is NOT emphasized in behaviour history assessment?

The financial status of the owner (correct)

The environment of the behaviour

Other animals involved

The breed of the dog

What should be done before giving advice on sudden behaviour changes?

Assess the owner's training experience

Ask the dog’s history from previous owners

Implement a training program immediately

Refer the client for a veterinary examination (correct)

Why is consistent and patient training important in behaviour modification?

It helps to change unwanted habits over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the approach to training for a dog and owner?

Flexible and individualized training plans Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when assessing the behaviour's context?

The specific location of the behaviour Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prevent unwanted behaviour patterns?

Reduce or restrict the behaviour's environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about behaviour modification is true?

Underlying medical issues must be addressed beforehand. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cause of behaviour problems in dogs according to the content?

Insufficient impulse control Signup and view all the answers

Which cue is NOT mentioned as a tool for teaching impulse control?

Come Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for destructive chewing in dogs?

Puppy teething Signup and view all the answers

How should you react if a puppy stops walking during leash training?

Kneel down and entice with treats Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to prevent a puppy from chewing on inappropriate objects?

Provide chew toys Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when fitting a collar on a puppy?

It should fit securely but comfortably Signup and view all the answers

When a dog is chewing destructively, what is a recommended action?

Redirect to an appropriate chew item Signup and view all the answers

What should you do weekly if your puppy is still growing?

Check the collar size and adjust if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to solving and preventing common dog behaviour problems?

Understanding the most common dog behaviour problems Signup and view all the answers

Why might a dog exhibit destructive behaviours if not properly exercised?

They are bored and lack mental stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What kind of activities can help reduce a dog's mental energy?

Constructive and positive brain games Signup and view all the answers

What should be regarded when creating a behaviour modification plan for a dog?

The individual differences of each dog and the situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about a dog's needs?

Only physical exercise is necessary for a dog's well-being Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of brain games mentioned in relation to dogs?

They must require strenuous physical activity Signup and view all the answers

Which product is designed to engage dogs in problem-solving?

Interactive toys like Kong and Kibble Nibble Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to reduce common behaviour problems in dogs?

Increasing daily exercise Signup and view all the answers

What can help discourage a dog from eating feces?

Adding pineapple or spinach to meals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a behavioral reason for pica in dogs?

Dietary deficiencies Signup and view all the answers

Before starting a training program for a dog with coprophagia, what should be done?

Take the dog to the vet for an examination Signup and view all the answers

What command can help eliminate problem behaviors such as coprophagia?

Leave it Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of a dog learning to eat non-food items for attention?

The dog may become more destructive Signup and view all the answers

If a dog is constantly chewing on foreign objects due to boredom, what is an appropriate solution?

Provide more interactive play and exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following products can help deter a dog from eating feces?

Commercially made products that make feces taste bad Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of a dog exhibiting pica that is not addressed?

Health risks from ingesting non-food items Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral issue might occur if a dog is allowed to pick up and play with objects freely?

Pica behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary recommendation for preventing Pica behavior?

Ensure adequate exercise and active play Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT suggested to distract a dog from picking up undesirable objects?

Bitter Apple or Citronella spray Signup and view all the answers

How should a pet owner respond if a dog is found with an undesirable item in its mouth to discourage Pica?

Ignore the dog and wait Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is important in training a dog to prevent unwanted mouth behavior?

Teaching 'leave it' and 'drop it' Signup and view all the answers

What should a dog owner do to prevent items in the home from becoming potential Pica targets?

Remove loose objects from reachable areas Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended dietary change to help reduce a dog's desire for non-food items?

Add fiber to the diet Signup and view all the answers

How can a dog's behavior when obtaining treats be improved?

By training them to take gently Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a dog lunges at a treat?

Never give a treat if the dog lunges. Signup and view all the answers

How can a dog learn to be gentle when taking treats?

Using a flat hand to deliver the treat. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a dog inhaling its food too quickly?

Development of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of serving two small meals instead of one large meal?

It promotes eating in smaller portions. Signup and view all the answers

How can tennis balls help a dog that eats too quickly?

They slow down the eating process. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to prevent a dog from snapping at treats?

Closing your hand around the treat until the dog settles. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the way treats are offered have on a dog's behavior?

It influences the hardness of the dog's mouth. Signup and view all the answers

Why should hand movements be slow when delivering a treat to a dog?

To avoid exciting the dog unnecessarily. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that one uncooperative person can disrupt dog training?

It creates an inconsistent environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested for gently removing a dog from the furniture?

Gently lift the dog or lure them down. Signup and view all the answers

What does the command 'Off' specifically entail?

To remove oneself from an elevated location. Signup and view all the answers

How should a dog be rewarded after successfully following the 'Off' cue?

With a high-value treat immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when dogs are angrily ejected from furniture?

They may display signs of anxiety or aggression. Signup and view all the answers

If a dog struggles with car rides, what are common symptoms to look for?

Drooling, shaking, or vomiting. Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid doing when training a dog to stay off furniture?

Using physical force. Signup and view all the answers

To effectively use the 'Off' command, what is recommended once your dog has mastered it?

Ask for 'off' in a variety of settings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of car sickness in dogs?

Fear of car noises and motion Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for getting a dog used to the car environment?

Give high value treats and praise during sessions Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a dog shows nervous behavior during car training?

Spend more time around the outside of the running car Signup and view all the answers

How should the duration of the car rides be adjusted for a dog that is gradually getting comfortable?

Gradually increase the length of the drive Signup and view all the answers

In addition to training, what else may some dogs need to help with car sickness?

Prescriptive anti-anxiety medication Signup and view all the answers

What is a strategy for easing a cat and dog into living together?

Introduce them slowly and carefully Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT recommended when trying to get a dog used to the car?

Having the car running during initial introductions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to start car training with puppies at a young age?

They can become more accepting of new experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason dogs may dig in the garden?

They want to store their food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommendation to stop a dog from digging?

Encourage more digging by providing extra dirt Signup and view all the answers

At what age do puppies typically experience the most intense mouthing behavior?

Three to seven months Signup and view all the answers

What physical sensation can deter dogs from digging in specific areas?

Scraping on chicken wire Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does puppy mouthing serve during play?

To help develop bite inhibition Signup and view all the answers

Which is an effective way to provide your dog with a digging outlet?

Create a designated sand box with treats Signup and view all the answers

How can dog owners effectively manage unwanted mouthing behavior?

Channel it in the right direction Signup and view all the answers

What could be a sign that a dog is bored and may start digging?

The dog is showing signs of excess energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for keeping dogs off counters?

To safeguard the pet’s health from dangerous items Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to a dog developing counter surfing behavior?

Getting a treat from the counter once Signup and view all the answers

What does polydipsia indicate in dogs?

Excessive thirst or water consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following might be a reason dogs eat their own feces?

To clean up their area Signup and view all the answers

When suggesting a treatment for polydipsia, what is usually necessary?

A physical exam and urine analysis Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a dog to eat feces due to a dietary issue?

Overfeeding leading to digestive issues Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended to discourage counter surfing in dogs?

Using barriers like an X pen Signup and view all the answers

What could be a psychological reason for a dog eating feces?

Separation anxiety or boredom Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Dog Behaviour Problems

Common issues include barking, jumping, and chewing; often misunderstood by owners.
Understanding these problems is crucial to prevention and resolution.
Consistency in obedience training is essential to mitigate these behaviours.
Behaviour modification plans must be tailored to individual dogs and situations.

Physical and Mental Exercise

Lack of proper exercise leads dogs to engage in nuisance behaviours.
Increasing daily physical activity can reduce common behaviour problems.
Dogs have significant mental energy needs; inadequate stimulation can prompt destructive behaviours.
Engaging dogs through constructive brain games can reduce excess mental energy.

Brain Games

Activities that require problem-solving and focus help reduce mental energy.
Suggested resources include "Brain Games" by Claire Arrowsmith.

Behaviour History and Assessment

Evaluating behaviour history helps identify specific issues.
Key assessment points: Who is involved? What has been attempted? Where and when does behaviour occur? Why does the owner believe the dog is acting this way?

Prevention and Management

Focus on preventing unwanted behaviour patterns through management strategies.
Change the dog's environment to minimize opportunities for undesirable behaviours.

Medical Considerations

Refer to a veterinarian for sudden behaviour changes to rule out underlying medical issues.
Behaviour modifications cannot fix medical conditions.

Training Approaches

Consistent, patient training is necessary for behaviour modification.
Reinforce good behaviour and redirect inappropriate actions to encourage positive habits.

Impulse Control

Many behaviour problems stem from insufficient impulse control.
Cues like "tug," "leave it," and "stay" can help teach calmness and impulse regulation.

Chewing and Digging

Chewing can be natural but problematic if it leads to destruction; causes include teething, boredom, and anxiety.
Provide appropriate chew toys and monitor personal items to prevent inappropriate chewing.
Dogs dig due to curiosity, boredom, or seeking attention; provide diversions and adequate exercise to minimize digging.

Leash Training

Puppies may resist collars initially; gradual adaptation is important.
Prevent reinforcing stopping behaviour by encouraging forward movement with treats and praise.

Counter Surfing

Prevent access to dangerous items on counters by removing clutter and rewarding alternative behaviours.
Use barriers like X pens to stop counter surfing habits.

Polydipsia and Coprophagia

Excessive thirst may indicate health issues; immediate vet consultation is necessary.
Dogs may eat feces due to deficiencies, boredom, or anxiety; keep living areas clean and monitor behaviour closely.

Pica

Pica involves eating non-food items; potential causes include attention-seeking, boredom, or underlying medical issues.
Provide ample exercise and redirect to acceptable chew items; obedience training can help prevent this behaviour.

Hard Mouth and Inhaling Food

Teach gentle treat-taking to prevent snapping; avoid rewarding hard-mouthed behaviour.
To combat fast eating, schedule regular meals, use special bowls, or interactive toys to slow down food consumption.

Jumping on Furniture

Attitudes towards furniture-jumping vary; clear household rules should be established early.
Consistent enforcement of "off the furniture" as a house rule is vital for behaviour management.### Training Challenges with Dogs
An uncooperative dog can hinder training progress, leading to unfairness in behavior management.
To limit a dog's access to furniture, items like TV trays or ottomans can be placed strategically in front of the sofa.
Covering furniture with a couch cover can also deter dogs from jumping on furniture.
When removing a dog from furniture, be gentle; avoid physical contact unless lifting a small or puppy dog.
Larger dogs should be lured or cued to get off furniture and rewarded for returning to the floor.
Aggression in dogs can be triggered by forceful removal from comfortable spots due to pain or defense response.
Orthopedic issues in dogs are common and can lead to aggressive reactions if they are forced to jump down.

Understanding Commands: "OFF" vs. "DOWN"

"Down" indicates lying flat, while "Off" signifies moving off surfaces like beds or couches.
Teach the "Off" cue by starting with the dog on a blanket; use an upbeat tone and reward when the dog exits the blanket.
As the dog masters the cue, progress to not using treats as lures and reward for following the cue instead.

Addressing Fear of Car Rides and Motion Sickness

Some dogs may experience anxiety in cars, leading to symptoms like drooling, shaking, or vomiting.
True car sickness stems from inner ear issues, but most cases relate to fear of motion or noise.
To acclimate dogs to car rides, positive reinforcement is key.

Steps to Make Dogs Comfortable in Cars

Share treats in the car while it's stationary; create a positive environment before moving to the next steps.
Feed dogs in proximity to the car to foster familiarity.
Gradually introduce the sound of the engine while continuing positive interactions.
Increase driveway movements and incorporate enjoyable chew toys and treats during the ride.
Slowly extend the time spent in the car while maintaining a calm demeanor and reinforcement.

Calming Techniques for Anxious Dogs

Non-prescription calming products like Serene-um, Pet Calm, and Rescue Remedy may help; vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medications are options for severe cases.
Early exposure of puppies to car rides can facilitate easier adaptation in the future.
Dogs typically outgrow anxiety related to car rides; avoid associating car rides solely with negative experiences, like vet visits.
Crate training may help, and covering the crate can provide a safe space during travel.
Never force a dog into the car, as this can exacerbate fear.

Cat-Dog Introductions

Introductions between dogs and cats should be gradual to promote a positive relationship. Avoid sudden mixing of pets to reduce stress.

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Description

This quiz explores common dog behavior issues such as barking, jumping, and chewing, providing insights into how these behaviors can be misunderstood by owners. It emphasizes the importance of tailored behavior assessments and the role of physical and mental exercises in mitigating problems. Additionally, the quiz highlights effective brain games to engage dogs constructively.