New pet parents often end up visiting local vets for almost any issue that seems problematic.
Dog owners, in particular, might experience stressful situations, even during a common walk with their pet.
Why are some dogs leash-reactive? Why do they seem to be fidgety all the time?
We can answer these questions by learning what behavior issues need a closer look. We outlined four of the most common ones in this article.
When thinking about aggressive behavior in dogs, most people envision a hostile bark or violent bite. But aggression is an umbrella term that covers a wider array of manifestations, such as:
- The dog becomes still/rigid
- Growling bark
- Veering towards a person
- Showing teeth
- Quick bite
- Bite causing a puncture wound
There are several causes that might trigger an aggressive reaction in dogs. Here are some examples:
For instance, pain can make animals feel confused, so they'll act accordingly. One thing to do is check with your local vets for conditions that could inflict confused and aggressive conduct on your pup.
However, if you notice that aggression persists, take into consideration talking to a professional behavior specialist.
The key takeaway here is that aggressive impulses are inherent traits of the wild nature in every animal.
So it's actually natural that they resurface from time to time.
Now, this is one of the conducts you'd find normal in a pet. But chewing can become destructive. You've surely encountered situations in which your dog seems to engage their jaws in a destruction mission.
To prevent destructive chewing, keep an eye on potential stress-inducing situations, like the proximity of other animals that get more attention.
However, it's good to know when this is a sign that requires a local vet's intervention. Pay attention if your dog feels the need to chew despite:
- Getting enough physical activity
- Being provided with chewing toys and meals
- Your efforts to keep him away from furniture items
3. Leash Reactivity - Does It Require Visits to Local Vets?
Why is it that so many dogs seem to have this problem? The answer is - yet again - to be found in their wild nature.
When not on a leash, dogs greet each other from the side, not head-on. Put them on a leash and you basically inflict a forced body language on them.
Therefore, leash reactivity is a natural inclination in dogs, and not necessarily a sign of aggressiveness.
4. Food/Object Guarding
Another "dog problem" that is actually completely normal is food or object guarding.
Dogs usually store objects they find valuable - be it food, toys or items they find around the house. In normal situations, pet parents provide their pups with enough food so as not to encourage food guarding.
All things considered, we're sure you realized that a lot of times dog issues are closely related to their nature, not necessarily to actual behavioral conditions.
So the best thing you can do is to understand, accept and embrace dogs' nature. It's part of what makes them so great.
At Pharr Road Hospital, we are more than glad to assist with any advice you may need.