Learning More About Dog Behavior
If my dog is having behavior problems, are they capable of change?
If behavior problems are caught early, there is definitely a high probability that we can do things to try and help change those behaviors. The longer a behavior goes on, it does become more difficult to change those things. And there are certain things which, unfortunately, cannot be fixed, though that's hard to tell from the beginning whether that will be the case or not.
Dr. Kathleen Laux
Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates
When should you start obedience training with your dog?
Obedience training should really be started the moment you get your dog. As young as 7 to 8 weeks of age, you should be starting to work on commands and starting to work on desensitizing them to things like touching their ears and putting your fingers in their mouth and their paws and nail trimmers and things along those lines, taking toys away from them, putting your hands in their food bowl to desensitize them.
Why is socialization important for young dogs?
Socialization is really important at a very young age. That socialization window kind of starts to close between 12 to 16 weeks of age, and if they have not been well socialized by that time, that is when they start to become fearful of things. However, it can be risky to take a young dog that may not be fully protected against diseases out into the world. It's better to do a lot of socialization with dogs that you know are well-vaccinated and that will not likely give your puppy any diseases.
What are the most common behavior problems in dogs, and how can they be addressed?
Common behavior issues in dogs range from aggression, fear-based reactions, barking, chewing, anxiety behavior, separation anxiety, digging, eating inappropriate things, food guarding, howling, dominance behavior, nipping or biting, potty training difficulties, and whining. Each of these behaviors requires different techniques to address, from crate training to desensitization, redirecting chewing behavior, consistency in potty training, positive reinforcement, and sometimes medications for separation anxiety and other issues.
Can behavior issues in my dog ever indicate that they are sick?
There can be behavior issues that indicate sickness if your dog all of a sudden is a lot shorter tempered, snapping, biting, grouchy, that may be an indication that they are in pain or that something else is going on. So it is always good to get a full examination to make sure that there are no other indications of why an animal is behaving the way they are.
What are some behavior problems that may be associated with a medical condition?
Behavior problems that can be associated with a medical condition include circling, head pressing, panting excessively, urinating inappropriately, scooting their behind, and yawning excessively. Each of these behaviors might be an indication of issues such as ear or brain problems, metabolic issues with the liver, pain, kidney or bladder issues, anal gland irritation, or nausea.
How can a veterinarian help address my dog's behavior problems?
A veterinarian can help address behavior problems by trying to get to the bottom of where that problem is coming from. If that is medical, then treating the medical issue should resolve the behavior problems and if that is an anxiety disorder or fear aggression, then working on those problems with a combination of medications and training exercises can help resolve those problems.
What other dog behavior management options are available?
Other management options include working with professional trainers who can come to your house. We also offer some puppy training classes at the office as well as a socialization class. Different techniques and perspectives can help you figure out what is best for your animal. If you have any questions regarding your dog's behavior, please give us a call, we can get you signed up for a behavior consult and we're always here to help you.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (845) 626-5555, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Behavior - FAQs 1
Dr. Kathleen Laux
Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates
When should I seek professional help for my dog's behavior problems?
You should seek professional help as soon as you notice something is off or different with your dog. Catching behavioral problems early and being proactive can help ensure a good outcome.
How can I tell the difference between a behavioral problem and a medical problem?
It can be challenging to differentiate between a behavioral and a medical problem. In either case, your dog should be seen by its veterinarian, who can use their diagnostic skills and knowledge to help you identify the issue and treat it accordingly.
What information will my veterinarian need to know about my dog?
Your veterinarian will want to know the specifics of your dog's behavior, such as when it occurs, what triggers it, if anything alleviates it, when it started, how long it has been happening, and if it is getting worse over time.
What questions should I ask my veterinarian about my dog's behavior?
You should ask your veterinarian about the potential cause of your dog's behavior, what type of training might be beneficial, if there are any medications that can help, and what you can do at home to improve the situation.
My dog has been diagnosed with a behavioral problem. What is the next step?
The next steps include enrolling your dog in a good training program, ideally with a trainer who can work with you at home. You may also need to start your dog on medication prescribed by your veterinarian to make the training more effective.
What is behavior modification?
Behavior modification is teaching a dog to exhibit a different behavior. Instead of simply punishing a dog for undesirable behavior, we show them what we expect from them and guide them towards preferable behavior.
Is medication a short or long-term solution for my dog's behavior problem?
The need for medication can depend on the specific situation. Some dogs may need to be on medication long-term, while others may only need it initially. With consistent training and monitoring, some dogs may eventually be weaned off the medication, provided the condition doesn't worsen.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (845) 626-5555, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Behavior - FAQs 2
Dr. Kathleen Laux
Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates
When should my dog start obedience training?
Obedience training should be started as soon as possible. Ideally, you should start training your dog as soon as you get them. This could involve at-home training if you have basic skills or enrolling them in a puppy or adult class, depending on their age.
What are the most important basic commands my dog should know?
The most important commands for your dog to know are "sit," "down," "stay," "heel," "come," "leave it," and "off." It's essential to differentiate between "down," which means lie down, and "off," which is used to discourage jumping on others.
How can I socialize my puppy?
If your puppy is vaccinated and well protected, you can take them almost anywhere that allows dogs for socialization. If they're young and haven't completed their vaccine regimen, it's safe to socialize them with dogs you know are well-vaccinated, such as those owned by friends or family.
Should my dog be punished for bad behavior?
I don't advocate for punishing bad behavior. If they're caught in the act, you can remind them that it's not okay, but physical punishment is not advisable. It's crucial to catch them in the act for them to understand what behavior is inappropriate. Rewarding good behaviors is a more effective strategy than punishing bad behaviors.
Is my dog too old to be trained?
A dog can always learn new things, regardless of age. Some behavioral issues might be challenging and potentially impossible to rectify if not addressed early, but most training objectives should be achievable.
What should I look for in a dog trainer?
When choosing a dog trainer, you should focus on what's important to you. A trainer who is calm, patient, and not easily frustrated is ideal. They should also focus on positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement.
What vaccinations are needed for dog training classes?
The basic vaccines required for dog training classes usually include the Distemper-Parvo combination, Rabies vaccine, and most places also require a Bordetella or kennel cough vaccine.
What is environment enrichment and how can it help my dog's behavior?
Environmental enrichment involves making your dog's environment more exciting. This could include providing a variety of toys or activities. Many behavioral issues in dogs stem from boredom, so keeping their mind active can prevent these issues.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (845) 626-5555, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Behavior - FAQs 3
Dr. Kathleen Laux
Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates
Why is addressing my dog's behavioral problems early on so important?
It's crucial to intervene early on because this is the time when we can effectively teach the dog new behaviors and help them cope better. Once this window of opportunity closes, it becomes much more challenging to modify their behavior.
Are certain breeds predisposed to behavioral problems?
In our experience, we do see more behavioral issues with certain breeds such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Blue Heeler-type dogs. These dogs often develop behavioral issues due to fear or boredom, and without proper training and activities early on, they may develop behavioral problems.
Can my dog's behavioral problems resolve on their own?
Usually, behavioral problems do not resolve themselves. If there's an underlying behavioral issue, it typically needs to be addressed, whether it's fear, anxiety, or a medical condition.
When should I seek professional help for my dog's behavioral problems?
I would recommend seeking professional help as soon as you notice any issues. The sooner we address problems like aggression, mounting, inappropriate urination, defecation, or destructive behavior, the less likely they are to become lifelong problems.
What can I do to reduce my dog's chances of developing behavioral problems?
Socialization is paramount. Your dog should ideally meet 100 people and 100 dogs by the time they're 16 weeks old. If you adopt an older dog, you'll have more work to do, but starting as soon as possible and exposing them to different situations, people, and dogs is the best approach.
Can getting my dog spayed or neutered help with their behavioral issue?
Spaying or neutering can sometimes help with specific behavioral issues, but it's not a cure-all. Additional measures, like specific training or medication, are usually required to fully resolve the problem.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (845) 626-5555, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram