What’s Causing the Misbehavior?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of behavioral problems. Poor health, old age, or the quirks of a particular breed may be to blame. Before you start retraining your dog, take some time to assess the factors that are contributing to your dog’s bad habit. If you understand the problem, you’ll find it easier to bring about a successful solution.
Is Your Dog Healthy?
Before you assume that your dog’s misbehavior is willful, make sure that there is not an underlying health problem. It’s not hard to imagine how a urinary tract infection, poor vision, diminished hearing, or other health problems could affect your dog’s behavior. Before tackling the bad habit, it’s a good idea to discuss the problem with your dog’s veterinarian to rule out any health factors.
Is the Habit Connected to Age?
Some bad habits are more common at certain ages. Just think of the bad habits a puppy can get into because of his need to chew. And an “unresponsive” dog may simply be old and losing her hearing!
Puppies. Bad habits can develop if a puppy is weaned and removed from the litter too early. Watch a litter of puppies with theirmother. What looks like play to us is really the process of doggie socialization. As they tumble about together, the littermates learn the limits of acceptable behavior and the importance of rank. If a puppy is removed from the litter too early, he may not have the opportunity to learn the “pack rules.” Eight weeks is the youngest age at which a puppy should be taken from his mother and siblings; 10 to 12 weeks is better.
Adolescents. Dogs, like humans, go through a physical maturation process that includes adolescence. The physical and hormonal changes of adolescence, which occur between 3 and 6 years (human) of the dog’s life, can sometimes undermine her ability to focus and behave appropriately. The keys to getting through this stage are patience and consistency.
Older dogs. Changes at the other end of the age continuum can affect a dog’s behavior, too. Around your dog’s eighth year, you may begin to notice physical evidence of the aging process. The dog moves more slowly as joints become less flexible. An older dog whose sight or hearing has diminished may be startled enough to snap at a hand reaching out to pat her. Changes in blood flow and blood-oxygen levels can impair a dog’s cognitive processes, slowing her reactions.
The onset of aging is influenced by many variables, including breed, size (small dogs tend to have a longer life span than large dogs), health history, and the quality of care the dog has received. A dog that has been healthy, active, and well taken care of throughout her life may not show any evidence of age-related changes for several years after her eighth birthday.
Is Your Dog Confused about Who’s in Charge?
Dogs, like people, exhibit a wide range of personalities and traits. This is what makes a dog so appealing and, at times, exasperating. A dog with an eager-to-please personality is much less likely to develop bad habits such as ignoring you or challenging your authority. On the other hand, this personality type may foster bad habits such as whining, begging for food or attention, and separation anxiety.
A dog with a confident personality doesn’t demand a lot of your attention or affection. She seems to relish new experiences and adapts well to changes. Generally she is not afraid to make new friends among dogs or people. However, you may sometimes find yourself in a “who’s the boss” struggle with a confident dog.
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Canine Jekyll and Hyde
Some dogs have distinctive character traits that can, when activated, override their usual demeanor. Sam, my 90-pound black Lab/German shepherd mix, is a good example. Generally loving and playful by nature with both dogs and people, he loses all control when another dog “trespasses” by walking along the street in front of his
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