How can I prevent my puppy from becoming a disobedient dog?
Appropriate, frequent, and regularly scheduled exercise sessions, providing appropriate outlets for normal behaviors, along with an early start to training can go a long way to preventing most unruly behaviors. Waiting to train your puppy until it is 6 months of age can often let these disobedient behaviors take hold. With early training, excitable puppies can often have their behavior channeled in the correct direction. A puppy must consistently be taught the rules and expectations of the family. Asking the puppy to sit for things and teaching the puppy how to relax and settle in a safe location help the puppy learn the rules of the home and self-control. See Play and Exercise, Principles of Teaching and Training Dogs, House Training, Training – Sit, Down, Stand and Stay, Training – “Come,” “Wait,” and “Follow”, Learn to Earn – Predictable Rewards, Teaching Calm – Settle and Relaxation Training and Learning. By providing a daily routine with sufficient exercise, chewing outlets and training, and teaching the puppy the behaviors that will earn it rewards (learn to earn), most puppies will soon grow out of their problems.
Causes of Unruly Behavior in Dogs
Medical disorders that might cause anxious behaviors could include thyroid dysfunction, chronic pain or ear infections. Common canine psychological disorders that have anxiety at their core include PTSD and separation anxiety disorder. Issues attributed to excitability are often normal to a certain degree, however, there are diseases and disorders that can cause excitable behaviors to be more intense. Chronic lead poisoning, food allergies, and clinical hyperkinesis are all physical disorders that can cause difficult to control impulsive behavior. Psychological factors that can influence a dog to become more excitable can include inadequate early social interaction, excessive time alone or confined, or inadequate exercise. Serious physical diseases that often include aggression as a symptom include rabies, encephalitis, and hypoglycemia. Some physical disorders may result in aggressive behavior more indirectly. Failing sight or hearing, chronic pain or even grief may cause a dog to feel out of sorts and result in fear-based aggression. Issues that are aggression related can often start out as anxiety type disorders, and progress more unpredictable and aggressive behavior.
Find the best reward
If your dog doesn’t seem interested in the kibble you’re offering as a reward, you should try a treat or a more special snack instead. Some dogs aren’t food motivated, though, and will respond more enthusiastically to the prospect of playtime or praise. It will take some trial and error to find what works, but you’ll be so glad when you do.
