Understanding Dog Behavior with Highland Veterinary Center
What does my veterinarian mean when they talk about dog behavior?
Generally, dog behavior refers to how your pet is acting in certain situations. What type of behaviors do they exhibit at home, versus do they act differently when they're out in public, at the veterinary clinic, or in a social situation? These can be learned traits or traits that are inherited, such as breed predispositions to certain things. Behavior can really hit on a lot of different scenarios, and it's affected by many factors in your pet's life.
What are some signs that my dog's behavior is abnormal?
That's going to vary from dog to dog and certainly from breed to breed. If you've been used to your dog acting a certain way, and then all of a sudden they seem to be acting differently, that could be a sign of an underlying health issue in a mature dog. In a young dog, they may just be going through adolescence and testing the boundaries a little bit. It varies depending on the life stage of your dog.
Are certain breeds of dogs more prone to behavioral issues than others?
That's a tough question because there are certain breeds that we associate with behavioral issues such as aggression or hyperactivity. Often, we see working breeds like German Shepherds, pointers, or working line Labrador retrievers exhibit some behavioral issues if their basic needs are not met. High-drive dogs need a job, and if they're put into an apartment with very little stimulation or activities, they may exhibit behavioral issues. However, any breed of dog can have behavioral issues depending on their early life and how we provide for their psychological needs.
When should I start training my dog?
As soon as you bring them home. If you get a puppy at 8 weeks old, you can start training them at 8 weeks old. There are many good resources available. One of my favorite books to recommend is "Perfect Puppy in Seven Days" by Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinary behaviorist. It helps set the groundwork for building healthy habits in your puppy, teaching them to respect boundaries and be more responsive. It's never too early to start. If you have a purebred puppy from a breeder, they should have already started some training shortly after birth. This leads to a well-balanced dog. If you're bringing a dog home from a rescue situation or adopting a mature dog, it's not too late to train them, either. Teaching them new habits and skills will improve their mental stimulation.
What should I do if my dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior?
Aggressive behavior is definitely a red flag. Sometimes in small breeds like Chihuahuas or small terriers, it gets written off as just their nature. But if your dog shows aggressive behaviors like biting or growling, these can arise for different reasons, including fear-based or true aggression. If you experience this, reach out to your veterinary care team for advice. Most of the time, it's indicated to get a licensed trainer involved as well.
Does spaying or neutering have an effect on a dog's behavior?
Spaying and neutering can affect hormonally driven behaviors like humping other dogs or marking territory by urinating. You may see improvement in these behaviors post-spaying or neutering. In general, it doesn't have a huge impact on their personality. Many people mistakenly believe their dog will calm down significantly after being spayed or neutered, but they will still be an active, happy dog.
Will certain conditions or illnesses affect my dog's behavior?
Definitely. Knowing your dog and their normal behavior is important because changes could indicate underlying disease conditions. Various illnesses or signs of pain can dramatically affect your dog's day-to-day behavior, indicating the need for a veterinary exam and potential intervention.
Should I consider rehoming a dog with behavior problems?
That's a tough question, and generally not the first thing I'd jump to. However, in scenarios such as having small children and an aggressive dog, it might be considered earlier. In general, consider the type of behavior issue and if you're able to make headway with training or medications before considering rehoming.
How can I improve my dog's socialization skills?
Improving socialization skills can involve various strategies. For puppies, socialize them carefully until they are fully vaccinated, as their immune systems are more prone to infections like parvovirus. Playdates with vaccinated dogs are a good first step. Once fully vaccinated, expose them to different environments, sounds, and surfaces to build confidence. For older or rescue dogs with unknown backgrounds, socialization may require more slow, deliberate efforts, discussed on a case-by-case basis.
What role does exercise play in my dog's behavior?
Exercise is crucial for every dog, regardless of age or breed. A German Shepherd needs more exercise than a Chihuahua, but keeping your dog active helps reduce behavioral issues. Mental exercises like indoor obstacle courses, treat-dispensing toys, or puzzle feeders can also engage your dog's brain, keeping them happy and mentally stimulated even if time is limited.
When should I seek professional help for my dog's behavior problems?
If your dog is experiencing behavioral problems affecting their quality of life daily or weekly, seek professional help. Start with your veterinarian and potentially involve a trainer based on their recommendation. If you notice noise phobias, fear of thunderstorms or fireworks, or aggressive tendencies, seek help sooner rather than later. If the issue negatively affects your relationship with your pet, it's time to seek help.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (423) 922-7702, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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