Once your dog has become an adolescent you might think your training days are over, however, sometimes problems can occur. Here are some of the most common dog behavioural problems and how to remedy them.

Biting and snapping

Of all the things your dog does, this is the worst, that’s why you need to put a stop to it straightaway. This applies equally to small dogs and large ones – being bitten by any dog, no matter its size, is no laughing matter.

• If you’re playing when your dog bites you, automatically stop. The message you’ll give is that biting puts an end to the fun.
• If they snap when you give them a treat, firmly say ‘no,’ and don’t give the treat. No treats for dogs who bite.
• Growl if your dog bites you. This is how another dog would react. Alternatively let out a high-pitched squeak – dogs hate that sound.
• Never abruptly wake up a sleeping dog, because he’s descended from wild animals his reflex action is to bite.
• Sometimes young dogs can bite out of boredom, so make sure your dog has chew toys to bite instead.

Dog mounting

This is when your dog jumps on another dog’s back and it appears that he or she trying to get intimate with them – female dogs do this as well. The surprising thing is this is a dominance thing and has little to do with procreation. Usually the dog doing the mounting is insecure. This problem will resolve over time, but if it gets to the stage where your dog is provoking fights then it may be time to talk to a dog trainer.

Jumping up

If your dog jumps on you, turn your back and ignore them. Don’t say a word or even act like they’re there. Dogs see being given any attention as good. If he does it with other people, ask them not to pet him – that way your dog equates jumping up as something that gets them no attention whatsoever and should stop doing it.

Pulling on the lead

Pulling on the lead is probably the most common reason why owners take their pets to doggy training school. To fix this problem, you should choose which side of you your dog will walk on and stick to it. Then hold the lead in the opposite hand and show him a treat you have in the hand nearest to him. Slowly start walking, your dog will follow your hand and when they do this say ‘heel’ and then give a small bit of the treat. Keep going, each time giving more of the treat, saying ‘heel’ as your dog follows you.

Barking when you’re out

Dogs are pack animals. You and your family are their pack, but there is no way you can be there 24-hours a day. If your dog barks when they’re alone it’s a sign of boredom, anxiety or loneliness – these are all symptoms of separation anxiety. To solve this problem you need to get your dog used to being alone. Here are some tips:

• Don’t make a big deal of leaving the home or coming back.
• Leave the TV or radio on, dogs like the sound because they find it comforting.
• In the home don’t be too attentive to your dog – ignore them at times so they begin to realise that just because you’re there doesn’t mean you’ll always make a fuss of them.
• Leave your dog alone with a toy or chew.
• Try to take your dog on a walk before you go away. Dogs will get anxious if they need the toilet and they can’t go out.
• Leave an old jumper of yours in your dog’s bed – the scent will be reassuring.

Not coming when told

Many an exasperated dog owner is to be found standing in a park with an empty lead in their hand because their dog wouldn’t come back. One day your puppy may pad alongside you nicely and come when called, the next they may start to ignore your command. You now have the doggy equivalent of a stroppy teenager. To get your dog to come back to you, follow the training advice given in chapter 1of Caring for Your Dog – the Essential Guide – this should retrain your dog to follow your commands.

Getting help

For more serious behavioural problems, please ask your vet for advice or consult a canine behaviourist or dog trainer. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers was set up in 1995 and all members are vetted. You can find out about trainers in your area by going to www.apdt.co.uk and clicking on ‘local dog trainers’

Extract taken from Caring For Your Dog – The Essential Guide. For more information on dealing with common dog behavioural problems, take a look at the book now available in eBook and printed book format. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!