Pet Behavior Problems – Dealing With Pet Behavioral Problems

Many pet behavior problems can be easily prevented as long as you take the time and effort to properly train your dog.

Here is a list of our top 10 tips for preventing pet behavior problems.

1. Set rules immediately and be consistent. If you tell your dog not to jump on the couch, but occasionally make exceptions, this is going to confuse your pet. If you are going to set specific rules in the house, make sure you stick to them.
2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior. If you know that you cat always jumps up on the kitchen counter whenever you cook fish, don’t leave your fish casserole sitting out on the table so that your cat can get it.
3. Observe the pet and provide it with what it needs (food, care, attention and entertainment). Your pet may have separation anxiety, so make sure you have something to keep your pet company while you are gone. It may be a dog walker that takes your dog out throughout the day or a cat video to keep your cat entertained while you’re at work.
4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet’s access to a limited area of the house until training is completed. Make sure your pet knows where his or her territory is. Animals are very territorial and need their space.
5. Set them up to succeed! Encourage good behavior with praise and attention. You can use treats, petting and a happy demeanor to praise your pet.
6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa).
7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression.
8. Don’t play rough or encourage aggression or play biting. Your dog for example may be trying to play and seriously hurt another dog or a person.
9. Expose pets to lots of people, animals, and environments where you want them to live. Make sure they know who everyone is.
10. See your veterinarian if serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.