Owner’s Guide to Handling Pet Behavioral Issues

One of the nicest things a person can do in life is to give their pet the attention they need. However, much like people, pets can also have behavioral issues. They demand intelligence, tolerance, and patience. Changing your dogs’ undesired behaviors is your duty. An irate parrot, a dog who barks, a cat that claws, or other animals of similar nature can cause issues. This is undoubtedly the case as your health and that of your pets are among the major worries.

Understand the Root Cause.

Before an effort is made to correct the behavior of a pet, it helps to know why they are behaving the way they do. Most behavior issues originate from lack of attention, hunger or disease. They can also be attributed to cases of insufficient training. An excessive barking in a dog might be due to lack of exercise, stress or an attempt to get some attention.  A cat excessive scratching on items like furniture could mean aggression or to remove old layers of its claws.To care for your animal, watch their behavior. Consider a vet or animal behaviorist to rule out health problems. Identifying what the root cause is will be the first step to effectively find a resolution.

Training and Positive Reinforcement

Training molds behavior in your pet, and one of the best methods to do it is through positive reinforcement. Under this method, you reward those good behaviors done by your pets. For instance, when your dog jumps up on every person who enters, reward them for sitting calmly. That doesn’t only teach the right behavior but will also tighten up the bond between you and your pet.

Consistency is key with rewards. Ensure all members of the household observe the same rules and reward for the same actions. Mixed messages will leave your pet in a muddle, slowing progress down.

Addressing Specific Issues

Each type of problem requires specific ways of treating the issue at hand. Here are a few common ones and how to approach them:

• Excessive BarkingTire your dog out with lots of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Reward silence after the “quiet” command with treats and praise. Yelling at your dog can increase barking.
• Separation AnxietyThis approach will help to make your pet familiar with your absence by leaving them for short periods of time and then gradually increase the time. Also it is recommended not to bring any toys that are meant to be played with or even toys that dispense treats to keep them busy. It would also help to avoid, making a big fuss over your departure and arrival.
• AggressionDetermine if aggression is fear-based, territorial, or resource-related and never punish aggressive behavior as it will make things worse. If aggression doesn’t subside, seek professional help from a trainer or behaviorist in extreme cases.

Patience and Persistence

Behavioral issues will not just disappear into thin air. It takes time, effort, and consistency for permanent results to be achieved. Persistence is key when nurturing your animal, especially if the behavior has been imprinted deep down for a long duration of time. Make sure to focus on the progress you have made and that it is okay to experience failures.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite doing everything right, a behavioral problem won’t improve. That’s when seeking professional help can make all the difference. For instance, veterinarians, trainers, and animal behaviorists diagnose complicated problems. They are also able to develop treatment plans that work.

Behavioral problems in pets are not easy to deal with. However, if done with the proper approach, patience, and guidance, one can indeed help their pet turn into a happy, well-adjusted companion. The behavior your pet exhibits is indicative of his needs and environment. Thus, satisfying those needs will be the guarantee of long-term success.