Author

Deni D.

Position

Founder & CEO

This article will take a look at common behavioural problems that may arise when bringing a new dog home and strategies for addressing them.

Why check out this article?

Our Top 10 Tips for addressing initial behavioural issues

House Training: Establish a consistent house training routine to address indoor accidents. Take your dog outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, or waking up. Praise and reward them for doing their business outside to reinforce positive behaviour.

Separation Anxiety: Gradually acclimate your dog to being alone to prevent separation anxiety. Start with short absences and gradually increase the duration. Provide toys and comforting items, and avoid making departures or arrivals overly dramatic.

Excessive Barking: Determine the cause of excessive barking, such as boredom, fear, or attention-seeking. Address the root cause by providing sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Teach commands like "quiet" or "enough" and reward calm behaviour.

Jumping Up: Prevent jumping by teaching your dog alternative behaviours. Use commands like "sit" or "down" when they greet people. Reward them for keeping all four paws on the ground and avoid giving attention when they jump.

Chewing: Redirect chewing behaviour by offering appropriate chew toys and supervising your dog closely. Discourage chewing on household items by using bitter sprays or providing engaging toys. Ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Aggression: Address signs of aggression, such as growling or snapping, by consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. Avoid punishment and focus on positive reinforcement and desensitisation techniques to modify aggressive behaviour.

Resource Guarding: Manage resource guarding by teaching your dog to be comfortable with handling their food, toys, and other valued items. Gradually introduce handling exercises and reward calm behaviour to reduce guarding tendencies.

Destructive Behaviour: Prevent destructive behaviour by ensuring your dog receives adequate physical and mental exercise. Provide stimulating toys and activities to keep them occupied and reduce boredom-related destruction.

Pulling on Leash: Use positive reinforcement training techniques to address pulling on the leash. Teach loose-leash walking by rewarding your dog for walking calmly beside you and using commands like "heel" or "easy."

Fearfulness: Help a fearful dog by exposing them to new experiences gradually and positively. Use treats and praise to build confidence and avoid overwhelming them. Provide a safe space and comfort items to help them feel secure.

From the experts: Remember, addressing behavioural issues takes time and patience. Stay consistent with your training methods and remain calm and positive. Regularly review progress and adjust your approach as needed to help your new dog adapt smoothly.

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