Home    Meet The Trainer    Common Behaviour Problems    Training Methods    Classes    Links    Contact  

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can show itself in several ways. For example, destructive behaviour, barking, self mutilation etc. The emotional state of the dog affects which training method is implemented.

Aggression

Aggression is a complex area of discussion. An animal can be aggressive for numerous reasons, such as:- traumatic past experiences, learned aggression, lack of socialisation, poor training, stress etc. There are varying types of aggression that can be exhibited, depending on the emotions of the dog. For example: nervous aggression, dominance aggression and even playfulness which has not been controlled or channelled correctly. 

Excessive barking

This can be a huge problem not just for dog owners, but also for the neighbours. Barking can be very self reinforcing for a dog. To stop the barking, the reward for not barking has to be greater than the reward the dog gets from actually barking. As with other behaviour problems, barking can occur for several reasons including: stress, playfulness and guarding behaviour.

Other behaviour problems

Here is a list of other behaviour problems that may be seen :-

•     Hyperactivity
•     Housebreaking
•     Nervousness/ fearful behaviour
•     Adjusting to change e.g. moving house or change due to age e.g. hearing or sight deterioration
•     Car travelling problems
•     Multi dog households and the problems this causes
•     People problems e.g. fear of men and children
•     Escape behaviour
•     Guarding behaviour
•     Jumping up
•     Pulling
•     Problem with visitors
•     Destructive behaviour

These are only a few examples of the problems and their causes. To establish the actual cause of the behaviour problem a full questionnaire will be carried out on arrival at the client's house.