Fixing adult dog’s bad behaviour
We adopted our dog when he was two years old. Currently, he is seven. Lately, he has been marking in our house. What can we do to correct this?
It is extremely unlikely that an adult dog’s behaviour would dramatically change without some obvious explanation.
Medical problems are by far the most common culprit. No amount of behaviour training is going to fix a medical problem.
A medical exam is in order. What might appear to be marking can be urgency and frequency.
These can be symptoms of an infection, crystals in the urine or diabetes, among other things. Some medications can also cause these problems as side effects.
Communicate details of the behaviour problem to the pet’s veterinarian. Make it clear that this is a recent development.
Changes in the dog’s environment can also contribute to the problem. A recent move, the addition of a new family member or pet can lead to tension. That tension can trigger marking.
Treat medical issues and try to reduce any stressors that stem from changes in the home. Once these have been addressed, focus on training. Go back to basics.
Shore up schedules. Monitor when and how often the dog needs to get outside. Older dogs may need to get out more often than they used to.
Supervise and decrease the dog’s freedom to roam about the house.
Far too often, issues continue because the dog has the means and opportunity to sneak off and relieve himself.
If the dog starts to sniff and lift his leg, politely interrupt him. Take him outside. Encourage the dog to mark a bush.
Most dogs dislike eating where they urinate.
Feed the dog throughout the house, especially in areas prone to being marked. Teach the dog that food is consumed throughout the house and thus not a place to soil.
Finally, the most important strategy involves training. Teach dogs to do something incompatible. Teach the dog to go outside when he feels the need to lift his leg.
It’s impossible for the dog to misbehave if he is busy offering an acceptable alternative. This is especially effective if the new behaviour interferes and prevents him from engaging in the problem behaviour. Our Labrador puppy is exceptionally clever.
At 12-weeks-old, he already knows most obedience commands. Puppy class seems too basic.
None of the trainers will allow us to skip ahead. How can we get into a more suitable class or should we choose private sessions?
A12-week-old puppy belongs in a wellrun puppy class unless there is a compelling reason not to. Compelling reasons might include critical levels of fear, anxiety or aggression. Illness that prohibits being part of a group is another valid reason.
A dog’s abilities are not at question. Skills can be learned at any age.
Socialization and mental stability is at stake.
Skipping ahead would be like advancing a child ahead several grades without factoring in the importance of developing friendships and developing social skills.
The ability to get along with others is important.
Similarly, skipping a dog ahead compromises their social skills. Sacrificing the ability to get along with others is too high a cost. Fear and anxiety develops. Few trainers, individuals who know how to teach skills, would think of skipping socialization opportunities. It’s too important.
Moving forward, puppy class is the way to go. Make good use of class time. Practice in what is inevitably a distracting environment.
Young pups often toddle behind their owners and listen when at home. Puppies become adolescents. Early obedience success fades if not sufficiently practiced. Yvette Van Veen is an animal behaviour consultant. Write her at advice@awesomedogs.ca.