DESTRUCTIVE HABITS IN DOGS AND WAYS TO CORRECT THEM

If your dog isn’t happy, then neither are you!

- Sandeep Lad*

DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN DOGS INCLUDES ANY ACTION THAT IS HARMFUL TO THE DOG OR THE HOUSEHOLD.

However, destructive habits in dogs are controllable. They can be changed when you change! One must focus on preventing the problem while encouraging better choices. You getting upset doesn’t help at all. Stress/confusion is one of the reasons for destructive behaviour. Since our pets cannot phone a friend or watch TV they resort to destructive behaviour.

Dogs show their stress or anxiety in different ways like destructive chewing, barking, Chasing, undesirable elimination (urinating and defecating) etc. Some of the reasons for developing such habits are:

Separation Anxiety – It is a condition when your pet exhibits distress and behavioural problems when separated from you. Some symptoms are chewing, barking, escaping, shivering, urinating etc.

Stress, fear or confusion– Sometimes dogs may feel stress when they are teased by children, confined to a small area, or crated near another animal.

Lack of exercise – Dogs need exercise. They say a tired dog is a good dog! Dogs that stay cooped up inside all day get bored and look for ways to entertain themselves. If dogs get plenty of exercise with mental and physical stimulation, they have no desire to escape, chase or fall prey to any other destructive habits.