Odd Dog Behavior

A dog's behavior may change.

There are many types of behavior in a dog which might strike an owner as odd. The causes can usually be traced back to the dog's background, breeding or health. Sometimes behavior might be caused by a combination of these factors. All dogs will at some time display behavior which may seems strange. Often when a dog reaches puberty, which happens between 5 to 12 months, behavior becomes more challenging.

Digging and Eating

Young dogs have lots of energy.

Some dogs dig furiously, to the extent, sometimes, of damaging their nails. According to dog expert Bruce Fogle, a dog may dig because it wants to bury a bone or because it wants a cool place to lie, to escape or just for fun. Giving the dog a "sandpit" to work out this energy may resolve this problem. Some dogs eat unpleasant things, including its own or other dogs' feces. This can start as curiosity, but end up as a habit. The dog should be distracted, and the vet may advise the use of an unpleasant-tasting substance to deter this behavior.

Wetting

A puppy can become over-excited.

A puppy may become so excited on greeting that it wets. This can also happen if a dog is afraid. A young pup has not yet achieved bladder control, and the excitement causes this to happen. In the fearful dog, wetting is a sign of submissive behavior. The dog should not be punished, but attention should be paid to the probable cause. If the pup is becoming over-excited on greeting, it is best if the owner does not pay any attention to it when she first comes home.

Reacting to Noise

Dogs have an acute sense of hearing and often react to noises that humans barely hear. However, a dog can sometimes develop an extreme reaction to a particular noise. This may be to the noise of saucepan lids or vacuum cleaners. The reaction may be so strong that as soon as the owner goes to the saucepan cupboard, the dog begins to howl. If this becomes a real problem, the owner should ask the vet's advice about desensitization tapes and exercises.

Elderly Dogs

Elderly dogs sometimes display strange behavior. Sometimes an old dog will becoome incontinent, though he has always been clean. The owner should get this checked. An elderly dog sometimes takes himself off into a corner and stares seemingly at nothing. This can be quite distressing for the owner, and it is often a good idea to distract the dog, and gently talk to him and stroke him. Failing eye-sight probably plays a part in this.

Boredom and Anxiety

Many odd dog behaviors can be put down to boredom, frustration and anxiety. Most dogs need plenty of exercise, play and stimulation. This should be thought about before a dog is brought home. The services of a dog-waker should be sought if the owner is too busy to exercise the dog. Dogs may react to being left on their own by running from room to room or standing still as a statue, staring. Sometimes, frustration can manifest itself in destructive behavior in the house. Toys should be used, and the dog should be taken with the owner whenever possible.

References

• "New Dog: Choosing wisely and ensuring a happy ever after," Bruce Fogle, 2008
• "Essential Dog," Caroline Davis, 2006