Behavior Problems

"AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'": UNDERSTANDING YOUR PET'S PROBLEM BEHAVIORS

Has your dog ever destroyed the house while you were gone?  Does he ever bark incessantly?  Does she ever growl at strangers or even you?  Has your cat ever used your brand new couch for a scratching post?  Does he urinate on your bed?  Does she keep you awake at night playing with noisy objects?  Although many pets are perfect angels, most will at one time or another exhibit a "behavior problem".    Why the quotes?  Because most "behavior problems" are actually problem behaviors.  In other words, many behaviors exhibited by your pets may be perfectly normal.   The problem is that they are unacceptable to you.  Some of these behaviors may only lead to minor annoyance, while others may lead to very troubling hard feelings between a pet and its owner.  Sadly, thousands to millions of pets are euthanized each year as a direct result of a problem behavior.  Understanding why our pets do the things they do is the first step in overcoming problem behaviors.

As an example, let's talk about cats and their claws.  Cats with claws must scratch on objects in order to keep their nails healthy.  The claws are constantly shedding the outer layer and, if not removed by scratching on things, will become thickened and possibly even infected and painful.  It is a natural and necessary behavior.  However, it is up to the cat owner to let their cat know what they may and may not scratch on.  I am amazed at the number of cat owners who do not have a scratching post in place for their cats.  Declawing is an option, but not necessary if you train your cat to scratch only on their scratching post.  (Yes, despite what many of you think, cats can be trained!   My cat, Charlie, does circles on command!) 

Now lets talk about bathroom habits.  When a cat or dog suddenly starts urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, there is undoubtedly a good reason for it.  Sometimes it is because they have a medical condition that makes it uncomfortable for them to go to the bathroom.   Sometimes it is due to unfavorable litterbox conditions.  Sometimes it is due to anxiety.  In older pets, it can be a sign of kidney disease, incontinence, senility, or metabolic disease.  The point is that they are not necessarily misbehaving, but merely responding naturally to something over which they have no control.

Cats stay up at night because they are naturally nocturnal creatures, and they probably slept all day while you were at work.  Have an active play session with them right before bedtime, then give them a big snack.  They'll more than likely fall right to sleep with you.

Dogs sometimes tear up things in your absence because they are bored or anxious about being left alone.  Make sure they have plenty to keep them busy while your gone.  There are many devices, such as chew toys and balls which drop out pieces of kibble as your dog rolls it around on the floor, which may help keep your dog preoccupied in your absence.  Separation anxiety may be attenuated with behavior modification techniques and, in some instances, anti-anxiety medication.

Barking and aggression are normal canine behaviors, which may stem from anxiety, lack of training, hormonally exaggerated territorial instincts, or unclear cues from the owner.  Spaying or neutering your pet may help, as will training and behavior modification.

This article is far too short to mention all the problem behaviors your pet may exhibit, let alone delve into all possible causes or solutions.  Just remember that many behaviors, which are problematic to you, may be your pet's way of trying to tell you that something is wrong.  Or they may be normal behaviors that must be modified or redirected.  If your pet is doing something which is causing problems for you, or if they suddenly start "misbehaving", the first thing you need to do is make an appointment with your veterinarian.  Medical causes must be ruled out.  If your pet is deemed healthy, then your veterinarian can help you or direct you to someone who can help you work through your pet's problem behavior.  Don't allow a misunderstanding or lack of understanding come between you and your pet.