Friday, August 6, 2010

Behavior Problems Among Pets

Men and women are the only ones who experience behavioral issues. Pets, when exposed to pressure, experienced trauma or health related problems, could easily display behavioral problems. It is more hard to find the reasons for behavior issues among pets. It could even result into aggression, disobedience, and destruction of furniture and property.

- Dogs

Our canine best friends also experience behavior issues. Common problems would be barking, chewing, digging, chasing, jumping up and biting. Dogs naturally do these acts. However, excessive acts might cause effects on the owners and for others.

Dogs bark whenever they warn their owner, excited, seeking attention, communicate or reply to other animals and out of anxiety and boredom. Anxiety and fear could also cause dogs to chew things, urinate and defecate inappropriately. Anxiety could come from separation from the owner.

There are a few who would say that the attitude of a dog is also contingent upon its genes or its breed, since there are indeed some breeds that are more aggressive. Owners should also check with vets as the behavioral problems can be caused by a sickness. Experience also plays a primary role. Abandoned and abused canines would tend to show abnormal behavior like aggression or fear. They could also develop phobias just like humans because of their previous experience.

In the main, the best treatment for dogs who have behavioral issues is training. When training your dog, ensure that you would be consistent and providing positive reinforcement for their good behavior. It is essential for relatives to follow the same training methods once a dog is undergoing corrective training.

- Cats

The main difference between cats and dogs is that cats cannot be trained or disciplined just like dogs since they respond differently. But they do have exhibit problems in their behavior like spraying. Spraying is different from urinating, the initial thing to do is ask your veterinarian to eliminate medical issues. If the reason is behavioral, cats usually spray to mark their territories. A straightforward tip is by sprinkling lemon or any citrus fruit juice in the area. They hate the smell of citrus fruits.

Other issue can include scratching, failure to use the litterbox, frequent curtain climbing, chewing, biting, scattering the garbage, and ruining the garden. Again for defecating, it is still best to eliminate medical complaints before proceeding to corrective training.

Correcting problematic behavior should never involve hurting them as it can just make them be terrified of you. you would benefit from using waterbottles, clapping, snapping, or making abrupt noises since they hate being surprised. You could push the face away without hurting them to discourage the bad behavior they are exhibiting.

- Birds

Birds would show problems when they basic needs are not met like food and water. Sleep, proper and spacious shelter, and social interaction is in addition important to them. When these are not met they would bite, scream, pick on their feathers and develop phobias.

The easiest thing to do is meet the requirements for their healthy life like a cage acceptable for their size and where they may spread their wings and move without damaging any of their feathers. Pet birds in addition need attention and interaction. Socialize with them or place them in areas where the family would be in a position to socialize with the birds. Make sure that they're getting the correct sleep. You could cover the cage or darken the room to help them receive a good sleep.

Pets would develop behavioral issues if we are not able to take care of them properly or their past owners where able to meet their needs. Consistency and averting situations where pets may exhibit inappropriate behavior should be ignored. Physical punishment does not work, encourage them and reinforce their positive behavior or development.

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