Pet Behavior Issues:
Tips for a Happy and Healthy Companion
I am the Original Holistic Pet Health Coach, and am now training passionate pet parents, and pet professionals to be Certified Holistic Pet Health Coaches so that more pets can be helped holistically.
The main cause that many pets end up in shelters is because of problems with their behavior. Common problems such as not being properly trained to use the bathroom, acting aggressively, causing damage, and being too hyper are the main reasons why their owners decide to let them go. It’s crucial to grasp how our pets behave and make sure they’re at ease and can unwind.
Typically, your newly adopted pet would see the vet before meeting a trainer. This is because many pets adopted from shelters can become ill within the first month of being brought home. The vet might just inquire about the health issue and not about how smoothly your new pet is settling into its new environment.
Veterinarians are adept at noticing body language cues in young puppies and dogs that could raise concerns for us. However, explaining the process of modifying such behavior might pose a challenge for us. Our worry is that your new dog might become increasingly anxious during visits and possibly display aggression stemming from fear. Many veterinarians still adhere to conventional ideas like the “alpha dog” or “leader dog” concept, which implies a hierarchical model of dog behavior. This perspective may not fully embrace the contemporary understanding of pet “wellness,” characterized by a more holistic and comprehensive approach to pet health and care.
To develop a healthy behavior and connection with your pet, you can harness all the available resources to ensure your dog is as healthy and happy as possible. This means working on their fitness, emotions, and behavior, so that your furry friend feels balanced and in sync both physically and mentally.
What Does Your Pet Need to Develop Healthy Behavior?
- A safe, comfortable place to rest and sleep.
- The freedom from or the ability to escape from unnecessary pain, fear, threats, and discomfort.
- The ability to control some aspects of the environment.
- The ability to express normal behaviors such as chewing, scratching, and elimination in a manner that is appropriate.
- Adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
- The ability to have pleasant social contact with other dogs and humans to which the animals have been socialized.
What Is Considered to Be A Healthy Behavior?
- Affectionate yet not overly clingy.
- Friendly towards people, including children, and other dogs, or at least tolerant of them.
- Comfortable with regular handling and interactions.
- Only eliminate waste in designated areas.
- Not excessively fearful of normal or new experiences.
- Adaptable to change with minimal issues.
- Play well with others without becoming uncontrollable or rough.
- Not a nuisance or danger to the community.
- Can handle being alone for reasonable periods without anxiety.
- Willingly share space, food, toys, and belongings.
- Vocalize appropriately without excessive barking.
- Responsively follow commands like sit, down, come, or stay.
Situations That Can Worsen Pet Behavior
- Lack of proper socialization and interaction with other pets
- Undiagnosed health issues that could affect behavior.
- Family changes (moving, new baby and etc) can impact pets and lead to behavioral issues.
- Drastic routine changes (more time outside or alone).
- Lack of exercise that can stimulate mental and environmental, this can lead to boredom-related behaviors.
Consider providing valuable support for your pet’s behavior by enrolling them with a professional trainer. These experts comprehensively understand animal behavior and can provide tailored guidance and effective techniques to tackle specific behavior issues. Moreover, trainers place great emphasis on consistency, a pivotal factor in reinforcing desired behaviors. Additionally, they possess the capability to pinpoint the underlying causes of behavioral challenges and develop pragmatic solutions.
As you and your pet engage in training, you’ll develop a more profound connection through shared learning and teamwork. This investment in training today holds the potential to shape a well-mannered and delightful companion, contributing to a mutually enriching journey for years to come. Just remember, selecting the appropriate trainer aligned with your pet’s individual traits and requirements is important to the success of the training.
Why It's Worth Taking Your Pet to Professional Trainer?
If you’re grappling with behavioral problems in your pet and suspect there might be an underlying health issue, you can reach out to me, I’m your pets’ ally!
