Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety and other forms of stress - from mild whining when left alone to full blown panic attacks. Some dogs are fearful of loud noises, storms or strangers, or have an aversion to people of a certain age, race, or gender. Other dogs show signs of aggression toward other dogs or even toward humans.
If your dog is showing even the mildest signs of a behavioral problem, don’t put off working with the dog now to prevent larger issues down the road. It will not get better with time! How effectively you deal with the issue at the initial onset will determine whether it becomes a controlled situation, or one the escalates over time.
Whether planned or not, your dog begins learning from the moment you meet. Every experience will shape the dog’s behavior about you and the environment your dog inhabits: your neighborhood, the veterinarian’s office, riding in your car, being home alone or with the family, and having visitors come over. How you expose your dog to new situations and how you handle those situations will have an influence on your dog’s behavior. Structuring your dog’s experiences to teach the dog what you want the dog to understand will make life better for both of you.
A dog’s confidence is enhanced by providing it with structured training and socialization activities. This gives the dog an understanding that success is always possible, making them resistant against related behavioral habits.
If you are considering a professional trainer to help you address your dog’s behavioral challenges, visit IACP for a list of qualified trainers in your area - http://www.canineprofessionals.com/
For professional training in the San Francisco Bay Area visit our website at http://www.k9intel.com/, K9 Intel is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
