Understanding Dog Behavior

Animals normally respond and interact with people, other animals, and their environment based on their behavioral characteristics. Behaviors can be desirable or undesirable depending on your point of view and the situation. Understanding how behaviors develop can help you shape your dog's behavior in positive ways and address problems before they become serious.

How Does Behavior Occur?

Some behaviors animals are born with and are considered innate:

Seeking out food and water
Seeking warmth and huddling

Some behaviors are learned:

From the mother, such as when she teaches the puppy to stay within her sight
From littermates, such as when puppies "draw the line" at rough play
From pet owners who train puppies to urinate outside or in litter pans
Staying away from painful situations

Some behaviors occur due to disease such as:

Aggression due to painful arthritis
Wandering or staring due to changes in cognition (awareness)
Urinating inappropriately due to seizures or infection

How Should Dogs Behave?

Dogs require a social order and a place within that order. They will seek to dominate other animals or people if it will benefit their position. This is due to the innate pack mentality of dogs. Some dogs naturally assume a more dominant role while others are content to be followers.

When Do Problems Occur?

Puppies who are orphaned, or who have not interacted well with littermates, are at risk for developing bad behaviors. Puppies not used to handling become fearful of people and especially of curious children who may poke and prod. These fearful dogs can be aggressive or submissive.

What Resources Are Available?

If behavioral problems are developing, there are a number of resources available to you. Feel free to discuss options with our staff who will make recommendations. These may include attending local obedience training classes, consulting with a professional dog trainer, or working with a veterinary behaviorist for more complex issues.

It is important to remember that some behavioral changes may indicate an underlying medical problem. If your dog shows sudden changes in behavior, aggression, confusion, or unusual elimination habits, schedule a veterinary visit to rule out medical causes before pursuing behavioral training.

Need Help with Your Dog’s Behavior?

If you are concerned about your dog's behavior or have noticed sudden changes, our team can help determine whether there may be a medical cause. We can also provide recommendations for training resources in the area.