The Value of Dog Behaviour Help

A normal discerning owner may have a dog behaviour problem, which feels stressful and negatively affects family life. Dog behaviour problems are complex. The behaviour problem may be in a particular context, or in more than one scenario, or more than one behaviour issue, with various factors affecting the behaviour of that individual dog. 

An owner just like you, may ask for advice with many types of dog behaviour problems, that they would like help with, for example the dog is; anxious, begging, barking, vocalising, stealing, fearful, chasing, over active/unsettled, aggressive, guarding, having housetraining errors, separation issues, attention seeking, dog aggressive, people aggressive, inter-dog aggressive, destructive, control issues, not listening, or perhaps the owner has a new puppy, or rescue that they want to give the best start to in its new home, or just to learn how best to manage normal puppy behaviour.  Dog behaviour problems don’t just go away if left, they can get worse if not addressed.  

Pet behaviour problems are the most common reason to relinquish a dog to rescue, other common reasons are health problems the owner cannot cope with. Anon (2018)ASPCA. The Dogs Trust receives an average of 120 calls a day from people wanting to give up their dog to rescue. Some dogs are strays due to lack of a microchip, not up to date contact details, on the microchip, or owners have moved home. Dogs trust.org.uk

In a study, the most common dog behaviour problems, that lead the owner to give their dog to rescue were; aggression of various types, barking, being over active, fearful, straying, or inter male aggression, chasing or disobedience Salman et al (2000), Wells D et al (2000). In a study behaviour problems reported after rehoming 68.3% of the new owners reported dog behaviour problems. Of the owners that returned a dog to rescue 89.7% were returned because of dog behaviour problems Wells D et al (2000). Dog behaviour problems cannot be addressed in a dog training class, that is for learning obedience commands. Dog behaviour modification counselling is needed with a professional, that understands animal behaviour, to effectively help you change your dogs emotions, or reactions.

A study indicated that there is a need for public awareness, to raise the value of behaviour modification counselling with a dog behaviourist to help dogs with behaviour problems. Wells D et al (2000). Success is governed by you, put in the easy work required, get support for dog behaviour modification, to make a difference for your dog and change family life for the better.

Anon (2018) Shelter intake and surrender. Available from aspca.org. 

Statistics from dogstrust.org.uk.

Salman et al (2000) Behaviour reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to shelters. Available from researchgate.net. Accessed Oct 2018.

Wells D et al (2000) Prevalence of behaviour problems reported by owners of dogs purchased from animal rescue shelters. Available from sciencedirect.com. Accessed Oct 22 2018.