Pet Behavior

Analyzing Pet Behavior Problems

With the recent "Snapping"...OK, darn right biting of a reporter by the President's dog, it seems that there has been more talk of Pets Behavior Problems these days. I guess as tough as the reporters have been to our dear 'ole President, it is no wonder he gets a little snappy form time-to-time...the dog, not the President.

How about you? Are you dealing with some Pet Behavior Problems yourself? Hey, I'm not a Doctor and I don't even play one on TV, but I have had a long obsession with my pets and have spent a lot of hours working with various Animal Rescue organizations as it a passion and one I contribute to as much as I can yearly. In that time I have had a lot of conversations with various Doctors who have given me some excellent information when it comes to Pet Behavior. Everyone has their own remedies, that much is for sure, but there seems to be some consensus as to some of the methods people use.

Here are some of the most frequent questions that I have heard that have seemed to begged answers from new pet owners that were adopting a pet. They relate to barking excessively, chewing in a destructive manner, accidents, a pet that seems to pace about, licking or drooling excessively and inactivity, usually in older dogs. There are tons of other questions, many that seem more Breed related, but most of the questions seem to fall under the previously mentioned categories.

First and foremost, there are questions you need to ask yourself. I believe that many problems from a Pet Behavior standpoint can be directly related to the owner's behavior. You see, your pet often reflects back what you are feeling. I know that my cat can seem to pick up on my moods and there is no doubt that your pet may be doing the same.

So ask yourself is there something going on in you life that has caused a "Disruption" in the usual routine? Have you changed their diet in some way? Has a "new" pet or child been introduced into the fold? Great questions to determine any external situations that may be causing a different behavior from your pet. Have you spent more time away from your pet than usual? There is a thing called "Separation Anxiety" and pets are certainly not immune.

Now see if your pet has any overt signs of sickness that will be causing a problem. Many times at the beginning of a sickness, the problems start to manifest. Just be aware of your pets changing moods and don't be so quick to want to punish bad behavior.

A couple of tips for dealing with your pet.

When you see a problem, deal with it quickly. Don't try to dismiss it and think it will go away if you ignore it.

Always be gentle with your pet. Just as with a child, I don't ever believe you should hit a pet out of anger. Your pet should never fear you by thinking they are going to get hit when you raise your hand.

The quieter you are when dealing with your pet, the better and rarely scold them. How do you feel when you are constantly derided at work or by a significant other? Why do you think pets are any different?

Rotate the toys for your pet. That keeps them interested in playing more if they have new stimuli to play with.

The most important aspect to remember about your pet is that, by and large, you chose them somehow, right? You decided that you wanted a pet.

I've often heard that you can't pick your family, but that you can pick your friends...and your pets.

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