Unusual Dog Behavior

When a dog begins to exhibit strange or unusual behavior, it is up to the pet owner to determine the cause, which can be difficult to do, particularly if the behavioral changes seem to occur overnight. Learning about common behavior changes in dogs will help you to identify the cause of unusual behavior in your dog.

  1. Compulsive Behavior

    • Dogs that are bored, under stress, or lonely sometimes engage in compulsive behavior, from tail chasing to licking themselves repeatedly, to more dangerous behavior like attempting to "herd" small children in the house by barking and nipping them.

    Separation Anxiety

    • No dog likes to be alone for long periods of time. Some dogs are more sensitive to this than others and may chew furniture, whine or bark excessively, and relieve themselves indoors, even if they are house trained.

    Irritability

    • When good-natured dogs suddenly become irritable, it is likely due to aging or a medical condition. Snapping, snarling, pacing and refusing to engage in previously enjoyable activities are common in ailing and elderly dogs.

    Breed Behavior

    • Some breeds are more likely to engage in strange behavior then others. Maltese, for example, often eat their own fecal matter in response to stress. Other breeds have particular stress behaviors as well.

    Considerations

    • Take your dog to the vet as soon as it begins exhibiting strange behavior in order to have it evaluated.