Abnormal Dog Behavior

Man's best friend may, indeed, be his dog, but the domestic dog is descended from the wolf, jackal or coyote. Whatever its ancestry, mankind has effectively taken the dog away from its natural environment and, in so doing, introduced conditions that may lead to abnormal behavior.

  1. Causes

    • Some dogs are more naturally inclined to behave abnormally than others, purely because of their genetic make-up. However, overexcitement, lack of an escape route from, perhaps, a ringing telephone or doorbell in a confined space, or lack of adaptation to everyday stimuli can cause a dog to scratch, howl or otherwise behave abnormally.

    Biting

    • Most dogs learn to inhibit biting by the time they are four months old, but if a puppy does not socialize with other puppies or, indeed, with young children, it may be fearful of and aggressive towards other dogs and children as it grows older.

    Rehabilitation

    • Prevention, by socialization and training at an early age, is better than cure when it comes to abnormal dog behavior. Although rehabilitating a problem dog can be a lengthy process, you can accomplish it with care and patience.