Dogs may experience a variety of behavioral issues that are challenging for their pet owners to deal with. The most common behavioral issues that dogs exhibit are aggression and scavenging. Although other bad habits can be harmful, scavenging and aggression pose a threat to humans, pets, and the condition of your property.
Aggression
There are several reasons a dog may become aggressive. Dogs can become aggressive when guarding their property, family members, or resources such as food and toys. Fear, anxiety, or pain may manifest as aggression, as dogs can quickly become reactive to protect themselves.
Handling an Aggressive Dog
Aggression is a behavioral issue and not a sign of a lack of obedience. In some instances, aggression may be brought on by an underlying medical condition; therefore, the first course of action should be bringing your dog to your local veterinarian for a thorough health evaluation. If the health assessment is inconclusive, you should seek the assistance of a qualified dog trainer to begin implementing behavior modifications.
Scavenging
The desire to scavenge for sustenance is embedded in a dog’s DNA. They are natural-born scavengers, which can work in a dog owner’s favor when training a dog with treats in hand, but this can also be a dangerous behavioral trait. Dogs will scavenge for food, garbage, sticks, or other items found outdoors simply out of boredom and the urge to sample anything that smells interesting to them.
The Importance of Managing Your Dog Scavenging
If your dog is a canine vacuum, it is vital to manage their behavior as it can become dangerous to their health. Scavenging predisposes your pet to garbage and food intoxication, known as garbage poisoning. Garbage poisoning can lead to severe illness and can even turn fatal.
To curb your pet’s bad behavior, it is important to rely on the help of a professional. Contact your local veterinarian today for guidance and advice on appropriate measures you can take to manage your dog’s scavenging or aggression.
