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Much behaviour that is considered challenging or difficult, like barking or chewing, is normal dog behaviour. It’s only when such behaviour becomes excessive, or directed toward objects we value, that it can rightly be called difficult.
Challenging dog behaviour includes things like:
Why is My Dog Behaving This Way?
Reasons vary, but boredom, isolation and lack of exercise are frequent causes of unwanted behaviour in dogs.
Dogs need exercise, both mental and physical, to stay healthy and happy. Other common reasons for difficult behaviours are fear or separation anxiety.
How Can I Stop My Dog From Barking so Much?
Excessive barking can be an annoyance for your neighbours as well as your family. Until the problem is resolved, keep your dog indoors when you’re out of the house, and let your neighbours know you’re working on a solution. Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons. Here are a few tips that could help:
How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing?
Puppies commonly chew up to the age of 18 months. Grown dogs chew as a way to explore their world. Rather than preventing chewing, try to redirect it toward safe, appropriate objects. Keep dangerous objects such as pins, string, tinfoil, cellophane and rubber bands out of your pet’s reach.
To limit destructive chewing:
How Do I Manage Destructive Behaviour?
It depends on what behaviour your dog is showing. However, no matter what sort of difficult behaviour your dog is showing:
How Can I Stop My Dog From Escaping?
Make sure your dog gets adequate exercise and is spayed/neutered. If your dog is escaping out of fear or separation anxiety, address the underlying problem. In the meantime, take these precautions to keep your dog from escaping:
How to Help a Dog Who is Afraid?
Sometimes dogs who are scared might show unwanted behaviour like excessive barking or inappropriate chewing.
If you think your dog is acting out due to fear:
What Can I Do About Separation Anxiety?
Dogs with separation anxiety have difficulty being away from their people. They might show unwanted behaviour — such as chewing, scratching or howling — within 20 to 45 minutes after being left alone.
If your dog has separation anxiety:
My Dog is too Energetic, What Can I Do?
Your dog may be bored, lonely or simply not getting enough exercise. Puppies and dogs under three years of age need more exercise than older dogs. Some dogs, particularly the herding and sporting breeds, need to be busy to be happy.
What if, Despite All Efforts, My Dog's Behaviour is too Difficult?
Giving up an animal is never easy for the owner or the pet. If, despite your best efforts, your dog’s difficult behaviour continues, consult a trainer to discuss new strategies. If that doesn’t work, try to find a caring and responsible new home, or surrender your pet to the Ottawa Humane Society.
A common challenge people have with their dog is that they will get into trouble when left alone. Being alone may be stressful for your dog and they may act out from the stress.
Confining your dog to a comfortable crate can help prevent these unwanted behaviours.
A dog shouldn't be left alone in a crate for a long period of time. if you take the time to properly introduce a dog to a crate, they will enjoy having a calm, quiet place to relax.
Your dog’s crate is a tool which should allow you to have a smoother, happier relationship with your dog. Although crate training is a very effective method of training your dog, it may not be the answer to every behaviour problem your dog might exhibit. For this reason it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian for advice.
When you choose a crate, be sure that it is the right size. The crate must be large enough for your dog to stand up straight, turn around and lie down in a stretched position.
Introducing your dog to the crate should be positive and fun. Never place your dog in his crate after they show an unwanted behaviour. Your dog needs to feel that their crate is a happy, secure place.
Use a wire or fiberglass crate with good ventilation:
For a puppy, use a crate the size they will need as an adult, but block part of it off until they are house trained. If the crate is big enough for the puppy to eliminate in one area and sleep in another they will. To prevent this, block part of the crate when your puppy is left alone for a reasonable period of time. As soon as your puppy is released from their crate, take them outside to a designated area and reward elimination.
How to Encourage My Dog to Enter the Crate?
Select a command such as “in your house” and encourage them to enter by tossing a treat or toy into the crate. Leave the door open at first and keep it positive by doing things such as meal times in their crate. Once your dog enters readily, close the door for a few minutes and praise them with a cheerful, positive voice.
How Long Should My Dog be in the Crate?
Scheduling and creating a consistent routine for your dog is very important. Puppies should not be left in their crates for more than a couple of hours at a time. They cannot be expected to hold their small bowels and bladders for more than a short period of time. Letting them out of their crates often to go outside and learn good bathroom behaviour is important to help them learn how to hold it, and use the eliminate in the right place and time. The older the puppy gets, the longer they can wait and the longer they can stay in their crate.
A crate is not a place to leave your dog and ignore them. It is a tool to help your dog develop structure and learn routine. No dog should be left crated for long periods of time as this can cause mental and physical damage. Keeping your dog well-exercised and mentally stimulated is important for the dog’s mental and physical health.
If you must leave your dog for long periods of time, there are many options for you to keep your dog happy and healthy. Keeping your dog in a small room with their crate’s door open lets them go in and out of the crate to stretch their legs and move around while keeping them safe and secure. You can also call a dog walker or contact a doggy daycare facility to take your dog for a walk and allow them to use the bathroom during the day.
Why is it Helpful to Crate Train?
Dogs are social animals and wonderful pets. They are excellent companions for play and exercise, and are sources of affection and comfort. With the lifestyle and schedule of the majority of families, dogs must learn to spend a portion of the day at home while their people are away at school, work, shopping or recreational activities. A common complaint about puppies and dogs is the trouble they get into while they are alone.
Using a crate is an excellent way to:
A crate is not meant to be a place to confine your dog for a long period of time. If you take the time to properly introduce your dog to their crate, your dog will likely prefer the crate as a place for sleeping and having a quiet place to call their own.
Your dog will benefit from learning some independence at night. Although some people are comfortable with their dog sleeping in their bed, there will come a time where the dog may not be able to. Teaching your dog to be able to sleep away from you is a valuable skill. This could help avoid the development of stress and barking if your dog is unable to have direct contact with you.
Put your dog in the crate using your regular command and a treat. Starting off, it may be a good idea to put the crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies often need to go outside to use the bathroom during the night, and you’ll want to be able to hear your puppy when they whine to be let outside. Older dogs should initially be kept nearby so that crating doesn’t become associated with social isolation. Once your dog is sleeping comfortably through the night with the crate near you, you can begin to gradually move the crate to your preferred location.
Are There Challenges With Crate Training?
If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated in a crate. If your dog is crated all day while you’re at work and then crated again all night, they are spending too much time confined in a too-small space. Other arrangements should be made to accommodate their physical and emotional needs. Puppies under six months shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can’t control their bladder and bowels for longer periods.
Whining:
Separation Anxiety
As tempting as it may be to crate or confine a dog with separation anxiety, doing so usually makes their panic much worse. It’s highly recommended to try doggie daycare, family, friends and dog sitters instead to help your dog not feel alone while you are away.
A crate may prevent your dog from being destructive, but they may injure themselves in an attempt to escape. Separation anxiety problems can only be resolved with counter-conditioning and desensitization procedures. You will want to consult a professional animal behaviourist for help.
Scheduling Crate Training and House Training
Scheduling and creating a consistent routine for your dog is very important.
A rough guide for the length of time a puppy can wait is: age in months + 1 = number of hours (Ex: 3 months = 4 hours).
A crate is not a place to leave your dog and ignore them, but a tool to help your dog develop structure and learn routine in your home. No dog should be left crated for long periods of time routinely as this can create both mental and physical damage. Keeping your dog well exercised and mentally stimulated is important for your dog’s health.
If you must leave your dog for long periods of time often, there are many options available to keep your dog happy and healthy:
The first night away from littermates can be very stressful.
Puppies under the age of 16 weeks probably won’t be able to wait the entire night without using the bathroom. If your puppy suddenly starts to whine or stir once they had settled into their crate, take them outside as they probably needs to go. This will reinforce “asking” to be let out and help with housetraining. Be careful not to be tricked, if your puppy has recently gone out, they likely don't have to go again. Ignore the behaviour to avoid your puppy learning to wake you up for attention.
Tricks and Tips for Crate Training?
Adapted from The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s age, temperament and past experiences. It’s important to keep two things in mind while crate training:
Ideally, you should try to spend the first few days at home with your new dog. This will enable you to introduce the crate gradually.
Step 1: Introducing Your Dog to Their Crate
Step 2: Feed Your Dog in Their Crate
After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding regular meals near or inside the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate.
Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat, close the door while they are eating.
Step 3: Getting Your Dog to Accept Longer Crating Periods
After your dog is eating regular meals in the crate with no sign of fear or anxiety, you can confine them for short time periods while you’re home.
Step 4: Leaving Your Dog in Their Crate When You’re Away
After your dog is spending about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or afraid, you can begin leaving them in the crate for short periods while you are away from home.
Once your dog can stay quietly in their crate for about 30 minutes with you out-of-sight for the majority of the time, you can begin leaving them crated when you’re out-of-sight for short time periods and letting them sleep their crate at night. This may take several days or several weeks, depending on your dog.
Being the Best Owner You Can Be
Get ready for a lifetime of companionship, long walks and occasional dog treats! A dog can be a great addition to your home and family. Follow these pointers and you and your pet will enjoy a lifetime of love and companionship together.
Sterilization prevents unwanted litters and reduces the risk of reproductive cancer, false pregnancies and roaming.
Your dog should wear an identification tag at all times and have an up-to-date microchip.
Have a veterinarian examine your dog annually
Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date. Proper veterinary care will help ensure a longer and healthier life for your dog.
Dogs that don’t get enough exercise tend to be overweight, bored and at greater risk of experiencing health problems. They can also develop behavioural problems. Dogs should be exercised a minimum of twice daily.
Supply quality food, water and shelter
Neglect in these areas makes for an unhealthy, unhappy dog and ultimately, a shortened lifespan.
Provide basic training and keep your dog under control at all times
A well-trained dog will not be a nuisance to you, your family or your community.
Excrement left in parks or on sidewalks is not only unsightly, but can transmit disease and parasites.
Grooming allows the skin to breathe and is an important health factor. It also provides an opportunity to detect fleas and other problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If Needed, Finding the Perfect Dog Muzzle
There are two types of muzzles available on the market:
The occlusion-type muzzle is good for short-term reasons, such as trimming nails or brushing out burrs in fur. The occlusion-type muzzle is NOT meant for long-term wear, as it prevents the dog from panting, which can cause overheating and lead to heat stroke. Do not purchase this type of muzzle to take your dog outside!
The basket-type muzzle can be made of soft nylon, plastic or wire. This muzzle allows dogs to open their mouths and pant. The most secure to prevent biting is a wire basket, as a dog that is determined to bite will destroy the soft or plastic muzzle. It is recommended to purchase a comfortable muzzle for taking your dog outside.
How to measure your dog:
Length – measure your dog from the eyes to the tip of his nose.
Circumference – measure your dog approximately 1″ below his eyes
Note: for circumference measurements only, add:
To find the perfect muzzle, call or visit different pet stores, and take your dog to try one on at the store. There are also many websites that sell muzzles. Finding a muzzle that is a good fit and is comfortable for your dog may take some time, but it is important for your dog’s safety.
To train your dog to wear the muzzle:
All dogs are different – some dogs will accept the muzzle more quickly than others. And always make wearing the muzzle a positive experience for your dog.
While a muzzle may help manage some behaviours, nothing replaces good training and responsible pet ownership in ensuring a great canine citizen!
First, fill the tub or sink with warm water before you bring in your dog as some dogs do not react well to the sound of gushing water.
Use our four-towel approach by having one towel on the bottom of the tub to provide traction and to prevent slipping. The second towel is your antishake towel that you drape over your wet dog to prevent them from soaking you and the walls (before rinsing or between washes). The third and fourth towels are for drying your dog.
It’s also a good idea to position some steel wool in the drain to prevent hair clogging.
Brush your dog before their bath, helping the shampoo get deep into the coat and to work out any mats before they get set in by the water.
Prepare your dog’s eyes and ears. Your veterinarian can recommend a good and bland eye ointment that you can apply pre-bath to eliminate doggy tears. For their ears, place a small piece of cotton wool in each of your dog’s ears to prevent water from entering the ear canal (remove these after the bath and don’t put them in too deep).
Lead your dog to the tub, using a leash if necessary, and place them in. Then wet your dog down to the skin. Begin shampooing at the neck and work your way down their body to their tail and toes. Once your dog has been sufficiently shampooed up, drain the tub’s water and then rinse thoroughly with water until all the shampoo has been removed.
Remember that you can reduce shedding by loosening ready-to-shed fur in the tub with a brush. This will also work the shampoo deeper into your dog’s coat and provide a nice massage.
Dogs usually dislike the smell of shampoo. To dogs, mint, pine and citrus just aren’t appealing. To prevent an immediate muddying of your hard work, don’t let your dog outside until they are completely dry.
Cover your dog with your third towel and use your last towel to dry the face, then the ears and then the feet. If you dog doesn’t mind the noise, blow-drying is an option but you must be sure to use the cooler heat setting.
Dog Training
Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience, and how you train your dog has a big impact on whether your relationship will be one of companionship or frustration. A big mistake people often make when they first bring their dog home is to give them too much freedom. You may think you’re being nice, but in fact, you may be doing more harm than good.
Starting a training program from the beginning is a fun way to get to know your dog and sets the stage for a successful relationship.
Training is a form of communication between you and your dog. It is up to you to learn how to communicate with your dog. All owners can benefit from training classes, even if they have previously owned a dog or trained many in the past. Every dog is different.
What is Your Role in Training?
If you don’t train your dog, they will train themselves — and not necessarily in a good way! Your dog will learn from you. By taking an active role in teaching your dog, you will be able to train them the way you want.
Choose a trainer you are comfortable with. It is a good idea to observe a class beforehand. This will give you a chance to ask the trainer questions and talk to people in the class about their experiences.
Determine exactly what you want to get out of the class, such as behaviour change or skill development. If you are not sure, discuss this with the trainer so that they can guide you. If you have a good understanding of what you want, the experience will be better for everyone.
If possible, choose a trainer that will come to you and help in the environment that you need help with, such as at home or the dog park.
Choose a trainer who provides adequate and humane instruction (that is, instruction which does not frighten or inflict pain) on any recommended training equipment to ensure it suits the dog.
Do not choose a trainer that uses any of the following techniques:
Crate training: Provides your dog with her own personal space. It is also used to train the dog to be calm and keep her safe when you are not there.
House training: All eliminating is done outside or in a specified area.
Manners training: The dog will wait for you, doesn’t jump up, walks nicely along side of you, and chews on his own things and not yours.
Good citizenship training: Tests dogs in simulated everyday situations to be good citizens including: accepting a friendly stranger, patiently sitting for petting, walking through a crowd and dealing with distractions.
Command training: An extension of manners training or sometimes for competition. Dog learns the commands heel, sit, down, stay, come, etc.
Conformation training: This type of training is done for dogs that will be shown (beauty pageant of the dog world).
Agility training: The dog learns gymnastics for dogs such as: jumps, teeter totter, tire jump, A-frame, tunnel, weave poles, etc.
Behavioural problem solving: Done to address a specific issue such as separation anxiety, fear, hyperactivity, which often includes some of the types of training mentioned above.
Specialized training: Herding, tracking, field trials, search and rescue, guide dog, disability service, hunting, protection, etc.
Similar to children, dogs understand different things at different stages of their development. Below you will find a brief description of the kinds of things you can expect from your dog as they grow. These are only guidelines. Some dogs progress or mature slower than others. Be prepared to see behaviour change over time.
0 to 4 Months
Puppies need quiet time. Too much stimulation teaches them that being hyper and nervous is acceptable.
5 Months to 1 Year
Remember that as dogs mature, their independence grows. Puppies are socially dependent on us, so during the first few months, they will often listen better and stay close to home. It is when they mature, especially through adolescence, that their world becomes much larger. So keep them close to you and under control at all times, and continue your training program on a regular basis.
1 Year and Older
Dogs can always learn something new — working with a trainer on a specific behaviour that you want to change can be done at any age.
Group Training
Perfect for friendly dogs of all skill levels! A great chance to get social, learn and have fun with your pup.
Private Training
Get the one-on-one care and attention your dog needs. Learn together and help your dog become the best canine citizen ever!
Webinars
Tackle common pet challenges with easy-to-access webinars! Learn in no time and find out how you can help your pet.
Puppy Kindergarten
Start your new puppy on the right paw with the first day of school! Your puppy will get to meet other pups and start learning some basic training.
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