Training your pet can be a rewarding experience, but finding the right methods to address unwanted behaviours can be challenging. Whether you’re dealing with a rambunctious puppy or a stubborn cat, understanding the basics of pet behaviour is essential. In this guide, we offer helpful tips to identify and improve your pet’s behavioural issues.

Understanding Pet Behaviours

Pets exhibit a range of behaviours, some desirable and others not so much. Recognising and addressing these behaviours early is crucial for their safety and well-being.

Common Behavioural Issues

• Rough Play: Can lead to injuries and should be discouraged.
• Reactiveness: Barking or lunging at other animals or people.
• Separation Anxiety: Stress when left alone, often resulting in destructive behaviour.

Normal Pet Behaviours

• Curiosity: Sniffing, exploring new environments.
• Playfulness: Engaging in games and interactive play.
• Affectionate Behaviours: Seeking attention, cuddling.

Some pets might still experience behavioural issues such as separation anxiety despite these normal behaviours.

It’s important to understand that pets with separation anxiety can become extremely distressed, leading to destructive and self-harming behaviours. This often cannot be resolved through training alone. We recommend consulting a vet about whether prescribed medication can alleviate your pet’s distress when they are alone. Addressing both training and medical needs can create a more comprehensive solution for your pet’s well-being.

Symptoms of Behavioural Issues

Identifying symptoms of behavioural issues early can help address them before they become ingrained habits. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Symptoms in Dogs

• Excessive Barking: Barking at every noise or without apparent reason.
• Destructive Chewing: Destroying furniture, shoes, or other household items.
• Aggression: Growling, snapping, or biting at people or other animals.
• House Soiling: Urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained.

Symptoms in Cats

• Litter Box Issues: Refusing to use the litter box or urinating outside it.
• Scratching Furniture: Excessive scratching of furniture despite having scratching posts.
• Hiding: Constantly hiding or avoiding interaction with people.
• Excessive Grooming: Over-grooming to the point of bald spots or sores.

Recognising these symptoms is the first step in addressing and modifying your pet’s behaviour.

Behavioural Needs at Home

Meeting your pet’s behavioural needs at home is crucial for their overall well-being. For both cats and dogs, consider the following:

• Enrichment Toys: Provide puzzle feeders, chew toys, or cat trees to prevent boredom and reduce unwanted behaviours.
• Interactive Activities: Engage in regular play sessions to stimulate their minds and keep them active.
• Comfortable Resting Spots: Ensure they have cosy places to relax and feel secure.
• Human Companionship: Spend quality time with your pet through playtime, training sessions, or cuddling. Your presence is essential for their happiness and mental health.

By creating a stimulating and loving environment, you help your pet lead a balanced and contented life.

Training Principles and Methods

Navigating the vast array of training methods can be overwhelming, especially for new pet owners. Here are some fundamental principles to guide you:

Key Training Principles

1. Identify the Cause: Understand why your pet is exhibiting certain behaviours. For example, a dog may dig or escape due to boredom.
2. Consistency is Key: Regular and consistent training helps reinforce desired behaviours.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or playtime.

We always recommend using positive reinforcement with your pets. Punishment, such as yelling, hitting, or using choke chains, is never advised as it can scare the animal, damage the pet-owner relationship, and make behaviour problems worse.

Effective Training Methods

Obedience Training

Teaching your pet basic commands such as sit, stay, and come can establish a foundation for good behaviour. These commands are crucial for ensuring your pet’s safety and fostering a strong bond between you and your pet.

• Basic Commands: Start with simple commands and gradually progress to more complex ones.
• Use of Rewards: Always reward your pet immediately after they obey a command to reinforce the behaviour.
• Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your pet’s interest.

Crate Training

Crate training provides a safe and secure environment for your pet, which can help reduce anxiety and prevent destructive behaviour.

• Choose the Right Crate: The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Make it Positive: Associate the crate with positive experiences by placing treats, toys, and bedding inside.
• Gradual Introduction: Start by leaving the crate door open and allowing your pet to explore it at their own pace.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is a popular method that uses a clicker to mark desired behaviour and reward it.

• Timing is Crucial: Click at the exact moment your pet performs the desired behaviour.
• Consistency: Always follow the click with a reward to reinforce the behaviour.
• Gradual Progression: Start with simple behaviours and gradually move to more complex ones as your pet learns.

Socialisation

Socialising your pet with other animals and people can help reduce fear and aggression.

• Early Exposure: Introduce your pet to various environments, people, and other animals at a young age.
• Controlled Interactions: Ensure interactions are positive and controlled to prevent negative experiences.
• Ongoing Process: Continue socialising your pet throughout their life to maintain their comfort and confidence.

Problem-Solving Techniques

You can address specific behavioural issues for your pet with targeted techniques.

• Destructive Chewing: Provide plenty of chew toys and supervise your pet to prevent unwanted chewing.
• Excessive Barking: Identify the cause of the barking and address it, whether it’s boredom, fear, or territorial behaviour.
• House Soiling: Establish a regular bathroom schedule and reward your pet for going outside.

Training cats can be particularly challenging as they do not respond the same way dogs do. Reading cat body language is essential to understand their actions and address unwanted behaviours.

Behaviour Training Support

Supporting a pet with behavioural needs can require extra help. Fortunately, we offer a variety of options for your training journey.

Available services and programs at Lort Smith

• Puppy Preschool: Early age training at our Campbellfield site to establish good habits.
• One-on-One Training: Personalised sessions at our Campbellfield site with our pet behaviouralist, Dr Tina Chen for pets needing individual attention.
• Phone Consultations: Professional advice for pet owners.

To find out more, click here or contact us to discuss the best option for your pet’s needs.