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Does your dog display one of these common behaviour issues? If you're struggling, don't worry, you're not alone! 

I am here to help you understand, recognise behaviours and help your dog.

Common Issues

Separation anxiety

Dogs are social animals, and can form a strong attachment to one or more people in the household. When you are not around, your dog may display their anxiety in a number of ways, including: 
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  • Excessive barking whining / howling

  • Destructive behaviour (chewing, digging)

  • Urination or defecation indoors

  • Pacing

  • Attempts to escape, or to find their owner

A dog sitting on a sofa, surrounded by shredded stuffing: separation anxiety.

Using positive reward techniques, along with repetition and desensitisation, your dog can learn that being left, for a reasonable time, is not something to fret over. Techniques include:

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  • General desensitisation

  • Build positive associations

  • Practice calm exits and returns

Reactivity or aggression on lead

Having a reactive dog is very stressful and may result in you changing the times and places where you feel they can walk your dog 'safely'.

Reactivity is often an expression of fear or anxiety, and may include behaviours such as:

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  • Lunging

  • Growling

  • Barking 

  • Snapping at other dogs, people, or objects when on a lead

A small dog on a lead lunging aggressively at another small dog: reactivity.

Being able to spot the early warning signs in your dogs’ body language will help you to anticipate, intervene and prevent reactivity towards other dogs. Keeping your dog’s emotions below a point where they have to react will reassure them and help them to be more assured and confident.

I can help you to recognise your dogs body language, and teach you techniques to help your dog feel safe, using methods including:

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  • Reward focused attention

  • Desensitisation training

  • Using a clicker to mark positive behaviour

Jumping up on people / visitors / guests

Excessive excitement, jumping, pawing, mouthing visitors can be difficult, especially when the visitors are young, elderly or not keen on dogs. Jumping up is often an expression of excitement or a means to attract attention.

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Being able to politely greet visitors and friends alike is a great core behaviour for your dog to learn. I can help with techniques including:

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  • Teach incompatible behaviour

  • Rewarding calm behaviour

  • Practice and consistency

A puppy jumping up at a person

Resource guarding

Guarding or protecting a valuable resource (such as food, toys, a favourite spot, or event a person) can be a symptom of anxiety or insecurity. This may also stem from previous neglect or being bullied by others, and may be seen in the following behaviours when approached:

  • Growling

  • Barking

  • Snapping

  • Stiff body language

An aggressive dog: resource guarding.

Positive, reward based techniques can help relax and calm your dog:
Teach a “Trade” Game: Practice trading low-value items for higher-value treats, building a sense of trust around giving up items.
Practice Approaching While Giving Treats: Approach the dog with treats in hand, rewarding them for calm behavior. Gradually moving closer to their food bowl or toy without taking it away.
Reward Calm Behaviour Around Resources: Use praise and treats to reinforce calmness when others are nearby, helping the dog to feel safe.
Stopping all attempts to force the dog to surrender, shouting or chasing the dog around.

Lead pulling

Many dogs struggle to walk on lead and walking a dog that pulls is exhausting for you and is not a great experience for the dog. This is a common problem and one which is practiced / rehearsed on every walk. The dog is excited to get to the park and pulls hard to get there sooner. This behaviour is rewarded as the owner walks behind the dog to the park.

Various mechanical devices including collars, haltis, harnesses and slip leads are often used to prevent this behaviour. However, the most powerful control of the dog is what's between its ears, rather than what's around its neck.

An excited dog pulling on the lead during a walk

I can help you to switch to a reward based approach where the *best* place for your dog to be is at your left or right hip, using treats, a clicker, and practice.

Rescue specialist

Rescue dogs in particular can often display behaviour relating to one of more of these common issues, due to the abuse, neglect or trauma they may have experienced.

Sighthound/greyhound specialist

Retired racers can often exhibit a combination of these unwanted behaviours. As a specialist I can help you to understand the reason for the behaviours, and teach you techniques to overcome these common issues.

Book your free 15 minute consultation

If you're experiencing one of these common dog behaviour issues, lets have a chat about how I can help.

Here at Derby Dog Behaviour I specialise in providing personalised, positive, compassionate and effective solutions to help improve your dog's behaviour. I believe in creating a stress-free experience for you and your dog, and my approach is rooted in kindness and science.

Get help for your dog. Contact me to book your free 15 minute consultation.

Derby Dog Behaviour is a fully insured with Pet Business Insurance

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