You've just arrived home from work to find that your dog has escaped the yard and is running around the neighbourhood, barking at everyone he meets. You're embarrassed and frustrated, especially since you've been working hard to teach him not to be anti-social. Does this happen often? Join the Club!!! In this blog, let’s deep dive into what anti-social behaviour is and how are the different ways we can combat it.
Dogs are social animals, and as such, we want them to be able to behave properly when they're around other people and pets. Unfortunately, this isn't always an instinctive behaviour, and it's something that pet parents have to work on. However, there are definitely measures you can take to ensure that your dog is more comfortable and well-behaved in social situations.
Signs of Antisocial Behaviour in Dogs
There are several signs of antisocial behaviour in dogs that can be observed by pet parents. One of the most common signs is persistent barking. Dogs that bark excessively, especially when there is no apparent reason, may be exhibiting antisocial behaviour. Another sign is aggression towards people or other animals. If your dog growls, snaps or bites, this may be a sign of antisocial behaviour. Other signs include chewing on furniture or other objects, digging holes and escaping from the yard.
Other most common anti-social dog behaviour include not respecting human spaces, getting too excited when guests arrive, tugging at the leash during walks.
While these behaviours are often seen as negatives, it's important to remember that every dog is different and that there are many possible reasons for anti-social behaviour. For example, a dog who doesn't respect human spaces may simply be fearful or anxious, while a dog who gets aggressive with other animals may be acting out of protectiveness or territoriality. It's important to work with a qualified trainer or behaviourist to identify the root cause of any anti-social behaviour and create a plan to address it. With patience and consistent training, many dogs can learn to overcome their challenges and live happy, well-adjusted lives.
Common Causes for Anti Social Dog Behaviour
There are a number of common causes for antisocial behaviour in dogs. One of the most common is inadequate socialisation during the critical period of development, when puppies should be exposed to as many different people and situations as possible in order to ensure that they grow up to be well-adjusted adults. If a puppy isn't given this opportunity, they may become fearful or anxious around people and other dogs, which can lead to aggression.
Other common causes of antisocial behaviour in dogs include genetics (some breeds are more prone to aggression than others), prior bad experiences (such as being abused or neglected), and health problems (pain or illness can make even the sweetest dog grumpy and aggressive)
Only by understanding the underlying cause of your dog's aggression can you hope to effectively address it.
Dog Breed Psychology Facts
There are a number of dog breeds that have been identified as being more prone to antisocial behaviour than others. One reason is that some breeds have been bred for aggression. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Rottweiler. For example, pit bulls were originally bred for bull-baiting, a sport in which dogs fought bulls. As a result, pit bulls have a history of being aggressive. Some dog breeds simply have temperamentally different personalities than others. For example, border collies are known for being very intelligent and active, while beagles are known for being friendly and laid-back. This difference in personality can lead to different levels of aggression in different breeds.
However, it is important to note that any dog of any breed can exhibit excessive antisocial behaviour if they have not been properly socialised or trained.
How to reverse anti social dog behaviour and tips for anti social dogs
If your dog is displaying anti-social behaviour, there are a few things you can do to help reverse it. One of the most important things is to ensure that they are getting plenty of exercise - a tired dog is a good dog! Take them for long walks, runs or hikes every day, and make sure they have plenty of opportunities to play with other dogs too.
Another key element is positive reinforcement - rewarding your dog when they display desired behaviours. This could be in the form of verbal praise, petting or even treats. Dog training treats are especially effective as they provide an immediate reward that your dog will be motivated to work for. Be sure to choose healthy treats that won't ruin their appetite or diet, and use them sparingly so that they stay special..
Finally, make sure you are consistent in your own behaviour around your dog. If you are calm and relaxed, they will pick up on this and mirror your energy. If you are anxious or stressed, this will only aggravate any existing anti-social behaviour. So take a deep breath, remain patient and kind, and give your furry friend the time and attention they need to thrive.
Some ways to address the issues of each behaviour type in dogs
Dogs who are afraid to mingle with other dogs: If your dog is afraid to mix with other dogs, start off by helping him make friends with other dogs of the same size. This will give him a chance to socialise without feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Try to find calm dogs that will not make your anti-social dog anxious. Once he has made some friends, you can slowly introduce him to other dogs and different situations. With patience and time, your dog will learn to enjoy being around other dogs and will be less fearful.
Helping your over excited dog behave when strangers arrive: If you have an antisocial dog, chances are you've had to deal with them barking excessively, lunging at people or other dogs, and generally being a nuisance. However, it is possible to train your dog to stay calm and well-behaved when strangers come into your home.
One of the best ways to do this is by using healthy training treats. When someone comes to your door, have them give your dog a treat while they're petting him. This will help your dog associate strangers with something positive (getting a tasty treat) and will make him more likely to stay calm around them. You can also use this technique to teach your dog to ‘stay’ when visitors come over - just have them drop a treat on the floor near your dog as they walk in. With a little patience and consistency, you should be able to train your anti-social dog to stay calm and collected around strangers - making life much easier for everyone involved!
Taming aggressive behaviour during walks: This is one of the most common issues with antisocial dog behaviour and can end up leading to really disastrous situations. Chances are, you've had to deal with them barking excessively, lunging at people or other dogs, and generally being a nuisance. Your dog may also end up attacking another dog or may even get bitten in the process.
Dogsee Crunch is one of the most popular dog training treats. Made from real fruits and vegetables, they're single-ingredient with no added flavours or preservatives - perfect for picky dogs. Not to mention, the healthy ingredients are great for your dog's overall health. What's not to love?
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I train my dog to be more social?
Answer: Yes, with timely intervention and consistency in training, you can reverse your dog’s anti-social behaviour.
2. Is it ever too late to reverse a dog’s anti-social behaviour?
Answer: Definitely not, it is never too late to retrain your dog to be more socially accommodating. However, it is advisable to address the issue as early as possible to ensure that your efforts are lessened.
3. How long does it take to fix your dog’s anti-social behaviour?
Answer: This depends on how often you are training your dog. If you train your dog everyday for an hour, it may take about 6-8 weeks to reverse their behaviour.
4. What kind of pet treats are best while training anti-social dogs?
Answer: Dogsee treats, sourced from the Himalayas are made from only the finest ingredients. We use a special process that preserves all the nutrients and flavour. This means that your dog will get the most out of every treat, and you can feel good knowing that you're giving them something healthy and delicious which are perfect for training your dog.
Dogsee was created with the mission of making the lives of pets better and their parents worry-free. We believe that every pet deserves the very best and this is reflected in everything we do. From our nutritious food to our playful toys, we are constantly innovating to bring new and better products to market that make life with pets more enjoyable.
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