Adopting A Dog With Known Behavior Problems? Tips For You

Posted on: 14 October 2016

When you are a person who prefers to adopt dogs from humane societies or shelters rather than purchase puppies from breeders, you may find yourself in many situations in which the dogs available for adoption have behavior problems. If you decide to adopt one of those dogs with known behavior problems and issues, you may wonder what you can do to help them better transition into your home and overcome those behavior issues to be the good dog that you know is inside of them. Get to know some of the ways that you can help your newly adopted dog overcome their behavioral issues so that you can get started as soon as possible.

Make Sure Their New Environment And Routine Are Highly Structured

Animals with behavior issues often have extreme reactions to changes in their environment or routine. While there is not much you can do about the initial upheaval of adopting them from the shelter and bringing them into your home. Once they are in your home, you want to be sure that you provide them with as much structure in their environment and routine as possible.

Dogs with problem behaviors like food aggression, growling, biting, or escaping yards (among other behaviors) will need to have a kennel or crate that they can stay in when people are not home or they go to sleep. This will prevent any injuries to people or other animals in your home and will give them a safe space that they know is their own. At first, you may also want to keep them on a leash at all times around the house and in the yard so that you can establish dominance and control over the dog and prevent any problems from arising.

These dogs need structure in their routine as well because predictability provides a dog with stability which in turn can help them relax and potentially overcome those problematic behaviors. This includes meals at the same time of day every day, regular walks and exercise, and and breaks outside around the same time every day. Anything that you can put on a schedule will be to the benefit of your new canine family member.

Consider Seeking Out Dog Training Services

There are many different types of dog training services available to dog owners. Some are general classes to teach behaviors and tricks. However, there are also many dog trainers who work with dogs that are aggressive or have other established negative behavioral traits.

If you are having a tough time breaking those poor habits that your dog exhibits, you may want to consider seeking out private dog training services like The Pet Spot Pet Resort  to help you with your dog. These dog trainers often come directly to you in your home and observe your interactions with your dog, how they behave on a regular basis at home and out in public, and how they react to the trainer. Once these observations are made, they can then begin working with your dog and you to establish a training regimen to help your dog with their issues and improve behaviors.

Now that you know a few of the ways that you can help your newly adopted dog overcome their behavior problems, you can get started with them right away and ensure that they live a long and happy life with you and your family.

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