Common behavior problems in dogs include aggressiveness (dominance aggresssion and fear-induced aggression being most common), house soiling, destructive behavior, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, excessive vocalization and noise phobias.

Aggression

This behavior may include aggressive threats such as growling, posturing or snapping, but often also includes a serious bite to a human. There are many causes of aggressive behavior. See library article Aggression.

House Soiling

House soiling is characterized by urination or defecation indoors. This behavior may be due to improper training of the pet, blocked access to go outside when he needs to urinate or defecate, territorial reasons, separation anxiety, forgetfulness associated with aging, or medical illness. Puppies and young dogs also sometimes squirt a small amount of urine due to high excitement or to display subordination.

Destructive Behavior

Puppies and young dogs often destroy things as part of their exploration of their environment or because the jaw pressure when chewing reduces the discomfort of teething. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety may destroy household objects as a stress release mechanism, claw at doorways or jump through windows in an effort to find their special friend.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is characterized by anxious behaviors, including urinating or defacating indoors, destruction of household objects, excessive vocalization, emotional distress (trembling, drooling, hiding) or a combination of these signs, occuring when the owner is gone or inaccessible.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is simply over exuberant activity. Many dogs do not get enough exercise which can contribute to hyperactivity. The biggest contribution to hyperactivity is when people unintentionally respond to canine excitable behavior, by becoming excited themselves. This behavior encourages the dog to continue to be hyperactive.

Excessive Vocalization

Vocalization includes barking, whining, yipping and howling. Protective vocalization is a valuable activity and many breeds are bred to vocalize for protection, to identify their location, or other reasons. When a human thinks a dog is excessively vocalizing it might be because of exaggerated territoriality, after hearing other dogs bark, out of pain frustration, separation anxiety or other reasons.

Noise Phobias

Some dogs overact to certain noises such as fireworks, thunder or other sudden loud sounds. There are many theories as to why this occurs. Heredity can play a role. Some puppies are frightened by a sound during a critical period of brain development around two months of age and therefore continue to be afraid of noise as they age.

Diagnosis of a behavior problem is based on a thorough behavioral history along with a physical examination and sometimes blood and urine tests to make certain that the pet is otherwise healthy. Please see your veterinarian if you believe that your pet has a behavior problem.