5 Signs Your Dog May Benefit from Behavioural Training

Jordan Anderson
Nov 12, 2024
2 min read

Every dog has its quirks, but sometimes behavioural issues go beyond typical pet behaviour. Recognising when your dog might benefit from professional behavioural training can make a big difference in their quality of life—and yours! Here are five signs that indicate it may be time to seek expert help.

1. Excessive Barking or Whining

Does your dog bark at every sound or whine excessively, even when there seems to be no reason? While some barking is normal, continuous vocalization can signal underlying stress, boredom, or territorial behaviour.

When to Seek Help: If your dog’s barking or whining disrupts your household or leads to neighbour complaints, behavioural training can help them learn to control these impulses. A trainer can work on identifying the root cause and help reduce excessive barking through positive reinforcement.

2. Aggression Towards Other Dogs or People

Aggressive behaviours, such as growling, snapping, or lunging, are serious signs that should never be ignored. Aggression may stem from fear, anxiety, or even poor past socialization, but it’s essential to address it before it escalates.

When to Seek Help: If your dog shows aggression, especially unprovoked, consult a professional. A behavioural trainer can help you understand what triggers your dog’s aggression and work on desensitization and controlled socialization exercises to build your dog’s tolerance and calmness.

3. Severe Separation Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety can display a range of behaviours, from constant whining and barking when you’re away to destructive actions like chewing furniture or scratching doors. While it’s natural for dogs to miss their owners, extreme distress when left alone is a sign of separation anxiety.

When to Seek Help: If your dog becomes highly stressed when left alone, behavioural training can help reduce separation anxiety. Professional trainers use gradual desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement to help your dog feel more comfortable during your absence.

4. Inappropriate Chewing or Destructive Behavior

Chewing is a normal part of dog behaviour, especially for puppies. However, if your dog is regularly destroying furniture, shoes, or other items despite having plenty of toys and exercise, it could signal anxiety, boredom, or behavioural issues.

When to Seek Help: Behavioral training can help identify the cause of destructive behaviours and teach your dog appropriate ways to use their energy. Trainers may recommend environmental enrichment activities or offer guidance on creating a structured daily routine.

5. Excessive Fear or Timidity

Some dogs may show signs of fear in specific situations, like thunderstorms or fireworks, but if your dog seems excessively timid or fearful in general (avoiding other dogs, people, or new environments), it could be a sign of low confidence or past trauma.

When to Seek Help: Professional training can help build your dog’s confidence. Through positive reinforcement and gradual exposure, trainers can work with you to reduce your dog’s fear and improve their comfort in various settings.

Identifying behavioural cues early on can prevent issues from escalating and improve your dog’s overall well-being. If you recognise any of these signs in your dog, don’t hesitate to seek professional training. With expert guidance, you can address these behaviours and help your dog lead a happy, balanced life.

Think your dog might benefit from behavioural training?