Problem Behaviour Vs Behavioural Problems

This may be controversial, but…pets are not people! Even if many of us love our fur-babies as much as most people (ok, more than 😉)!

Dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, fish, birds all have certain behaviours that are quintessentially of their own kind. Recognising this is the first step in understanding whether your pet has a problem behaviour, or a behavioural problem.

Problem behaviours are the result of normal pet behaviours not quite fitting in with normal human desires. For example, a Dachshund digging holes in a prized garden is a normal behaviour for a Dachshund but a problem for the garden owner! A Border Collie herding children into the corner of a garden is a normal herding instinct for the breed, but a problem for the children and their parents! 

Making the right decision regarding what type of pet (if any) is the best fit for you is the first and usually most successful step in avoiding problem behaviours. Early socialisation and training are the next step. Professional help from a veterinarian or trusted dog trainer will be required if the problem behaviour has persisted.

On the flip side, behavioural problems are abnormal, inappropriate or anti-social behaviours. Amongst a group of their peers, a pet with a behavioural problem would still have a behavioural problem. There is an alteration to normal behaviour in these animals which can often be diagnosed and treated. Medication is often required to calm the anxious and overwhelmed pet in order to allow learning to take place in the form of behavioural modification techniques.

In each case, teaching a pet a new way of acting and reacting requires conscientious effort on the part of the owner. Understanding what is normal behaviour for a particular animal or breed and making concessions for this will go a long way. By understanding what is normal behaviour we can recognize abnormal behaviour and come up with a plan to help.

Love Dr Rach 🌼