Ask Dr. Janosco: Understanding Dog Behavior
Dogs communicate with us every day through their body language, habits, reactions, and behavior. Sometimes those behaviors are completely normal, while other changes may indicate stress, fear, inadequate training, or even an underlying medical problem.
We sat down with Dr. Marianne Janosco of Markham Woods Animal Hospital to answer some of the most common questions pet owners have about dog behavior, training, aggression, socialization, and behavioral changes.
Dr. Janosco, what do veterinarians mean when they talk about dog behavior?
When veterinarians talk about dog behavior, we are talking about the way a dog responds to its environment, people, other animals, and different situations. Behavior includes everything from barking and playing to eating, sleeping, interacting with family members, responding to strangers, and coping with new experiences.
Understanding what is normal for an individual dog is important because a change in behavior can sometimes be one of the earliest signs that something is wrong.
What are some signs that my dog’s behavior is abnormal?
Any significant or sudden change from your dog's normal behavior deserves attention. This might include unexpected aggression, hiding, excessive barking, pacing, destructive behavior, house soiling, unusual fearfulness, changes in sleep, decreased interaction with the family, or suddenly becoming unusually clingy.
One of the most important things to consider is whether the behavior is new. If a normally social dog suddenly begins hiding or a previously gentle dog suddenly growls when touched, we want to know why.
Are certain breeds of dogs more prone to behavioral issues than others?
Breed and genetics can influence behavior, but that does not mean a particular breed is destined to develop behavioral problems. Dogs were bred for different purposes, and those traits can still be very strong.
For example, herding breeds may want to chase or control movement, terriers may have strong prey drives and enjoy digging, and working breeds may need considerable physical and mental stimulation. Understanding what your dog was originally bred to do can help you provide appropriate outlets for those natural behaviors.
Individual personality, early experiences, socialization, training, health, and environment are also extremely important.
When should I start training my dog?
Training should begin as soon as your dog comes home. Puppies are constantly learning, even when we do not realize we are teaching them something.
Early training should be positive and age appropriate. Simple skills such as responding to their name, coming when called, sitting, accepting handling, walking on a leash, and settling calmly can begin very early.
Training is also not something that ends after puppyhood. Dogs benefit from continued learning throughout their lives.
What does dog behavior training look like?
Good behavior training focuses on teaching a dog what we want them to do rather than simply punishing unwanted behavior.
Positive reinforcement is extremely valuable. We can reward desirable behaviors with treats, praise, toys, or attention. We also look at why the unwanted behavior is occurring and change the environment when necessary.
Consistency is incredibly important. Everyone in the household should try to follow the same rules and use the same cues so the dog understands what is expected.
What should I do if my dog is exhibiting aggressive behavior?
Aggression should always be taken seriously. Do not intentionally put your dog into situations that trigger aggression in an attempt to make them "get over it," and avoid punishment that could increase fear or escalate the situation.
Your first priority should be safety. Separate the dog from situations in which someone could be bitten and contact your veterinarian.
Aggression can have many causes, including fear, anxiety, pain, resource guarding, territorial behavior, or medical problems. Determining why the behavior is happening is essential before developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Does spaying or neutering have an affect on a dog’s behavior?
Spaying and neutering can influence some behaviors that are associated with reproductive hormones, such as roaming, urine marking, mounting, and certain types of competition between dogs.
However, spaying or neutering is not a universal treatment for behavioral problems. Fear, anxiety, learned aggression, separation anxiety, and many other behavioral concerns generally require their own management and treatment plans.
What should I do if I notice strange dog behavior?
Pay attention to when the behavior started, how frequently it happens, and whether anything else has changed.
Videos can be extremely helpful when the behavior can be safely recorded. Owners sometimes have difficulty describing an unusual episode, but a video can provide your veterinarian with valuable information.
If the change is sudden, significant, or accompanied by physical symptoms, schedule a veterinary examination.
Can dominant dog behavior be fixed?
The idea that most unwanted dog behavior happens because a dog is trying to "dominate" its owner is outdated and often oversimplifies what is actually happening.
Many behaviors that people describe as dominance are related to fear, anxiety, excitement, frustration, resource guarding, inadequate training, or behaviors that have accidentally been reinforced.
Instead of trying to establish who is "in charge," we want to determine why the behavior is occurring and teach the dog an appropriate alternative.
Why does my dog’s behavior change at night?
There can be several explanations. Some dogs become restless at night because they have not received enough physical or mental activity during the day. Others may react to noises or activity outside that owners do not notice.
In senior dogs, nighttime pacing, vocalizing, confusion, or changes in sleep patterns can sometimes be associated with cognitive decline.
Pain and medical conditions can also become more noticeable when a dog is trying to settle down for the night.
Will certain conditions or illnesses affect my dog’s behavior?
Absolutely. Behavior and physical health are closely connected.
Deafness, blindness, etc.
Dogs experiencing hearing of vision loss may startle more easily, appear less responsive, become hesitant in unfamiliar environments, or develop anxiety. We can often make adjustments at home that help these pets feel much more secure.
Heat and pregnancy
Hormonal changes associated with a heat cycle or pregnancy can affect behavior. Dogs may become restless, clingy, irritable, interested in escaping or finding a mate, or show nesting behaviors.
Following surgical procedures or medication
Dogs may temporarily behave differently following anesthesia or surgery. Pain, discomfort, sedation, and medications can cause restlessness, sleepiness, vocalization, confusion, or irritability. Significant or persistent behavioral changes following a procedure should be reported to your veterinarian.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing's disease can cause increased thirst, urination, appetite, panting, and restlessness. Those physical changes can affect a dog's daily behavior and sleep patterns as well.
Aging (Puppy and senior dog behavior)
Puppies naturally have different behavioral needs than adult dogs. They are learning constantly and require frequent opportunities for play, training, rest, and appropriate exploration.
Senior dogs may experience changes related to pain, decreased vision or hearing, mobility problems, or cognitive dysfunction. Behavioral changes in an older dog should not automatically be dismissed as "just getting old."
Should I consider rehoming a dog with behavior problems?
Rehoming should not automatically be the first response to a behavioral problem. Many behavioral concerns can improve significantly once we understand the cause and develop the right treatment and management plan.
However, there are situations in which a household may not be able to safely or realistically meet a particular dog's needs. The safety of children, other pets, adults, and the dog itself has to be considered.
Your veterinarian and a qualified behavior professional can help you evaluate the situation and discuss realistic options without judgment.
What happens when a dog’s behavioral issues cannot be fixed with training?
Not every behavioral problem is simply a training problem.
Some dogs need environmental changes, structured behavior modification, treatment for an underlying medical condition, or medication for conditions such as significant anxiety.
In more complicated cases, we may recommend working with a veterinary behaviorist or another qualified behavior professional. The goal may not always be to completely eliminate a behavior. Sometimes the goal is to manage it safely and dramatically improve the dog's quality of life.
Can medical problems cause behavioral changes or issues in dogs?
Yes, and this is one of the reasons veterinarians take behavioral changes seriously.
Pain is a very common example. A dog with arthritis, dental pain, an ear infection, or another painful condition may become irritable, withdrawn, reluctant to play, or defensive when touched.
Neurologic disease, endocrine disorders, sensory loss, gastrointestinal problems, urinary problems, cognitive dysfunction, and many other conditions can also appear as behavioral changes.
A sudden personality change should always make us consider a medical cause.
How can I improve my dog’s socialization skills?
Good socialization is about creating safe, positive experiences rather than simply exposing your dog to as many things as possible.
Introduce new people, animals, environments, sounds, surfaces, and experiences gradually. Reward calm behavior and allow your dog to create distance when they are uncomfortable.
Forcing a frightened dog into an interaction can actually make the fear worse. Quality of social experiences is more important than quantity.
What should I do if my dog is exhibiting destructive behavior?
First, determine when and why it happens.
Destructive behavior can result from boredom, inadequate exercise, anxiety, teething, curiosity, or simply having access to something that is fun to destroy.
Provide appropriate toys, enrichment, exercise, training, and supervision. If destruction occurs primarily when your dog is left alone, talk with your veterinarian because separation anxiety may need to be considered.
Why is my dog chewing on furniture, and how can I stop it?
Chewing is normal for dogs, especially puppies. The goal is to give them appropriate things to chew while preventing access to items they should not destroy.
Provide safe chew toys, rotate toys to maintain interest, supervise puppies, and use gates or a crate when appropriate. Redirect your dog to an acceptable chew item and reward them for choosing it.
How can I stop my dog from digging in the yard?
Digging can be caused by boredom, excess energy, prey drive, an attempt to cool down, escape behavior, or simply because digging is enjoyable.
Increase exercise and enrichment, supervise outdoor time, and prevent access to favorite digging locations when possible. Some dogs benefit from having a designated area where digging is allowed. Hiding toys or treats in an approved digging area can teach them that there is an appropriate place for that natural behavior.
How can I address my dog’s excessive barking?
First determine what is triggering the barking.
Dogs bark because of excitement, fear, boredom, territorial behavior, frustration, attention seeking, or separation anxiety. Simply trying to stop the sound without addressing the reason behind it is unlikely to provide a long term solution.
Once we identify the trigger, we can work on reducing exposure when appropriate and rewarding calm, quiet behavior.
How can I address my dog’s food aggression?
Food aggression is a form of resource guarding and should be handled carefully.
Do not repeatedly take food away from your dog to prove that you can. That can actually teach the dog that people approaching the food bowl are a threat.
Instead, create a safe feeding environment and avoid unnecessary confrontation. Depending on the severity, behavior modification can teach the dog that a person approaching predicts something positive rather than the loss of food.
If your dog has attempted to bite or you have children in the home, professional guidance is especially important.
What role does exercise play in my dog’s behavior?
Exercise is extremely important, but the appropriate amount and type depend on the individual dog.
Physical exercise provides an outlet for energy, while mental exercise helps prevent boredom. Training sessions, sniff walks, puzzle toys, food enrichment, scent games, and appropriate play can be just as valuable as physical activity.
A dog can be physically tired and still need mental stimulation.
When should I seek professional help for my dog’s behavior problems?
Seek help whenever a behavior is affecting your dog's quality of life, creating significant stress in your household, or presenting a safety concern.
Aggression, biting, severe anxiety, panic when left alone, compulsive behaviors, sudden personality changes, and behaviors that continue despite consistent training are all good reasons to speak with your veterinarian.
The earlier we address a behavioral concern, the better. Behavior is part of your dog's overall health, and owners should never feel embarrassed about bringing it up during a veterinary visit.
At Markham Woods Animal Hospital, we want to help pets feel their best physically and emotionally. If you notice a change in your dog's behavior or are struggling with a behavioral concern at home, talk with your veterinarian. Sometimes what looks like a training problem is your dog's way of telling us that something else is going on. You can reach us at  (407) 682-3233, or drop us an email at [email protected].