Behavioural support
Behavioural issues include a range of problems from trouble walking your dog due to pulling or excessive barking through to aggressive behaviour. Managing a dog’s behaviour can be overwhelming and can impact your ability to suitably care for your dog.
Boredom busters
A common underlying reason for behavioural issues in dogs may be boredom.
Tips for reducing boredom include:
- regular exercise, including sensory walks which give dogs time to stop, sniff and explore their surroundings – this type of activity stimulates their brain and can help settle them
- routine playtime with the family which strengthens their bond with you and toys which keep them entertained when you are not home
- enrichment activities to keep your dog engaged such as food puzzles that take time for your dog to solve which engages their brain and keeps them occupied
- socialisation, including taking your dog on outings and gradually introducing them to other people and dogs in a controlled environment.
Physical exercise is important, but so is mental enrichment. Allowing your dog time to sniff and investigate their surroundings can be just as stimulating as traditional exercise.
Training support
Supports such as dog training and playgroups can also help address behavioural issues in dogs and make it easier for you to continue to care for or rehome your dog.
There are several providers around Canberra who offer dog training, day care, and socialisation services.
Asking a prospective trainer a few key questions when choosing a provider ensures their approach aligns with your goals:
- What methods do they use to reinforce behaviour? Domestic Animal Services recommends looking for trainers who use positive reinforcement techniques.
- Do they have experience working with dogs who have similar behavioural needs?
- Can they share examples of training plans and outcomes for dogs with similar objectives?
Every dog is different, so finding the right fit is important. For more complex behavioural concerns, or if you notice sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour, it may be helpful to seek advice from a veterinary behaviourist. These professionals can help identify whether behavioural changes may be linked to underlying medical issues, or if medication is recommended to make training more effective.
Some training providers Domestic Animal Services has worked with include:
