Dog behavior is the most internally consistent behavioral responses of domestic animals to both internal and external stimulus. It has been formed over millennia of association with humans and their domesticated lives. Although different breeds may have dissimilar personalities, there are fundamental similarities that allow each breed to form its own unique personality and to respond to various environmental conditions and stimuli. Dog behavior has a wide range of important outcomes including socialization, maintenance of sociability, playfulness, affection, and fear; it also influences the choice and use of a dog as a household pet or as a hunting dog.
The key components of good dog behavior include sociability, playfulness, affection, and avoidance of conflicts. Socialization encourages a pet’s ability to develop relationships with others and teaches them how to share and respect human beings. Pets that are well-trained and receive regular exercise are less likely to be aggressive or exhibit nuisance behavior. Playfulness and affection are useful ways for pets to feel more comfortable in their homes and to make them happy.
Dogs that are not trained to behave appropriately may chew on things they shouldn’t, such as household items or shoes. Puppies and older dogs often start this behavior because they are bored or want to exert their dominance over another pet or person in the household. The chewing behavior can eventually lead to significant dental problems. If you suspect your dog is beginning to chew on something it should not, talk to your veterinarian about training programs. Your veterinarian can teach your dog how to stop biting and teach him how to live harmoniously with other dogs and people.
A dog’s diet, specifically the type and amount of food he eats, has an effect on his behavior and the way he behaves. In order to have a well-behaved dog that respects human life and behaves appropriately, you should feed it a balanced, healthy diet. Dog owners who feed their pets commercially produced dog food may find themselves frustrated with their pet dogs and unable to resolve the behavior problems associated with inappropriate dog food.
Veterinarians can help you solve these problems. A good veterinarian will work with you to develop a nutrition plan that will keep your dog healthy and prevent excessive barking and destructive behaviors. Inappropriate dog food may result in overweight, flatulence and other canine ailments that can cause you and other people to be embarrassed. Your veterinarian can provide you with information about commercially available balanced dog foods and how to properly feed your pet.
Excessive barking can also be stopped with the right tools and a bit of patience. Dogs bark for a number of reasons including: hunting, territory, excitement or as a protective response. Many times, if a dog is left to her own devices, she will bark to alert people or animals of her presence, but a good way to stop her from barking too much is to use a dog training collar. When used properly, a dog training collar can be an effective tool for stopping excessive barking.