Pets can become depressed, anxious, fearful, and stressed out just like humans. The way pets respond to their fear and anxiety may be to act out in ways that are unpleasant and stressful for their owners. Here are some tips for managing unwanted behavior in pets, so that you and your pet can live a stress-free life:
Use Simple Training Commands
Each time your pet displays unwanted behavior, use a simple command to redirect his attention. Common commands like stop, sit, off, down, and quiet are most effective. When your pet complies, reward him with a treat. If you repeat this technique each time your pet misbehaves, you can successfully mitigate bad behavior.
Provide Daily Stimulation
Your pet may be acting out in response to being bored or anxious. Taking a dog on daily walks can provide stimulation and exercise that tire both his mind and body, so when you get home, your dog is calm and relaxed. If you have a cat, playing with him for an hour before feeding him provides mental stimulation that redirects his energy from destructive or unwanted behavior.
Visit Your Veterinarian
If other techniques aren’t working or if your pet’s behavior is getting worse, you should visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can determine if there is an underlying health issue that may be affecting your pet’s mood or behavior. Your veterinarian may suggest that you change your pet’s diet or exercise routine, or add vitamins or supplements into his food.
Seek Advice from a Trainer
If you can’t change your pet’s behavior on your own, you should seek advice from a trainer. Even just a few sessions with a trainer can give you the tools and resources you need for addressing bad behavior at home.
If your pet’s behavior has become dangerous or aggressive, or if your pet isn’t responding to the techniques above, contact your veterinarian for advice.