Art, obsession, and identity
First, you should rule out any dental or gum problems such as discoloration, plaque, and decay. Bad breath can also be a sign of an allergy to a particular food, so if brushing your pooch's teeth doesn't help, get a vet to check him out.
Dogs also suffer from allergies. Like us, they can be allergic to certain foods, plants, and products such as shampoos. Identifying the allergen requires testing, so take your dog to the vet and get him checked out. Treatment can involve antihistamines and/or a bespoke desensitization routine.
Some dogs have very sensitive skin, and some fabrics, grasses, and foods can cause a reaction. Have some antifungal and antibacterial spray at home, as well as a saline solution and bandages, to provide first aid.
These can be painful for you, your dog, and your furniture. If your dog doesn't let you clip his nails, take him to a professional dog groomer or vet. They have the experience and resources to do it.
Some breeds shed more than others. Either way, too much of it can be problematic when it comes to maintaining your home clean. Washing and brushing your dog regularly can help. Though sometimes there are dietary or environmental causes that need to be addressed, so talk to your vet about your specific circumstances.
Does you dog's hair smell a bit in between washes? Dry shampoo might help!
Sources: (FamilyMinded)
See also: Mistakes dog owners make all the time
Dogs usually bite out of curiosity, fear, or in defense. Puppies are known to bite a lot, but they ideally have their mothers to keep them in check when they bite too hard. This not being the case many times, it's up to the owners to train their dogs not to bite. Again, rewarding good behavior is key.
Usually dogs jump on people because they're excited and want attention. But this can be problematic, especially with big animals. The trick is to ignore him. Turn around and walk away. Reward your dog when he sits down.
Routine is paramount when it comes to dogs doing their business, so if you're taking them out regularly and they still do it indoors or in other inappropriate places, then you might have a problem.
Dogs will be dogs and beg for food. The trick is not to give them any. Ever. They will eventually understand that and stop begging every time you sit down to have a meal. If you're trying to train your dog to stop this, then giving him a treat after you've finished your meal might help to reinforce the good behavior.
Dogs love to chase, but this can become a problem when they chase people, animals, or vehicles. Let them do so in a confined space with a dedicated object (e.g. a ball), and train them to come to you when you call them. Reward them when they do.
In this day and age, separation anxiety is a common issue that affects dogs. Being alone for long periods of time can impact your dog in a way that he engages in destructive and other inappropriate behavior.
Plenty of exercise and playtime should alleviate your dog's digging needs. If everything else fails, taking your pooch to the beach or another place where he can dig, or having a dedicated area such as a sandpit, can do the trick.
The trick is to make a sharp noise and remove the object from your dog's mouth. There are plenty of chewing toys available, so you can encourage your dog to chew those instead of your shoes!
Digging is also natural dog behavior, especially for those breeds with hunting tendencies. They may do so for a variety of reasons, but it's usually because they have too much energy accumulated or are a bit bored. They may dig to hide objects, or even to try to escape through.
Like barking, chewing also comes naturally for a dog. Puppies in particular will do so when they're teething. So, what do you do when your dog chews on something he's not supposed to?
This will take some effort, but it'll be worth it. Train your pooch to obey a "quiet" command. You should reward your dog with a treat when they stop barking. This will positively reinforce the command.
Barking is a natural dog behavior, but the frequency, duration, and reason of barking should be taken into account. Unfortunately, you won't be able to identify why your dog barks all the time, but you can train them to stop.
Exercising is paramount for a dog's health. But too little or too much can be detrimental for them. Adopt an exercise routine based on your dog's breed, age, and size.
Yes, it's disgusting, but dogs sometimes do it. So make sure your dog's environment is kept clean, and be on the lookout when you take him for a walk.
Stairs can be daunting for some dogs, but you can help your pooch overcome his fear. Give him a treat when he climbs or descends the stairs, to motivate him.
Mucus or pus around their eyes is usually a sign of inflammation (e.g. conjunctivitis or dry eye). Any of these signs are worth a trip to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Both male and female dogs do it when they're aroused and want to play. But too much of it can be annoying and even slightly embarrassing. Again, ignoring and rewarding your dog when he behaves appropriately can help.
Pulling the leash can be a problem. Training on a leash should start at home and in familiar territory for your pooch, before you venture outside.
This is normal when they're hot, relaxed, or excited. But it can also indicate a health problem. Leaving the tongue out can make it dry and painful. This can be a response to a muzzle or jaw injury, a deformity to the mouth, or, more serious, indicate a neurological issue. The best course of action is to take your dog to the vet.
This will obviously depend on the breed, but long hair or thick coats require special maintenance. Using conditioner and brushing it daily might help. Clip any knots that can't be brushed out.
If the problem persists, it might be worth seeking professional dog training. In some instances, medication is even required for pooches to handle the stress of being left alone.
It may be that your dog doesn't understand he needs to do so in specific places, so you can reward him every time he does. Peeing to mark their territory can also be an issue. If in doubt, talk to your vet.
Some dogs cope better with loneliness than others, but in general they are social creatures and seek the company of humans and other animals. Walking, exercising, and socializing your dog is really important for their well-being.
Aggression can be triggered by numerous things, but mainly lack of appropriate training (e.g. no socialization) and environment. They might do so because they're afraid or in pain, too. Seeking professional help is a must, to keep you and everyone that comes into contact with your dog safe.
There are many common issues that affect our four-legged friends. As responsible dog owners, we want the best for our pooches, but sometimes we're not quite sure how to address certain problems. Remember the last time your dog started barking and you couldn't make your furry friend stop? Or when you got home to a chewed pair of shoes?
In this gallery, we address these and other issues that affect many of our canine buddies. Click on to discover more.
Common dog issues (and how to fix them)
From barking to biting
LIFESTYLE Pets
There are many common issues that affect our four-legged friends. As responsible dog owners, we want the best for our pooches, but sometimes we're not quite sure how to address certain problems. Remember the last time your dog started barking and you couldn't make your furry friend stop? Or when you got home to a chewed pair of shoes?
In this gallery, we address these and other issues that affect many of our canine buddies. Click on to discover more.