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Steps To Solving Problem Behavior
No dog, not even the poodle is exempt from developing behavior problems. No matter what the behavior problem is, the basis of problem solving are the same.
- Determine the underlying cause or motivation for the problem behavior.
- Take away the rewarding aspect of the behavior.
- Replace it with a desirable behavior you can reward.
Begin by answering this question:
Is the behavior something the dog always had a tendency towards or was there a sudden onset of problems?
Behavior Problems Can Be Health Related
If the behavior is something that came about all of a sudden and unexpectedly, that could be a good indication there is a health problem. In this case, you should see your veterinarian right away.
- Dogs that don't seem to listen or obey could have hearing problems.
- A dog who is going blind due to degeneration of the retina may show aggressive, nervous behavior, or disobedience.
- A dog with epilepsy can show bizarre behavior problems.
- Dogs who urinate in the house could have kidney, bladder, or urinary tract infection.
- Dogs who cannot control their stools may have pancreas failure.
- Hysterical behavior, excessive behaviors, aggression, and all kinds of other behavioral symptoms can be the result of hormonal problems.
- Food allergies can cause a dog to act uncontrollable, hyperactive, or disobedient.
Teaching Your Poodle Good Manners
Most often, problem behavior stems from the difference between what people think and what dogs think. Barking, biting, chewing and many other behaviors, that can be a problem for the owner, are natural and acceptable behavior in doggy society.
When we bring a poodle into our home as a puppy, or as an older untrained rescued dog, it has not yet learned how to behave within our human family.
- Set Rules For Your Poodle
- If you don't want your poodle doing anything and everything his heart desires, you'll have to set rules about acceptable behavior.
- The rules you set for your poodle are entirely up to you and should be based on your lifestyle, personality, personal preferences, and your dog. It doesn't matter what kind of structure there is to the family rules, as long as there is a definite structure that the dog can recognize and understand.
- Enforcing The Rules
- The moment you catch your poodle in the act of breaking a rule interrupt the bad behavior. Most poodles respond well to "No" or "Stop" in a deeper (not louder) than normal tone of voice. Dogs are verbal animals and are very aware of different voice tones, it is not necessary to yell.
- Poodles tend to be so sensitive that yelling at them, giving them collar corrections or any type of physical punishment might make them fearful and lead to more behavior problems.
- Redirect Improper Behavior
- Dogs repeat activities that are rewarding to them. By recognizing what your poodle sees as a reward, and removing the opportunity for him to be rewarded for problem behavior, you'll be on your way to ending those behaviors.
- Instead of punishing your poodle for breaking a rule, redirect him to a desirable behavior, and then reinforce that behavior with a treat, he's apt to repeat the good behavior. This is much more effective than punishment.
- Reward Good Behavior
- Dogs and people alike, learn more from our successes than we do from our mistakes, and we are more likely to repeat our successes. Every interaction with your poodle -taking her out to potty, grooming or playing a game- is an opportunity for her to learn and be rewarded for good behavior.
- Anything your poodle likes can be used to emphasize good behavior: treats, toys, verbal praise and petting.
- Prevent Problem Behavior
- Sometimes the best solution is to prevent the problem from happening. If you eliminate opportunities for misbehavior, you set your poodle up for success. If you don't want a puppy to chew up your shoes, keep your shoes out of reach and give something appropriate to chew on.
- Be Consistent
- Don't allow your poodle puppy to do anything now that you don't want him to as an adult. Often, we allow our dogs to get away with behaviors that at first seem cute, then a minor irritation, and later, a PROBLEM.
- A dog that is allowed to get away with bad behavior one time and at other times is yelled at for the same behaviors, lives in an uncertain world. This leads to insecurity and the dog may stop trying to communicate with the owner because he can't make sense out of the owners unpredictable behavior.
- Symptom Of A More Serious Problem
- Sometimes a behavior problem is a symptom of a more complex problem like separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety have a dramatic stress response and exhibit behavior problems when they are left alone.
- When In Doubt, Seek Help
- If you are experiencing serious problems with your poodle or are a first time dog owner and are not sure you can handle the problem you may need to seek help from an expert. Your veterinarian may be able to help or recommend someone who can.
