How to Handle Pet Behavioral Problems

Handle Pet Behavioral Problems

• Step 1:
  Take your pet to your veterinarian. Some behavioral problems are actually medical problems in disguise. For example, cats that suddenly refuse to use the litter box often have urinary tract infections. In male cats, these infections can turn into life-threatening urinary tract obstructions if untreated. If your pet has a behavioral problem, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication that will help. If a behavioral or medical problem is severe, your veterinarian may be able to refer you to a specialist in those areas.
• Step 2:
  Invest in obedience training classes for your dog. Your dog may understand the rules of the dog world very clearly, but doesn’t understand what you expect from him unless you make your expectations clear through some kind of training. Small dogs can benefit from training just as much as large dogs can and age is no barrier to training. Many humane societies and SPCA organizations offer obedience training classes.
• Step 3:
  Read. Go the library or bookstore and read books and magazines on animal behavior and training. There are also many sources of information that can be found by doing a search on the Internet. The smartest thing you can do is to educate yourself about animal behavior. Pet owners who know what kinds of problems to expect, and how to handle them if they occur, are much more likely to keep their animals and work through problems than those people who never take the time to learn about their pets. Learning to understand your pet’s language is a great asset for the pet owner.
• Step 4:
  Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering can reduce aggressive tendencies, as well as reduce the risk of your pet developing several types of cancer, in addition to preventing the births of unwanted animals.