Introduction
Dogs demonstrate a wide range of behaviors, some endearing and others concerning. While certain behaviors like playfulness and tail wagging light up our days, other behaviors like aggression and separation anxiety can create serious problems. Understanding a dog’s body language and being attuned to changes in behavior is critical for all dog owners.
Some concerning dog behaviors should never be ignored, as they can indicate underlying medical issues or mental distress. Prompt action and treatment is often needed to resolve these problems before they escalate or result in harm. Being able to identify a handful of potentially dangerous or destructive dog behaviors can help owners seek veterinary advice and get their dog proper care and training.
In this article, we will highlight and describe some of the most critical dog behaviors that should never be dismissed. Recognizing these behaviors early and responding appropriately can greatly benefit the welfare of both dog and owner.
Aggression
Aggressive behavior in dogs includes snarling, growling, snapping, lunging, biting, and barking threateningly at people or other animals. This behavior stems from fear, dominance, territoriality, pain, illness, mating instincts, or protective instincts toward food or toys. Ignoring aggressive behavior allows it to escalate and poses serious risks of people or pets being injured or killed (Dog Attack Statistics By Breed In 2023).
In a report by DogsBite.org, over 35 dog breeds contributed to 433 deaths in a 13-year period, with pit bulls contributing to 65.6% of these cases. German shepherds and mixed breed dogs accounted for 10.3% and 6.7% respectively (U.S. Dog Bite Statistics). Unprovoked attacks should always be taken seriously, as they demonstrate unpredictable or unstable aggression. Professional training is required to curb dangerous behaviors before irreparable harm occurs.
Excessive Barking
Excessive barking is when a dog barks frequently or for long periods of time in situations where barking would not be considered appropriate (1). Some key signs of excessive barking include barking for more than 10-15 minutes at a time, barking first thing in the morning or late at night, and barking in response to normal sounds or sights (2).
There are several reasons a dog may bark excessively. These include boredom or lack of stimulation, separation anxiety, seeking attention, reacting to external triggers, or compulsive barking (3). Dogs are social animals that naturally communicate through barking, but excessive barking can become a nuisance.
Simply ignoring excessive barking is unlikely to resolve the behavior. While removing attention for barking can help in some cases, it does not address the underlying motivation. Excessive barking that is ignored can lead to more intense and persistent barking from frustration (4). It may also reinforce the barking behavior by allowing the dog to continue without interruption. Prolonged excessive barking that remains unresolved can negatively impact neighbors and lead to potential penalties in some areas (5).
Sources:
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-stop-dog-barking/
(2) https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-stop-dog-from-barking
(3) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
(4) https://dogsnet.com/will-my-dog-stop-barking-if-i-ignore-him/
(5) https://www.familypupz.com/blog-2/why-ignoring-demand-barking-just-doesnt-work
Destructive Chewing
Destructive chewing is when a dog chews on inappropriate items in the home that can damage belongings or even harm the dog. Some key triggers for destructive chewing include boredom, separation anxiety, teething, lack of exercise, stress or conflict, and nutritional needs. Puppies and adolescent dogs are more prone to destructive chewing, but it can occur at any age.
Destructive chewing can pose many dangers for dogs. They are at risk for intestinal blockages or perforations if they swallow pieces of objects, which could require emergency surgery. Dogs can also fracture teeth or cut their mouths on sharp pieces. Ingested items may also contain toxins. Long term, destructive chewing can become a chronic and difficult to break habit if not addressed.
Owners need to address the underlying cause of destructive chewing through more exercise, mental stimulation, treating separation anxiety, and removing access to tempting objects. Providing appropriate chew toys can redirect the chewing impulse into safer outlets. If destructive chewing persists, consulting an animal behaviorist may be warranted to get to the root of the behavior (VCA Hospitals, ASPCA, DDFL).
Pacing and Restlessness
Pacing and restlessness refers to when a dog walks back and forth repetitively around the home and yard, and has trouble settling down. The dog may also seem anxious or agitated. According to Colonial Animal Hospital, common causes of this behavior include over-excitement, stress/anxiety, boredom, sensing something we can’t, and estrous (heat) cycles in intact females.
However, pacing and restlessness can also indicate medical issues. As noted by The Vets, potential medical causes include pain, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, ear infections, liver disease, and neurological conditions like seizures. Pacing is especially concerning if it develops suddenly in an older dog.
It’s important not to ignore signs of restlessness and pacing, as the underlying cause could worsen if left untreated. Persistent pacing can also lead to obsessive-compulsive disorders. Consulting a veterinarian can help diagnose and address any medical issues contributing to this behavior.
Withdrawn Behavior
One concerning behavior in dogs that should never be ignored is withdrawn or distant behavior. If your dog begins acting withdrawn or stops interacting with you or the family, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Some common signs of withdrawn behavior in dogs include hiding under furniture, avoiding eye contact or affection, sleeping more than usual, and overall seeming depressed or sad. Your once lively and engaged dog may start acting disinterested in things they used to enjoy like walks, play time, or treats.
There are a few possible psychological causes for withdrawn dog behavior. These include stress, anxiety, or depression. Major changes in routine, a new family member or pet, or traumatic events can cause dogs to withdraw as a coping mechanism. Pain or illness may also lead to behavioral changes like withdrawal.
Ignoring withdrawn behavior allows underlying issues to go untreated. This can worsen anxiety and depression in dogs. It’s important to identify the cause through vet exams and then address it through training, medication, or environmental changes. With proper treatment, withdrawn dogs can return to their normal happy selves.
Housetraining Lapses
Some concerning signs that a dog is regressing or forgetting their housetraining include urinating or defecating inside the home when they were previously housebroken, having accidents in their crate, and urinating more frequently or in multiple locations in the home. This regression in housetraining is not simply a behavioral issue, but can often indicate an underlying medical cause that requires veterinary attention.
Medical conditions that could lead to lapses in housetraining include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Incontinence
- Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
Ignoring housetraining lapses and assuming they are just a behavioral issue can allow these medical conditions to worsen. Urinary tract infections that are left untreated can spread to the kidneys. Undiagnosed incontinence can progress over time. Diabetes unmanaged leads to more health complications. So it’s critical not to ignore regression in housetraining, but to consult a veterinarian to identify and treat any underlying medical cause.
Sources:
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/dogs-forget-housetraining/
https://www.gcdogtraining.com/potty-training-regression-in-your-canine/
Excessive Licking
Excessive licking in dogs is defined as compulsive, repetitive licking of their own body or inanimate objects that is beyond normal grooming behavior. It can occur in any body region, but typically involves the paws, legs, flank, or genital area.
Possible medical causes for excessive licking include:
- Allergies causing itchy skin – both airborne allergens like pollen or molds as well as food allergies can provoke licking and chewing at the paws or flanks (https://www.petsbest.com/blog/12-reasons-dogs-lick-excessively)
- Skin infections like yeast overgrowth
- Gastrointestinal issues like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites (https://www.amcny.org/blog/2021/07/07/what-does-it-mean-when-dogs-lick-excessively/)
Prolonged, obsessive licking can lead to irritation, infection, and trauma to the skin. It can also create anxiety for the dog. Treatment involves addressing any underlying medical cause and using techniques like distraction, access limitation, and medication to reduce the excessive licking behavior (https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/excessive-licking-chewing-and-grooming-dogs).
Conclusion
Of all the dog behaviors discussed, aggression and withdrawn behavior are perhaps the most concerning to never ignore. Aggression can stem from fear, possession, territoriality, injury, or dominance. It’s critical to determine the underlying cause through a veterinary exam and professional behavioral assessment. Withdrawn behavior like hiding, lack of interest in play, or not responding to owners could signal illness, pain, or depression requiring medical care.
While behaviors like barking, chewing, pacing, and lapses in housetraining can often be managed through training, enrichment, and routine, persistent issues or sudden changes may indicate an underlying problem. Excessive licking and grooming to the point of self-mutilation is also not normal and requires intervention.
If a dog exhibits any unusual or problematic behaviors, especially aggression or withdrawal, the importance of seeking professional help cannot be overstated. Certified trainers, veterinary behaviorists, or veterinarians can help identify the cause and create an effective treatment plan. With patience, consistency and the right guidance, many concerning dog behaviors can be corrected for a happier, healthier pet.
References
American Kennel Club. (2020). Why is my dog being aggressive? https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-is-my-dog-being-aggressive/
ASPCA. (2021). Why is my dog barking excessively? https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/barking
PetMD. (2022). Why is my dog destroying the house? Chewing and destructive behaviors in dogs. https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/destructive-chewing-dogs-and-puppies
VCA Hospitals. (2021). Restlessness and agitation in dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/restlessness-and-agitation-in-dogs
Whole Dog Journal. (2020). When a dog won’t come out of his shell. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/when-a-dog-wont-come-out-of-his-shell/
PetMD. (2019). Why is my housetrained dog peeing in the house? https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/peeing-house-why-it-happens-and-what-do-about-it
VCA Hospitals. (2020). Lick granuloma in dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/lick-granuloma-in-dogs