Common Canine Behavior Issues - Possible Problem List
Aggression
    Types of Aggression
        Redirected- turns back on owner when interrupted    
        Maternal – protecting young
        Play- too excited from play
        Food – protecting food or food source
        Fear- fearful and defending self
        Possessions – toys, people, food, objects, protecting them
        Pain – lashing out from pain
        Dominance – to improve perceived standing
        Territorial- protecting space, cage aggression
Anxiety and Fear
        Separation anxiety
        Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
        Thunderstorm, fireworks phobias
Elimination Disorders
        House breaking
        Marking
        Submissive urination
Undesirable Traits
        Destruction 
        Pica – eating non-food objects
        Attention seeking barking, mouthing
        Coprophagia – eating feces
        Escape
        Barking at or chasing (cars, bikes, runners)
        Digging
        Mounting – generally dominance not sexual
Useful References
        Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals – 
        Karen L. Overall Mosby 1997.
        Pet Behavior Protocols Susanne Hetts. PHD AAHA Press 1999
1. When considering behavioral issues, first rule out medical issues
2. Think Ethology, not Anthropomorphism – treat animals like animals, 
3. don’t overlay human emotions and motives.
December 10, 2008 (published)
Barb Burri, MBA, CVT, LVT