If your pet continually exhibits bad behavior, it could be a warning sign that he is bored, anxious, or scared. There are certain tools you can use to change your pet’s bad behavior and encourage good behavior. Take a look at these tips and contact your veterinarian if your pet’s behavior worsens or doesn’t change.
Correct Unwanted Behavior Right Away
If your pet displays unwanted behavior in your presence, you should correct that behavior right away. Waiting until later to address it will just confuse your pet, as he won’t have any memory of what he did wrong. Try to either re-direct your pet’s attention elsewhere to distract him from his bad behavior, or give him a command like stop, sit, down, or quiet to encourage positive behavior. Once your pet corrects his behavior, reward him immediately with a treat, pets, or a favorite toy.
Provide Daily Exercise and Play Time
Boredom can contribute to destructive behavior like chewing, shredding, biting, barking, whining, jumping, and more. Both cats and dogs need daily stimulation, attention, and exercise. Play with your pet for at least an hour each day right before you feed him. Take your dog for a long walk each day as well. When your pet is tired out from playtime, he’ll be less likely to behave badly.
Schedule a Veterinary Checkup
Your pet’s bad behavior may also be a sign that something more significant is going on. Your pet may need a change in diet or professional training to overcome certain behaviors. If you try redirecting his attention, providing daily stimulation, rewarding good behavior, and correcting bad behavior and your pet is still misbehaving, a veterinarian may be able to provide some insight.
If your pet’s behavior becomes dangerous, threatening, or aggressive, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.