Having any kind of dog with behavioral issues can be a challenge. It is especially challenging in large breed dogs to handle behavioral issues. If you are experiencing behavioral issues with your large breed dog use these tips and tricks to help get the issues corrected. By using these behavioral correction tips and tricks, you can work to get your large breed dog back on track. A happy and healthy relationship between you and your dog will go a long way to avoiding behavioral issues. Always make your bond with your pet a priority. In some cases dogs will act out if they feel neglected or unloved, always start by accessing any changes or issues that might be inflaming the current situation!
Large Breed Dogs: Behavioral Correction Tips and Tricks
Begging
This is a big behavioral issue that many pet owners experience at some point during dog ownership. It is especially frustrating with large breeds because they can be pushy or hard to ignore. To help correct the issue of begging in large breed dogs try to do these things:
- Only feed him/her in their own food bowl. Do not feed them where you and your family eat and do not hand them food off of the table or plates.
- Crate or confine your pet in another room with a toy or chew stick while you eat dinner
- In extreme cases you can try to crate or confine your pet until they calm down
Jumping / Excitably Greeting Guests
With large breed dogs jumping can be especially dangerous. They can knock over small children and fragile adults! First, you should remember that it is a good thing that your pet is happy to see you. Do not ignore them outright; instead try doing the following:
- Greet your pet on their level when you return home, you are taller than them and they are likely trying to get on your level to greet you.
- Work on training them with positive reinforcement and treats when they sit to greet you or a guest. You can also use “lay down” or “roll over” any command where the dog needs to be on the floor can work to keep them from jumping or pouncing on guests.
- Using a leash, practice greeting guests and only reward the dog with attention, treats, etc. when he / she does what you want them to!
Aggression
We’re not just talking about biting or mauling strangers here; aggression can come in many forms and in large breed dogs it can be dangerous. Growling when they are corrected, food aggression, and aggression towards other pets are all signs of aggression in dogs, even if they do not initially bite. Do what is best for you dog as soon as you see any signs of aggression to avoid the behavior becoming a habit or worsening. These are all ways to handle aggression in dogs:
- Spay/Neuter your dog. It is not only healthier for your dog to be spayed or neutered but it also a big factor in reducing aggression. Consider doing this as soon as your pet is old enough to avoid issues down the line!
- Work with a trainer on behavior modification in aggressive dogs. It is important that you work with someone who is trained to deal with aggressive dogs so that both you and your pet remain safe and happy.
- Adjust any environment or dietary issues. Many dogs become aggressive or agitated when new environmental issues arise. If you notice your dog is suddenly acting differently, consider what has changed and work to correct the problem that way. The same goes for their diet. If you make changes and notice issues of aggression try going back to their old diet, it can make all the difference!
Digging
This is a big “no no” with large breed dogs. They can do serious damage if they are left unsupervised and have a habit of digging. If your dog loves to dig, which is totally normal and natural in dogs, you need to redirect their energy into something else. If additional exercise does not do the trick consider creating an area where they can dig safely and happily. You may consider creating them a sandbox area or a digging zone in the yard where they can do little damage. Train them to use this spot by burying their toys or treats for them to find!
How do you correct behavioral issues with your large breed dogs?