Problem: Excessive Chewing

After leaving some of your stuff on the floor for a few hours, you may come back to see them covered in bite marks. Your pet already got to them and now they’re ruined.

Pieces of furniture are also not safe from dogs that like to chew. Your expensive wooden table may quickly depreciate after your dog has its way with it.

Solution

Excessive chewing tends to be a more prevalent problem in puppies compared to adult dogs. That’s mainly because excessive chewing can be driven by teething and curiosity.

To stop your pet from chewing everything on or near the floor, try giving them some toys. You’ll be giving them something else to chew on so they don’t damage something valuable.

Give your dog opportunities to exercise its body and mind. Walks with lots of sniffing are very effective for this. By the time two of you return home, your pet will have no energy to chew on anything.

Need help with inappropriate chewing? We are here to help! We service the Everett Area in following cities and zip codes: Edmonds 98026, Everett (98201, 98203, 98204, 98205, 98208), Lynnwood (98087, 98027), Mill Creek/Bothell 98012, and Mukilteo (98275)

Problem: Messy Digging

Digging in your backyard may not be your pet’s first instinct, but they may eventually try that under the right conditions. You don’t want that to happen because it’s hard to dissuade your dog from digging once they realize how much fun it is for them.

Pretty soon, your yard may turn into a patchy mess because your dog has dug holes everywhere.

Solution

Since digging occurs when the conditions are right, your aim should be to never expose your pet to those perfect conditions. Never leave them alone in your yard for an extended period of time and don’t leave half-dug holes open because you didn’t finish your gardening.

You can also discourage your dog from digging by giving them toys. The tried and true solution of physical and mental exercise also works here.

Need help with inappropriate digging? We are here to help and we service Everett Area in following cities and zip codes: Edmonds 98026, Everett (98201, 98203, 98204, 98205, 98208), Lynnwood (98087, 98027), Mill Creek/Bothell 98012, and Mukilteo (98275)

Problem: Separation Anxiety

To this day, we don’t know why dogs experience separation anxiety. However, we have learned to recognize its symptoms better.

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can urinate and poop inside your home even if they’ve been potty trained. They may also display some of the undesirable habits we’ve discussed here such as excessive chewing and loud barking despite the efforts you’ve made to eliminate them.

An anxious pet may attempt to escape from their place of confinement. That can be dangerous because they could get injured while trying to get out.

Solution

Separation anxiety is something you can begin to address with a consistent low-key routine when you leave and when you return. For example, have your dog do a sit or down then reward with praise before you leave. Try to do the same thing when you get home.

If developing a routine around your departure and arrival doesn’t work, a visit to your veterinarian is your next step. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help keep your pet calm.

After some time, your dog or puppy will get used to you leaving and returning and their separation anxiety will be easier to manage at the very least.

Another resource regarding this topic: https://tailoredpetservices.com/2020/separation-anxiety-signs-and-solutions/

Need help with separation anxiety? We are here to help! We service the Everett Area in following cities and zip codes: Edmonds 98026, Everett (98201, 98203, 98204, 98205, 98208), Lynnwood (98087, 98027), Mill Creek/Bothell 98012, and Mukilteo (98275)

Problem: Inappropriate Elimination inside Your Home

All pet owners understand that finding urine or poop inside the house occasionally is inevitable. The key word there is occasionally. If your pet has a habit of urinating or pooping inside your home, that’s a different matter that must be addressed through training.

Failing to address your pet’s bad bathroom habits can ruin your home. Staying in a confined space with all that waste is also not good for anyone’s health.

Solution

Diligent training is the only way to fix your pet’s inappropriate potty habits.

While they’re young, develop a routine of taking them outside so they can handle their business away from your home. Be consistent with potty times so your pet can understand where they can go when they need to.

Early on, you may also need to utilize a crate to help train your pet. Keep up the training until your dog understands that pooping and urinating inside your home is a big no-no.

Need help with peeing/pooping in house? We are here to help! We service the Everett Area in following cities and zip codes: Edmonds 98026, Everett (98201, 98203, 98204, 98205, 98208), Lynnwood (98087, 98027), Mill Creek/Bothell 98012, and Mukilteo (98275)

Problem:

Urine marking by dogs in the home can lead to unpleasant odors and damage to furniture and fixtures. It can become a severe issue if not addressed promptly. Dogs often return to the same spot for marking if they detect the scent of their previous markings, making the problem persistent. This behavior can stem from various factors, including stress, anxiety, or lack of proper training.

Solutions:

• Thorough Cleaning of Marked Areas: Dogs are likely to re-mark spots with their scent. Early detection and cleaning with paper towels can prevent odors from setting in. For more stubborn stains, enzymatic cleaners are recommended as they don’t have strong odors that may encourage re-marking. All marked areas should be identified and cleaned.
• Limiting Dog’s Access in the Household: Confining dogs or puppies to one room can discourage marking. This is more effective for puppies as they are yet to learn proper urination habits. Placing food and water bowls in the confined area can help, as dogs are less likely to mark near their feeding areas.
• Longer Walks to Reduce Stress: Extended walks can reduce a dog’s stress and anxiety, which are contributing factors to marking. Longer walks also tire the dog, leading to less anxiety-driven behavior.
• Leaving a Scented Item: Providing an item with the owner’s scent can comfort the dog and reduce stress, thereby decreasing the likelihood of marking.
• Spaying or Neutering: These procedures can reduce sexually motivated behaviors in dogs, including marking. It’s crucial to perform these operations early before marking becomes a habit.
• Consulting a medical professional: A veterinarian can determine if the marking is due to a health issue or behavioral/environmental factors. Treatment or anxiety medication may be prescribed, which is more effective when combined with training.
• Professional Dog Training: a trainer can design a program to change a dog’s mindset, especially in dealing with separation anxiety, which can lead to marking. Consistent training can significantly improve behavior.
• Hiring a Dog Walking Buddy: For those unable to afford a trainer, a dog walker can help. They provide companionship and exercise for the dog, reducing stress and anxiety that can lead to marking.

Each of these solutions targets different aspects of the problem, from immediate cleaning to addressing underlying behavioral issues. Implementing a combination of these methods can effectively resolve the issue of urine marking in dogs.

For more information, read our two blogs: Stop Urine Marking – Part One and Eliminate Urine Marking – Part Two.