Like humans, dogs can develop some bad behaviors over time. Enrolling them in dog training classes helps you understand where the conduct is coming from and teach new practices to curb it. If you aren’t sure whether formal training is right for you, consider whether your pup has demonstrated the following conduct. 

How to Tell if Your Dog Needs Formal Training

1. Signs of Aggression

Whether you are walking your dog or having friends over, you don’t want to worry that your dog might attack or bite someone or another animal. Fortunately, while it is a serious behavioral problem, aggression can be corrected with lots of patience and training. 

If you notice your pup exhibiting stiff body posture, regularly pinning their ears back when around strange people or pets, or frequently growling, don’t ignore it. These are clear giveaways that your dog is uncomfortable and could potentially attack if further provoked. 

2. Excessive Barking

Dogs bark to communicate, but sometimes, they develop habits that cause them to bark at the slightest provocation or to get attention. As with aggression, dog training works to uncover what’s triggering the barking. Are they fearful of strange sounds, or do they perceive outsiders as a threat to their territory? Maybe they can’t stand to have you out of their sight, or your behaviors are triggering them to be loud. 

The longer the barking goes on, the more ingrained it will be into their behavior. However, patient training with positive reinforcement can teach them to respond differently to the stimuli in the future. 

3. Unsolicited Jumping

You may love it when your dog jumps to greet you at the front door, but none of your guests will feel the same. Jumping puts small children, people with disabilities, and other animals at risk of being injured. 

Dog training will teach your fur baby how to greet people while keeping all four paws on the floor. It will also work to curb jumping in exciting situations or to get attention. Pups will learn that they can still get love without toppling somebody over or potentially scratching them.

Get a start on your pet’s good behavior by enrolling them in training classes at Petplex Animal Hospital in Buckeye Lake, OH. This veterinary hospital offers a range of wellness care and surgical services and uses a pet CT scanner to have a clearer idea of your animal’s health. Their training classes are held weekly in group settings at the same time each week, but one-on-one consultations are available if needed. Call (740) 929-3300 to sign up or schedule an appointment. Visit their website to view class options.