We love our dogs, but sometimes, their habits can be downright scary! From chewing up furniture to sudden bursts of anxiety or aggression, these behaviors can make even the most seasoned pet owners feel overwhelmed. For those pet parents looking for solutions, understanding the reasons behind these habits is the first step to addressing them.
Let’s dig into some of the most common scary pet habits and some tips to manage them.
Spooky Habit #1: Destructive Chewing
Many puppies go through a teething phase where they’ll chew on anything they can find—furniture, shoes, you name it! But when dogs continue this behavior into adulthood, it’s often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or pent-up energy. Destructive chewing can be frustrating, but with a little planning, you can help your dog kick this spooky habit.
The first step to stop destructive chewing is to remove tempting items from your dog’s reach. Dogs often chew out of boredom, so providing mentally and physically stimulating activities can help redirect their energy and keep them engaged.
Doggy daycare has been proven to help reduce these negative habits. Facilities like Hounds Town offer all-day play that matches your dog with packs of similar energy levels and play styles. After a day of fun, you can count on a “Hounds Town hangover”—a happily tired pup!
Spooky Habit #2: Aggression
Is your dog showing signs of aggression? Dog aggression can manifest in many ways and for various reasons. Often, it stems from fear, anxiety, or a lack of proper socialization, but each dog’s behavior is unique. Early socialization is crucial for puppies, but that doesn’t mean older dogs are out of luck. With the right environment and guidance, even older dogs can benefit from regular canine socialization.
At Hounds Town, we’ve seen incredible transformations in dogs with aggressive tendencies, thanks to our doggy daycare and natural pack setting. Take Axel, for example—a once-aggressive dog who found his place among the pack at Hounds Town. As long as your dog passes our temperament test, they’re welcome to join the our pack, regardless of breed, ability, or past experiences.
Spooky Habit #3: Separation Anxiety
Few things compare to the joy of coming home to a wagging tail after a long day. But for dogs suffering from separation anxiety, time apart from their owners is a real struggle.
Separation anxiety in dogs is a widespread issue that can lead to a variety of unwanted behaviors. When left alone, anxious dogs may urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, or even try to escape as a way of coping with their stress.
The most effective and proven long-term solution to ease separation anxiety in dogs is doggy daycare. Not only does it provide physical and mental stimulation, but it provides the kind of support dogs need. Dogs are pack animals; they thrive on being part of a pack, building trust and support with one another.
Conquering Spooky Pet Habits with Doggy Daycare
Dealing with spooky pet habits can be challenging, but with the right solutions and support, it’s entirely manageable. Remember, understanding the root causes of your dog’s behavior is the first step to creating a calmer, happier environment for them—and for you.
Whether it’s through positive reinforcement, increased exercise, or the structured pack environment of doggy daycare, there are plenty of ways to help your furry friend overcome these habits. At Hounds Town, we’re here to support you and your pet every step of the way. With our all day daycare services, we offer solutions that help reduce anxiety, build social skills, and channel energy in a positive way.
Don’t let these spooky behaviors put a damper on your bond with your dog. Visit your nearest Hounds Town location and see how our doggy daycare can impact your pet’s life.