Is your loveable little fuzz ball behaving in ways you wish he didn’t?  Before you can stop those behaviors, you’re going to have to figure out what is causing them. 

It’s helpful to keep certain facts in mind.  Dogs are not spiteful.  Dogs do not understand guilt.  Dogs do not hold a grudge.  Dogs live in the moment.  Dogs are run by emotions and feelings.  If something feels good, they will do it again.  If something feels bad, they will avoid it.  Perhaps an example will show how this information can be put to good use. 

Gizmo was a four-year-old fluff ball.  He was cute as all get out and the apple of Grandma & Grandpa’s eye.  Okay, so he was a little spoiled and was never really housetrained. Grandma watched him closely so she could let him outside whenever he “looked like he needed out.”  This system was working and was therefore good enough, right?   

Well, then the granddaughter moved to town.  She was also cute as a bug’s ear, and Grandma & Grandpa loved her dearly.  When Heather came to visit, Grandma cooed and awwed over her.  Grandpa played “horsie” with her and bought toys, which Gizmo was not allowed to chew.  So Gizmo got jealous, right?  He started to get angry and to have accidents on the carpet whenever Heather came over. This happened out of spite, right?  Wrong! 

In reality, Gizmo thought Heather was a real kick.  She loved to cuddle him and would play ball a lot longer than the old people.  But when Heather was over, no one really watched Gizmo to catch his subtle “I have to go out now” cues.  And since he never had been really taught the right place to relieve himself, he thought inside would do just fine.  So he went on the carpet (he didn’t like the splash from the linoleum – ick).  How did Gizmo see the situation?  I have to go; I am uncomfortable; there, I feel much better now!  Self-rewarding behavior. 

Then what happens?  Someone discovers the “accident” an hour after the fact.  Gizmo gets in big trouble.  Does he remember going on the floor?  Not really.  He understands that there is a wet spot on the floor and that his people are REALLY angry.  So he does what any self-preserving canine will do.  In the face of an angry pack leader, he behaves submissively, cowering, tucking his tail and trying to slink off.   

Does he understand why the pack leader is angry?  No.  Relieving himself felt good.  An angry pack leader feels bad.  If it happens often enough Gizmo will come to understand that a puddle or pile on the floor and his owners, together in the same place, means trouble for the dog.  He will look guilty, but in reality, he’s feeling fear.  If Grandma and Grandpa want to solve the problem, they’re going to have to see it from Gizmo’s perspective (we are supposed to be more intelligent, right?), and retrain him to relieve himself where they want him to.  

Some behavior problems are linked to physical illness or chemical imbalance, and need to be treated by a vet.  Most, however, are caused by inadequate understanding of dog psychology.  When there’s a problem with your four-legged friend, think before you react.  You should be able to find a win-win solution that will resolve the issue to everyone’s satisfaction.