The White House has a “Major” problem on its hands.
When the Biden's arrived in January, they brought their two German shepherds, 12-year-old Champ and a 3-year-old rescue from a Delaware shelter named Major. The adjustment was difficult for the younger dog, according to news reports. In separate incidents, Major bit a Secret Service agent and an employee from the National Park Service, causing minor injuries that required medical attention. The dog had a tendency to get agitated from the White House’s long line of visitors, sometimes barking and jumping at the strangers in his new home.
The Biden's elected to send Major back to Delaware briefly for training. The move sparked a national conversation about the possible causes of his behavior issues and the proper way to handle them. Some of the news coverage, including this piece by Politico, has included insights from specialists that are relatable to any dog owner.
Experts say much of the misbehavior in our dogs can be attributed to a handful of common causes and stressors.
They Miss You
This has become a bigger issue as the pandemic and social distancing precautions have eased. Workers who were at home around the clock for nearly a year are gradually returning to their workplaces and their dogs are not used to the sudden silence at home. They are confused, lonely and exhibiting their separation anxiety through symptoms like chewing household items, urinating or defecating in the home, barking, pacing and running away.
A Failure to Communicate
If you come home from a long day at the office to find your pillows ripped apart on the floor, the lesson you try to impart to your dog won’t register. In order for them to connect the dots between your correction and their misbehavior, it has to be administered on the spot – even a few minutes after may be too late. A common misconception is that the “guilty looks” on our dogs’ faces show that they understand what they’ve done wrong. In reality, these submissive poses are an instinctual reaction when they can tell you’re upset, even if they don’t know why.
They Need Exercise
A lack of exercise or stimulation is one the most common causes of anxiety, depression and destructive behavior in dogs. Thankfully, a dose of time spent running around outside and playing with you and your other dogs can be an effective remedy. Studies have shown that steady exercise boosts dogs’ serotonin levels, helping them sleep better and feel calm and confident when they’re back in the house. If you need to leave your dog at home for a long block of hours in the day, try to counterbalance the inactivity with an ample amount of playtime before you leave and once you’ve returned.
Need a Hand? Work and family obligations often get in the way of giving our pets the attention they deserve, but Zabode can help. With just one call, you can arrange for a trained professional to take your dog for a long walk and fresh air at the times they need it most.
(Note: Owners should always take incidents of biting and aggressive behavior seriously and consult a pet behavior specialist to determine the best course of action.)
Call or text Zabode at: 305-537-6666, and book your service.
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Additional Resources
- ASPCA article with advice for finding behavioral help for your pet
- The Humane Society: Chewing: How to Stop Your Dog’s Gnawing Problem
- ASPCA guides to common do behavior issues: Destructive Chewing and Aggression