Behaviour related problems that owners can have with their pets can be categorised in two main areas – problem behaviours and behaviour problems. Behaviour problems and problem behaviours may be presented to veterinarians when an owner finds it difficult to live with a pet’s behaviour. The behaviour may be worrying, dangerous, offensive or annoying to the owner.

So, what’s the difference between a behaviour problem and problem behaviour?

Problem Behaviours can be considered as behaviours that are normal for the pet to exhibit but are unacceptable to the owner or the community. They generally occur due to lack of understanding of the behavioural needs of pets, through lack of training of the pet, insufficient training of the pet or inappropriate training. For example, a dog that jumps up when greeting people at the door may be due to the normal exuberance of the dog when seeing people, especially if it has been alone all day with no environmental (psychological or physical) stimulation.

The dog may also have been encouraged to jump up when it was a puppy when this behaviour was considered not only cute but also acceptable. The dog may also have never been taught that sitting while being greeted was the behaviour preferred by the owner or guests. These problem behaviours generally respond to improved training and / or management strategies. A Behaviour Problem is different. They can be considered as behaviours that may be normal or abnormal but are excessive in duration and or intensity, or are exhibited in response to stimuli that should not elicit this response.

The behaviour may be parts of or complete behaviour patterns that may be normal for the species but they will be performed out of context – either at the wrong time or in response to the wrong stimulus, in the wrong place or to a greater extent that is expected. They may also be behaviours that are abnormal. They are detrimental to the pet as well as the owner and or community. Examples include compulsive disorders, self mutilation and phobias. Behaviour problems respond to medical treatment because they are medial problems. Treatment involves three key areas: environmental management, behaviour modification and often medication.

If you would like any further information on problem behaviours and behaviour problems, please speak to one or our nurses or make an appointment for your pet to be seen by Dr. Nicholls.