I Thought My Pet Was Just Being Naughty—Until I Learned This

I spent a long time thinking that my pet was simply being difficult. Whether it was chewing shoes, barking at the doorbell, or randomly scratching the furniture, it all seemed like deception or willfulness. However, once I began to learn about pet behavior, I understood that what looked like "naughtiness" was often your pet's way of communicating.

Whenever pets exhibit unwanted behavior, we all too often jump to the conclusion that it is because of a lack of discipline. But, animal behavior specialists point out that in most cases, the unwanted behaviors stem from unmet needs, miscommunication, or medical problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that behavioral concerns are one of the primary reasons pets are relinquished to shelters (most of the time is as simple as they didn't have the knowledge to understand their pet)
What it looks like: Destruction.
What it most often actually is: Boredom, anxiety or teething in younger animals.
Your dog chews and your cat scratches not to annoy you, but to relieve stress or act naturally. If a chewing or scratching problem occurs, you can provide chewing items, scratching posts, or puzzle feeders to alleviate the activity.It looks like: Attention-seeking.
It often means: A call for help or communication.
If your pet is vocalizing a lot, that can mean anxiety, hunger, discomfort, or loneliness. According to the ASPCA, behavioral changes in older pets (or changes in behavior in general regardless of age) could also mean medical issues, such as cognitive dysfunction, or pain.
It looks like: Being lazy or stubborn.
It often means: Stress, medical issues, or confusion over training
There are all sorts of things related to changes in pet behavior, like urinary tract infections, changes in routine, or different ways they mark their territory, to name a few. So if one of these changes happens, you should consult your vet!

What it looks like: Dangerous or unmanageable.
What it often means: Fear, pain, or trauma.
Aggressive behavior in pets is nearly always a reaction of self defense. In a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior showed that over 60% of aggressive behavior in dogs was due to fear or anxiety. Socialization and positive reinforcement, not punishments, are high on the list of good things to do about this.
After I started observing my pet in the light of behavior science my relationship with them changed. Rather than react with frustration I started to ask "why is this happening?".
Experts suggest that you maintain a behavior journal noting when and how a behavior happens. Doing this can allow you to see if that behavior is linked to hunger, need for exercise, an environmental stressor etc.
Also, do not underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Rewarding good behaviors is more effective than punishing bad behaviors. Treats, praise, or cuddles can all lure your pet into repeating the behaviors you want them to.
If your pet's behavior becomes extreme or truly interferes with their wellbeing (or yours), don't delay getting help from a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. These professionals have the training to assess pet behavior and provide possible solutions tailored to your pet.
Pets do not misbehave to annoy us, but instead they exhibit unusual behaviors when something is wrong. Understanding pet behavior will solve problems, enhance your relationship with your pet, and improve your pet's quality of life. As soon as I began looking at the whole situation differently, it changed everything. My pet did not need a stricter set of rules or more correction; my pet needed me to listen, observe, and respond with gentle understanding.
So the next time your pet does something odd, before you react, take a breath and pause. Perhaps your pet is not being naughty, but just trying to communicate to you that something is not right.

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Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

1. What are the four types of animal behavior?
   The four types of animal behavior are instinctive, learned, abnormal, and communicative.
2. How do you understand animal behavior?
   Animal behavior is understood through observation, pattern recognition, and interpreting body language and responses to stimuli.
3. What are the 4F of dog behavior?
   The 4Fs of dog behavior are Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fidget—natural responses to stress or threat.