Often new clients call Generation Pets because they are concerned with just one or two behavior problems. These problems can usually be resolved in just one or two private counseling sessions. In many cases behavior problems arise simply because of a lack of communication between humans and canines. Some dogs are frustrated because they are not being understood by their humans and begin to take out their frustration by chewing or digging or just plain old barking. Other times, the humans have not taken the time to teach the dog proper manners inside a home so the dog /puppy has taken it upon itself to make up its own rules, games and activities. Your puppy / dog will NOT automatically know the difference between chewing on a $5.00 fuzzy toy and a $500. fuzzy area rug. You must take the time to teach and learn how to communicate effectively with your canine companion if you want to live together peacefully. Most of these problems are usually "easy to fix" if you are willing to make short term changes in your lifestyle and take the time to be consistent with the message that you are trying to send to your dog/puppy. If you are having problems with house soiling, jumping, garbage raiding, territorial marking, counter surfing, begging, bolting out doors or any of the previously mentioned problems then you're in luck.

Other Behavior Challenges

Depending on the circumstances and the problem at large we will need to discuss a bit more in depth as to what has been done in the past and what preceded the problems that have arisen. For example, problems with aggression should be taken seriously but keep in mind that most dogs are not born aggressive, people and environment usually instills this behavior whether intentional or not.. You need plenty of patience and understanding when working with this problem. If your behavior challenge hasn't been mentioned it's simply because we have only touched on the most common problems. What ever your problem is, give us a call and let's discuss what can be done for you and your canine companion.

• Do you live with a canine that tries to bite you or snarls if you take their food away? How about a toy? (See Food Aggression/Guarding)


• Does your canine growl if you try to move them off of the bed or couch? Do they try to jump and mount you or anyone coming into your home? (See Dominance Aggression).


• Does your canine lunge at new people coming your home? Or approaching you on the street? Are you dealing with non-stop barking when someone new comes into your home or passes your home? How about in the car? Fenced in backyard? (See Territorial Aggression)


• Does your canine become extremely aroused in the presence of another dog? Do they try to lunge? Or pin the other dog down if they have contact? Are you trying to avoid other dogs on your walk because of this behavior? (See Interdog Aggression)

1. Your canine will only eat when you are present.
2. The closer you get to the bowl, the more aroused they are by eating it.
3. When you give them a bone or rawhide they will NOT lie down and eat it in front of you.
4. When they get something “yummy” they have to go under a table or hide to eat it.
5. If you are close while they are eating, they will snarl or even go to bite you.
6. If they have found a peanut shell or candy wrapper on a walk and you try to take it from them…they try to bite you.

1. Canine sitting on your feet when their back turned to you.
2. Excitable jumping on you and everyone in family.
3. Excitable jumping on anyone coming into your home.
4. Trying to mount your leg or your body while sitting down on couch or bed. Also trying to mount anyone coming into your home or sitting on your couch or bed.
5. Challenging commands giver to him/her.
6. Tries to lunge at you if you stare at them. Either unprovoked or provoked.
7. Reaching for their collar causes them to snarl or try to bite.
8. If you try to move them while lying on couch or bed and they growl or snap.
9. Urinating on humans or other canines to express authority.
10. Laying their head on your leg while you are sitting.
11. Sleeping on you or trying to sleep on your head.
12. Snapping/Biting when you touch their head, ears, paws, hind paws, backend or tail.

1. Your canine will bark constantly when someone new comes over or walks passed your house.
2. Your dog will lunge at someone new coming in your home or try to bite them.
3. They will try to lunge at someone approaching you on a routine walk.
4. When you are in your car and you approach a toll, gas station or someone walking by at a red light, they react uncontrollably.
5. Your friend that has been in your home for 1 hour decides to get up…your canine reacts to him/her.
6. Fenced in backyard…they go “bonkers” when another canine or a human passes.

1. Your canine will lunge after another dog in passing.
2. Your canine cannot get along in a playgroup or dog park.
3. When he/she does get close to another dog…they try to pin them or go for the bite.
4. Your dog fights you on leash when another canine is present.
5. Your canine has already been involved in a dogfight or several.

NOTE: If you are experiencing a few of these symptoms with your canine, it does NOT mean that you are dealing with Aggression. You could be dealing with a canine that might have not been socialized enough both in and out of your home. Or socialized enough with other canines or a canine that does not understand his/her role within your home or a social system due to lack of training and authority.