Skip to main content
 
San Diego Humane Society

Behavior Challenges

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF

Animals often behave in ways we don’t understand — and since we can’t ask them about their behavior directly (like we can with humans), it can feel challenging to address behavior we don’t like.

If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “Why is my pet behaving this way?” It may not seem like there’s a clear reason, but a pet’s behavior is not random! The sooner we you learn to understand your pet, the sooner you can find a solution that works for both of you!

Some behavior challenges are simpler to solve than others. When you are thinking about a behavior that you want to change, ask yourself the questions below:

Example: My pet jumps up on the counter.

  1. What seems to happen right before this behavior occurs? For instance, you might walk into the kitchen at mealtime.
  2. What is it about the behavior that you don’t like? 
  3. What are some things my pet may be trying to achieve? Is your pet trying to sneak a snack or are they trying to get you to pay attention to them while you’re focused on preparing a meal?
  4. What is your current response to this behavior? For example, if you determine that you give them attention by grabbing them or it becomes a fun game of “keep away,” this may give you a clue about what your pet is trying to achieve when they jump on the counter.
  5. How can you meet both your needs in this situation? Perhaps the solution is that your pet can have a treat as long as they wait patiently and don’t jump on the counter.
  6. What would you like your pet to do instead? Maybe you’d like them to wait quietly on a bed or mat while you are in the kitchen. In turn, reward them with praise and treats for being patient and polite.

The more you can ask yourself these questions and think about behaviors from your pet’s perspective, the better you’ll be able to find a solution that works for both of you.

To learn more about how to solve specific behavior challenges, view our Behavior Challenges articles and learn more about why Training Should Be Fun!

If you find yourself unable to understand what your pet may need or if the situation is unsafe, please reach out to a professional positive reinforcement-based trainer from our R+ Trainer Directory to help you and your pet through your behavior challenges.