Common behavioural problems

Different types of training are used depending on the behavioural problem, but in all cases follow-up advice and support can help resolve them. Ongoing support ensures the owner is motivated and confident to tackle the issues.

Attention-seeking problems can often be solved by people not responding to the behaviour being exhibited by the pet to get attention – instead ensuring lots of attention is given for desired behaviours.

Spraying by cats is often caused by stress – such as too many cats in the home, dogs or lots of visitors. This can often be overcome by providing safe areas for the cat to retreat to.

Nervousness is a common problem with both dogs and cats and can be made worse by a lack of good socialisation. Resocialising to help build the animal’s confidence and teaching the animal to associate situations with something pleasant, such as food or games, can help overcome this problem.

Housetraining problems require different solutions for cats and dogs, so please refer to our All About Pets leaflets for advice. However, a common issue is that many animals are excited or nervous at being taken to a new home – and so may urinate or defecate in the home, especially if they had a long car journey. This then marks out a new 'toilet area' for them and, in a new home, the only way they can identify where to toilet is by smell. Clean the area and if possible make it unavailable to the dog.

Aggression can be caused by a myriad of reasons, so it is not appropriate to list them here. But it can be prevented with proper socialisation - such as exposure to new things from a young age - and training.  Pets displaying aggression, either towards other animals or humans, can often be rehabilitated. Rehabilitation depends on the type of aggression, how long the animal has been aggressive, and how severe the aggression is.

Visit The Blue Cross information website, All About Pets, for more information and advice.