Why Does My Dog Stalk Other Dogs?
Why Does My Dog Stalk Other Dogs – Does your dog look at other dogs and then follow them around like they’re prey? Experts say this behavior can be quite common, especially if the dog has never been socialized or trained well to behave in an appropriate manner around other dogs.
However, this type of behavior can also indicate that there may be something else going on. Let’s take a look at why my dog stalks other dogs and what you can do about it.
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Dog Behavior in General
Typically, dogs who are stalkers exhibit territorial and aggressive behaviors, especially around other dogs (and sometimes humans).
Stalking is often a precursor to biting because a canine may eventually feel like he has no choice but to protect himself and his territory if he thinks you or another animal poses an imminent threat to him. If your pet is exhibiting stalking behavior, it’s important that you find ways to prevent conflict before aggression takes hold.
This can be accomplished by keeping your dog on a leash when walking outside and teaching him basic obedience commands such as sit and stay.
It also helps to enroll in obedience classes with your pup so you can learn how to handle situations calmly with guidance from a professional trainer. Dogs who aren’t properly trained are more likely to act out when they become anxious or uncomfortable.
What Types of Dogs Are More Prone to Stalking Behavior?
Stalking behavior can be seen in any dog breed, but it’s especially common in larger breeds that are highly protective by nature. In general, protectiveness and a high-strung demeanor may indicate a higher likelihood of stalking behavior.
These include Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Border Collie, German Shepherd, and Rottweiler. Smaller breeds also display stalking behavior, but to a lesser extent. They include Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle.
What Causes Dogs to Stalk?
Experts agree that genetics play a role in whether or not your dog will exhibit stalking behavior. However, there are some environmental factors at play as well.
For example, suppose you adopted your pet from an animal shelter or rescue group. In that case, he may have learned his stalking tendencies from another canine resident at his previous home—or even from one of his kennel mates during transport or adoption day. It’s also possible that your dog was abused or neglected prior to being rescued, which could cause him to develop aggressive behaviors.
READ ALSO: Why Does My Dog Hide In The Bathtub?
How Can I Stop My Dog From Stalking?
Fortunately, there are several ways to curb your dog’s stalking behavior before it becomes a major problem.
First and foremost, make sure he gets plenty of exercise each day. Not only will exercise help calm down his nervous energy but getting outside and moving around is much more fun than sitting around inside all day long!
Considerations When Treating Dogs with Stalking Behaviors
Make sure to consider all possible health issues that may be causing your pup’s stalking behavior, including hip dysplasia and diabetes.
Speak with your vet to rule out any physical causes for your dog’s unusual habits. If he’s exhibiting aggression, you should speak with a veterinarian and an animal behaviorist for treatment options, as well as suggestions on how to keep your pet safe from harm in case of an attack or accident.
You can also contact local trainers who specialize in working with aggressive animals. Be aware that some medications could have adverse effects on your pet if given without consulting a vet first; talk to both professionals before deciding which course of action is best for your canine companion.
Why Does My Dog Stalk Other Dogs? (Tips on How to Stop It)
1. Acclimate Your Dog to Other Dogs: One of your first moves should be to make sure your dog has positive experiences with other dogs—play dates with doggie friends are a good place to start, but you can also try exposing your pup to loose pets and/or training sessions at a local facility like The Dog Den in West Seneca, NY.
2. Be on Alert for Warning Signs: If your dog is already showing signs of aggression towards other dogs, it’s important to recognize when they are about to strike so that you can intervene before things get out of hand.
3. Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If your dog continues to act aggressively towards other dogs after trying some of these tactics, it might be time to consult a professional behaviorist who can offer more targeted help (such as using anti-anxiety medication).
4. Don’t Forget About Your Own Safety: Remember that no matter how much you love your pet, there’s always a chance they could attack another animal or person. It’s up to us to take precautions for our own safety and that of others around us. So, keep an eye on your dog and pay attention to their body language.
5. Keep Your Dog Safe From Infections & Diseases: Make sure you keep your pet healthy by vaccinating them against common diseases such as distemper, parvo, rabies, kennel cough, and Lyme disease; many of these conditions have similar symptoms, which makes them difficult to distinguish from one another. Ask your vet to recommend an appropriate vaccination schedule based on your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle.
6. Be Aware of Seasonal Factors: Certain times of the year bring out particular canine behaviors such as prey drive during hunting season or mating rituals during the breeding season. You can help combat certain behaviors during these periods by ensuring your pet gets plenty of exercise and outdoor playtime every day.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Your Dog’s Stalking Behavior?
Sometimes you should call a professional if your pet has unusual behavior that seems to be getting worse. For example, if he’s suddenly fixated on specific people or pets and doesn’t respond to normal training methods, there may be something wrong with him that a specialist can diagnose and treat.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or behavior, it’s always best to talk to a veterinarian. He or she will likely ask questions about your pet’s habits and medical history before making recommendations for treatment.
If your vet thinks it would be helpful for an animal behaviorist to consult on your case, he or she will refer you to one who specializes in treating animals with aggression issues.