The Ultimate Guide to Pet Behavior

Pets, like humans, can suffer not only from physical but also mental health issues like anxiety, which can cause them to exhibit undesirable behaviors. 

In general, if your pet is exhibiting excessive vocalization, excessive chewing, scratching, over-grooming, unwanted aggression, and similar signs, it might be because of anxiety, stress, or poor mental well-being. 

As a pet owner, you must know how to differentiate unwanted behaviors caused by stress and medical issues. I will guide you through each one of the behavioral issues in pets and how you will be able to tackle them effectively, so read on. 

Common Behavioral Issues In Pets 

Following are some of the most common unwanted behavioral issues in pets. As a pet owner, you should not panic and stay patient if your pet displays one of these behaviors. 

1. Separation anxiety: 

Separation anxiety is a serious and most common behavioural problem in pets, particularly dogs, since they are more attached and dependent on their owners. 

As per research, it’s stated that nearly 14% dogs experience anxiety due to separation from home or their owners. Another research revealed that 13.5% of domestic household cats also showed one of the indications linked to separation anxiety, with destructive behavior being the most common. 

Sometimes the anxiety related to being left alone is secondary to an occurrence such as a change in the household or the pet's daily routine, or it may be linked with an underlying stressful condition, along with other problems like noise phobias.

Ideally, allowing your pet to spend time alone in a secure environment from an early age greatly helps with overcoming separation anxiety. 

You can use calming supplements, pheromones, or calming pet odors to provide your pet with a stress-free environment and reduce their anxiety, especially if you have shifted to a new place. 

2. Aggression toward other dogs and humans:

Pets like cats and dogs show their aggression by hissing or growling, lunging, biting, and scratching. 

It is essential to keep in mind that all pets, whatever their kind or breed, as well as their historical context, have a tendency towards aggression. 

Pets with a history of abuse and trauma, particularly caused by humans or other animals, are more likely to show violent behaviors. Lack of socialization from an early age is also a key reason for such aggression. 

However, the way they are trained from a young age can also lead to such behavior, but it's natural, not unwanted. 

For instance, a dog who has been kept for guardian purposes throughout its life cannot be expected to show love or calmness towards strangers or other animals. 

3. Destructive behavior:

Behaviors such as chewing or scratching on furniture, shoes, and other household things, as well as excessive digging, are a sign of anxiety and boredom in pets that needs to be addressed before they become a habit. 

Distracting your pet with an interactive toy, treat dispensing toys, playtime, and providing them a companion can help reduce these issues. 

4. Inappropriate urination and defecation:

When suddenly your new or well-behaved and trained pet starts to urinate or defecate in improper places around the house, then it can be a sign of anxiety, stress, or a serious medical issue.

You should see a veterinarian immediately to rule out if it's because of any underlying health issue like urinary tract infections, abdominal pain, or something else. 

If your pet is healthy, the reason could be stress or anxiety. Getting help from a professional pet trainer can be very helpful in this situation. 

5. Excessive barking or meowing

Excessive barking or meowing can become a nuisance for owners and your neighbors, as this behavior shows that your pet needs your love or attention, or they might be feeling anxious or in serious pain, or sometimes, all they want is food or their favorite treat. Shouting or punishing your pet is not a solution to this problem. 

Also, giving them a treat to stay quiet will make matters worse for you in the future because you are rewarding them for an unwanted behaviour. Taking them for a walk or engaging in a play session to make them tired is more helpful in this situation. 

6. Compulsive behavior:

Compulsive behavior is not limited only to humans but is a major behavioral problem in pets.  

Some common compulsive behaviors in pets are over-grooming themselves to the point where they are losing fur or biting their skin, resulting in rashes or skin infections, excessive tail-chasing, excessive licking of paws, and repeated pawing on the face. 

If your vet doesn't find any underlying medical condition behind these behaviors, then they are probably doing this because of stress or anxiety, to distract or soothe their mind. 

Forcefully preventing them from doing these things can make them worse, and they may try to do it more frequently. Taking help from a professional pet trainer, taking them outdoors, engaging them with toys, exercise, and playtime can be beneficial. 

7. Resource guarding:

This type of behavior happens when the pet is overly possessive about his food, space, toy, or owner. As a result, they bark, growl, and bite if somebody tries to approach while they are standing guard over their resources. 

To prevent this behavior, you must give your pets their safe space, spend time together, and give them proper care. 

You can lure them away from the thing they are guarding with the help of food or treats, and eventually they will not be overpossessed, but it will take time and commitment. 

8. Pica:

Pets that start to eat non-food items like plastic, metal, garbage, paper, rock, etc, are referred to as pica. This type of behavior typically underlies the psychological issue, poor nutrition, or a serious medical condition. 

If your pet is doing this because of anxiety, stress, or boredom, providing them care, attention, playtime, and engaging with them during grooming sessions can help lower its incidence. 

This behavior must be taken care of immediately, otherwise it can risk the dog's or cat’s life as they can choke, get an upset stomach, or gastrointestinal blockage requiring surgery. 

9. Excessive fear 

In general, pets who have a traumatic past or lack socialization from a young age will exhibit excessive fear. If they do so, give them space and time and don’t use force with them. 

Try to engage with them during playtime or feeding time, but in short sessions without overwhelming them, and over time, their fear will decrease, and they will be more confident. 

However, if a new pet is hiding, it is completely normal and doesn't require any interference. But if they continue to hide for more than 2 weeks or a month, you should consider getting professional help from pet trainers. 

10. Humping or mounting

This kind of behavior is more common in cats than dogs. Mostly if the pet is scared or stressed they might start humping or muting objects, owners, or other pets. 

During this time, do not stop them forcefully or shout at them; rather than try to distract them by using voice commands. Avoid using treats as this will facilitate this behavior rather than discouraging it. 

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What Things Can Trigger Behavioural Problems In Pets? 

The following are some of the reasons that can trigger stress and anxiety in pets: 

1. Introduction Of A New Pet Or Human 

Usually, if you introduce a new pet or any family member comes to stay at your place who is a stranger to your pet, it may make your pet anxious or stressed. 

2. Shifting To A New Place Or Home 

One of the major reasons for anxiety in pets is moving to a new home or area, especially if you have never taken them on trips, and they have stayed strictly at home. 

However, giving your pet time and space during this period and using calming treats or pheromones in the house can help make them more comfortable.  

3. Making Changes In The Home (Like Bringing New Furniture) 

Some pets can feel stressed if you move out old furniture or make changes in the house. New odors and visuals can be overwhelming for them initially. 

4. Changing Their Routine 

Suddenly changing the routine of your pet, which might include giving them food earlier or later than their regular feeding time, or taking them out during an unusual time of the day, can make them anxious, and it will take some time for them to get used to it. 

5. Lack Of Play Or Engagement 

If you have a busy schedule and you're not able to give time to your pets or play with them, this can lead to unwanted behavioral issues in pets. 

6. Lack Of Exercise And Mental Enrichment 

Pets who stay strictly indoors, particularly dogs, and don’t get desired exercise or don’t have any toys to play with will often become bored, which eventually leads to undesirable behaviors. 

7. History Of Abuse Or Trauma 

Pets who have been through abuse or trauma in the past will show undesirable behaviours, especially if they experience any smell, sound, or sight from the past. Getting help from professional animal behaviorists is highly advised in these situations. 

Positive Training And Behavioral Modification In Pets 

Following are some of the things that can help reduce unwanted behaviors in cats and dogs and help them grow into more confident, obedient, and happy pets. 

1. Early Socialization 

One of the key things that gives confidence to pets is early life experiences, which include socialization. During this time, pets are learning about their environment and daily interactions. 

It is recommended to make them used to human touch, the presence of other pets, sounds, smells, and similar experiences during this age. For cats, the socialization period is 2 to 9 weeks of their age, while for dogs it is between 3 to 14 weeks of their age. 

2. Positive Reinforcement 

Pets will feel more confident and less stressed if you praise them for their desired actions; this is what positive reinforcement is. 

For example, rewarding your cat for using the litter box or praising your dog for following your command, either verbally, with a treat, or by petting them, is called positive reinforcement. 

3. Avoiding Punishment 

Never punish, shout, or use physical force if your pet displays any unwanted behavior. 

Doing this will shatter their confidence, and they will always feel stressed around you. Instead, be patient, give your pet space, and most importantly, use positive reinforcement.  

4. Taking The Help Of Professional Behaviourists 

If you failed to correct your pet's unwanted behavior and have tried all possible ways to do so, do not feel hopeless. 

Taking help from a professional pet trainer or animal behaviorist can do wonders for you and your pet's life. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to them, as you are not the only one dealing with these problems regarding pets. 

Medically Driven Behavioral Problems: When To See A Vet 

One important thing to keep in mind if your pet displays any unwanted behavior is to always make sure they are not doing it because of pain, injury, or any other underlying health issue. 

Pets will often try to hide, be more vocal, and less responsive if they are sick. If your pet has suddenly started to exhibit unwanted behaviours, it is recommended to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any underlying health issues. 

For instance, if your litter box-trained cat has suddenly started to urinate outside the litter box or in different spots around the house, it might be because of a urinary tract infection, so never wait in these situations. 

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Written by: Dr. Abdul Basit Javed (DVM, RVMP, MOCCAE)

References: 

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1. Behavior problems in Dogs & cats: Recognizing signs your pet needs behavioral help | Long Beach Vet. (2024, May 15). https://www.springanimalhospital.com/site/blog/2024/05/15/cat-dog-behavior-problems

2. Landsberg, G. M., & Denenberg, S. (2024, September 11). Behavioral problems of cats. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-cats

3. Landsberg, G. M., & Denenberg, S. (2025, April 7). Behavioral problems of dogs. MSD Veterinary Manual. https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/behavioral-problems-of-dogs

4. Morrison, B. J., DVM. (2023, November 9). Pica in dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/behavioral/pica-dogs

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