Why is it important to check your dog's health before starting behavioural training?

Why is it important to check your dog's health before starting Behavioural Training?

Because underlying medical conditions, pain or discomfort can significantly affect a dog's behaviour.

If you try to correct behavioural issues without addressing any underlying medical conditions, you may end up misunderstanding your dog's behaviour or even making the issue worse. By ruling out any medical issues, you can be sure that the behaviour you are addressing is solely related to training.

Have your dog checked by your vet, they’ll be able to accurately diagnose any medical conditions that may be affecting your dog's behaviour.  If your dog’s behaviours are due to a medical issue, addressing the medical issue can help to correct the behaviour. Your vet will be able to advise whether behavioural training or simply general obedience training is required.

However, in some cases, an injury or illness could lead to long-term changes in a dog's behaviour. For example, dogs who experience chronic pain may develop fear or aggression towards people or other animals or may become depressed and withdrawn.

By prioritising your dog's health, you can set them up for success and ensure a positive training experience.

Injuries or illnesses can have a significant impact on a dog's behaviour, as it does with our own behaviour. We’ve all been there, a little irritable or slovenly when we’re feeling sore, or a bit under the weather.

When a dog is in pain or discomfort due to an injury or illness, it can cause them to become agitated, irritable, or even aggressive.

They may also become less active and lose their appetite.

An injury or illness could also affect their mobility, making it difficult for them to perform certain tasks, which can lead to frustration.

Before starting behavioural training with your dog, it's important to check the following:

Make sure your dog is in good health and up to date on all vaccinations or are sufficiently immunised if using Titre testing. Some behavioural issues could be related to underlying medical problems or undiagnosed pain, so it's essential to rule out any health issues.

Remember dogs will rarely show they’re in pain, they have evolved to hide pain as a survival mechanism in the wild as showing signs of weakness could make them vulnerable to predators or other dogs in their pack. This is a normal evolutionary trait, as social animals we use it too, (I know all too well having fought through 'man-flu' every winter, or 'the sniffles' as my wife calls it ).

It's also important to ensure your dog's diet is well-balanced, and they are getting enough nutrition. Some behavioural issues can also stem from a poor diet. This is something that should be covered during behavioural training, one of my favourite topics when it comes to behaviour and cover it with most clients in great detail.

Dogs require adequate exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to avoid any pent-up energy that could lead to behavioural issues.

By first checking your dog’s health isn’t the cause of the issues we can ensure a more accurate diagnosis, better treatment, avoidance of misunderstandings, and improved chances of success in training.

All this in addition to creating a positive and successful training environment for your dog.

Get in touch HERE if you've checked out your dog and want to start training