As much as we love our furry friends, they’re not always perfect angels. Like humans, pets can develop various behavioral issues that can be frustrating and challenging to deal with. These issues can range from separation anxiety and aggression to destructive behavior and excessive barking. You may feel like you’re in the dark about how to deal with some of these behaviors, but there’s no need to worry.

Here we’ve compiled a list of top behavioral issues and how to best handle them. Many people are used to their pets being cuddly, calm creatures who love them unconditionally. But sometimes our pets can change as they get older, growing into animals with separation anxiety or aggression when they’re left home alone or at the veterinarian’s office.

Separation anxiety is when your pet becomes anxious or distressed when left alone for any length of time. It can also mean that your pet doesn’t like being left in one room and will stay in another, such as the kitchen or bathroom, no matter how many times you tell them to go back to their bedroom. If they’re destructive when left alone, it could be due to separation anxiety or boredom.

Aggression is usually a sign of fearfulness, frustration or territoriality and may lead to biting if not dealt with properly. This can include growling at other pets and people in their presence, lunging at them while they are restrained on a leash, pulling on their leash when approached by a stranger, and shaking their body while they are restrained on a leash. Physical contact with animals can sometimes become aggressive.

Attacks by dogs on people are more likely when the animal is startled, when it feels cornered or trapped, or when it sees something it thinks is a threat. These situations may vary in degree and include growling, snapping at people’s legs and trying to break free from restraint or confinement. For example, if a dog is confined inside a crate for an indefinite period of time without company present, that dog may become aggressive if approached by someone unfamiliar because it cannot escape. The symptoms of severe separation anxiety can be exacerbated when your pet is dealing with high levels of stress.

While these behaviors can be a sign of underlying health issues, they’re often a result of environmental factors and a lack of proper training and socialization. Luckily, with some patience, consistency, and proper guidance, you can help your pet overcome these issues and live a happier, healthier life.

In this Playbook, we’ll discuss some of the most common behavioral issues in dogs and cats. We’ll explore the possible causes and contributing factors for each behavior and provide actionable tips and strategies for preventing and addressing them. By the end of this playbook, you’ll have a better understanding of your pet’s behavior and the tools you need to help them overcome any behavioral issues they may be facing.