The bond between people and animals is unmistakable — and it is easily broken by misunderstanding, frustration, and fear when a pet develops a health or temperament problem. When those problems are not understood, pets pay the price: they are surrendered, rehomed, or abandoned. The truth behind almost every "bad" pet is a simple one: pet problems are people problems. Behind every well-behaved animal is a well-informed person. This guide is here to help you become that person.
Dog Behavior
Most canine behavior problems are normal dog behavior arriving at an inconvenient time. With patience and positive, reward-based methods, the common ones are very solvable:
- Housetraining — built on routine, supervision, and rewarding the right choice, not punishing accidents.
- Chewing, nipping, and mouthing — redirect to appropriate toys; puppies especially need safe outlets.
- Barking, digging, and destructiveness — usually signs of boredom or under-exercise; more physical and mental activity is often the cure.
- Separation anxiety — addressed with gradual alone-time training and enrichment.
- Fear, dominance myths, and aggression — best handled with modern, science-based methods and, when needed, a qualified professional.
- Crate training and introducing new pets — done slowly and positively, these set everyone up to succeed.
Cat Behavior
Cats are often labeled aloof or difficult when they are simply misunderstood. The frequent issues include:
- Litter-box problems — the number-one reason cats are surrendered, and very often a medical or setup issue (a clean box, the right location, and a vet check solve most cases).
- Destructive scratching — a natural need redirected with scratching posts and pads, never declawing.
- Aggression and fearfulness — managed with safe spaces, gradual introductions, and enrichment.
- Introducing cats to one another — a patient, scent-first, days-to-weeks process.
Small Pets Have Big Needs
Ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rabbits, and rats are wonderful companions, but each has specific housing, diet, and social requirements that are easy to underestimate. Rabbits and guinea pigs, for instance, need far more space and social interaction than a small cage allows, and rabbits benefit from spaying or neutering. Research your specific species before bringing one home, and see our note on spaying and neutering.
Seasonal and Everyday Care
Good care changes with the calendar, especially in the Red River Valley. In winter, protect paws from ice and salt and never leave pets outdoors in the cold; in summer, guard against heat, never leave a pet in a parked car, and stay current on tick and flea prevention. Year-round, keep up with wellness exams, dental care, grooming, and parasite prevention.
Where to Get Help
You are not on your own. The ASPCA publishes trustworthy, species-specific care articles, and veterinary behavior professionals endorse humane, science-based training through resources like the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. If a behavior problem is sudden or severe, start with your veterinarian to rule out a medical cause. Solving these problems early is how you keep a pet in its home for life — which is the whole point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason cats are surrendered?
Litter-box problems — and they are very often a medical or setup issue. A clean box in the right spot and a veterinary check resolve most cases before rehoming is ever necessary.
My dog barks, digs, and chews. What is going on?
Usually boredom or too little exercise. More physical activity and mental enrichment, paired with positive redirection to appropriate outlets, resolves most of these everyday behaviors.
Is punishment-based training effective?
Modern, science-based methods favor reward-based training. Veterinary behavior experts find it more effective and far kinder, and it strengthens rather than strains the bond with your pet.