Barking, Digging and Chewing
Undesirable compulsive behaviours such as barking, digging and chewing often occur in response to psychological and/or emotional stress with such behaviours being performed excessively and out of context. Such are coping strategies and provide stress relief for the animal. Such behaviours occur more frequently in animals that are deprived of mental stimulation, physical exercise and attention, have been confined and/or are not averse to conflict and aggressive behaviours towards them. Providing a dog with satisfying alternatives to combat potentially stressful situations is a key way of preventing and curbing unwanted compulsive behaviours.