[Kalamalka]

Our 3 month old border collie cross puppy will not stop throwing herself against doors or cupboards. she literally throws her entire body (while crying) into them. any ideas why she does this, or how to discourage this behaviour?

As well, many people have suggested spraying water at dogs for barking, jumping up etc... any idea if that works, or if it is a bad way to stop unwanted behaviours?

 

[TooneyDogs]

When a dog displays a compulsive disorder like this you should immediately seek the advice of your vet. This is not normal behavior.

For barking and jumping you teach her what you want her to do instead...for example, to sit instead of jumping....to be quiet on command. That is far more effective than spraying water.

 

[Kalamalka]

Thank you for your advice! We are training her always and she is very responsive and learing fast. have a vet visit today about her odd behaviour. Since we continue to discourage it, I have noticed it is only when she is behind a door and wants in/out of a room (outside/inside etc). Hopefully she does not have a neurological condition.

 

[MissMutt]

It sounds like an attention-seeking behavior rather than a neurological or mental problem. No to the water -- like Tooney said, you are better off teaching her something else to do or giving her another outlet for her energy.

 

[TooneyDogs]

I have noticed it is only when she is behind a door and wants in/out of a room (outside/inside etc).

That puts the behavior in a different light. I envisioned a pup that was just throwing herself against a wall, a cupboard or a door. At 3 months old being put into social isolation (in a room all by herself) is very traumatic.

Perhaps it would help to understand that puppies come with a hardwired survival instinct to stay with the pack. In the wild, their very lives may depend on it. This isn't separation anxiety...it's survival as far as the puppy is concerned. As dogs grow older and gain more confidence they learn that being alone is OK.

Out of necessity, we have to leave our pups at certain times...also as part the training process. The hard part is teaching the confidence to be alone. Tactics like leaving the pup with a Kong filled with peanut butter, safe toys or a large soup bone (uncooked) in one step. Another is going back and quietly praising and/or petting while they're alone...reassuring them and reinforcing the calm, confident behavior. This is a slow process but, gets better/easier as the pup matures.