Dog behaviour problems are one of the leading reasons pet owners seek professional help. Whether it’s excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety, or destructive chewing, understanding your dog’s behaviour is essential to correcting it. At North Care Animal Hospital, we offer Pet Behaviour Consultations in North Vancouver to support pet owners in addressing these issues with compassion and professional care.
If you live in West Vancouver or North Vancouver, our conveniently located animal hospital at 1061 Marine Drive offers walk-in consultations and in-home veterinary services. You don’t need a referral or appointment to get help—walk-in veterinary services are available 7 days a week, 8 AM – 10 PM.
Let’s explore the most common dog behaviour problems, what causes them, and how behaviour consultations—not obedience training—can help identify underlying triggers and establish corrective strategies.
Why Behaviour Matters: Beyond Obedience
Dog behaviour is not just about teaching commands like sit, stay, or heel. It’s about understanding the psychological and physiological reasons behind undesirable actions. At North Care Animal Hospital, we don’t offer dog training services—we provide clinical behaviour consultations conducted by veterinarians experienced in animal psychology and canine behavioural disorders.
Pet behaviour consultation is especially critical when your dog’s actions become harmful to themselves, to other pets, or to family members. A professional evaluation helps uncover root causes such as:
Fear or phobias
Anxiety or trauma
Underlying health conditions
Poor socialization
Breed-specific behavioural tendencies
By identifying the problem early, our North Vancouver and West Vancouver clients can avoid escalation and improve their dog’s quality of life.
Table: Common Dog Behaviour Problems & Solutions
| Behaviour Problem | Symptoms | Possible Cause | Consultation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggression | Growling, snapping, lunging, biting | Fear, territorialism, pain | Behavioural assessment + medical screening |
| Excessive Barking | Barking at people, animals, sounds | Boredom, anxiety, excitement | Environmental analysis + behaviour modification |
| Separation Anxiety | Destruction, whining, urination when alone | Attachment issues, lack of independence | Routine planning + calming strategies |
| Destructive Chewing | Chewing furniture, shoes, walls | Teething, boredom, stress | Stimulus control + chewing redirection |
| Resource Guarding | Growling over food or toys | Insecurity, fear of loss | Counter-conditioning techniques |
| House Soiling | Inappropriate urination/defecation | Medical condition, anxiety, lack of training | Medical exam + routine reinforcement |
| Leash Reactivity | Barking or lunging during walks | Poor socialization, fear | Desensitization + controlled exposure |
| Compulsive Behaviours | Tail chasing, pacing, licking | Neurological issues, stress, boredom | Neurological assessment + structured stimulation |
| Fear of Strangers | Hiding, trembling, growling | Trauma, poor socialization | Gradual exposure + confidence-building exercises |
| Hyperactivity | Jumping, inability to settle down | Overstimulation, lack of routine | Schedule adjustment + calming activities |
1. Aggression Towards People or Animals
Aggression is one of the most serious and misunderstood behaviour issues in dogs. It can stem from fear, pain, possessiveness, or a traumatic event. Aggressive behaviour should never be ignored or punished without a proper veterinary behaviour consultation.
How we help:
We evaluate your pet’s medical background, environment, and triggers to develop a comprehensive behaviour plan. If you’re in West Vancouver, our mobile vet services can make it easier to assess aggression in your dog’s familiar surroundings.
2. Excessive Barking
Is your dog barking at every passerby or unusual sound? Constant barking can result from anxiety, boredom, or territorial instincts. While some barking is natural, excessive barking may require intervention.
What we do:
Through a pet behaviour consultation, we determine the underlying cause and suggest actionable modifications such as increased enrichment or sound desensitization techniques.
3. Separation Anxiety
Many dogs experience separation anxiety, especially after long periods of togetherness (like during the pandemic). Symptoms may include urinating indoors, destroying furniture, or howling when left alone.
Behaviour consultation approach:
We offer step-by-step plans to ease transitions, introduce independent behaviours, and manage your dog’s routine. Our walk-in animal hospital in North Vancouver ensures quick access to care without a long wait.
4. Destructive Chewing
Dogs chew to explore their world, but when chewing turns into destruction, it becomes a behaviour issue. Puppies chew due to teething, but adult dogs may chew because of stress or lack of stimulation.
Our approach:
We provide medical evaluation to rule out nutritional or dental issues, then guide owners on how to redirect the behaviour through approved chew toys and positive reinforcement.
5. Resource Guarding
Does your dog growl when you approach their food, bed, or toys? That’s called resource guarding—a natural instinct, but one that can be dangerous.
Veterinary behaviour consultation includes:
Gradual desensitization strategies to reduce guarding, improve trust between pet and owner, and encourage sharing through reward systems.
6. House Soiling
When dogs eliminate inside the house, it may be a sign of more than poor training—it could indicate a urinary tract infection, anxiety, or schedule mismanagement.
Consultation benefits:
We’ll rule out medical causes and build a structured toilet training reinforcement schedule that aligns with your lifestyle.
7. Leash Reactivity
Does your dog bark or lunge when they see other dogs or people on walks? This can be rooted in poor early socialization, fear, or overexcitement.
Veterinary strategy:
Our consultations help pet owners implement counter-conditioning and practice controlled exposure to triggers, helping dogs remain calm in public settings.
8. Compulsive or Repetitive Behaviours
Tail chasing, excessive licking, or pacing may indicate a neurological disorder or obsessive-compulsive behaviour (OCB). These signs should never be ignored.
What we do:
Veterinary exams at our North Vancouver animal hospital evaluate both medical and behavioural causes. We suggest structured physical and mental stimulation routines.
9. Fear of Strangers or Noises
Dogs with fear-based behaviours often struggle during vet visits or around unfamiliar guests. Some even tremble or hide when exposed to everyday sounds like vacuum cleaners or sirens.
Consultation outcome:
Our in-home services can be extremely helpful here, as they allow the veterinarian to assess your dog in a low-stress environment and recommend confidence-building exercises.
10. Hyperactivity and Lack of Focus
If your dog has difficulty settling, is constantly jumping, or shows uncontrollable excitement, it may be struggling with hyperactivity or anxiety.
We help by:
Reviewing their daily structure, providing enrichment options, and creating a predictable routine to increase attention span and calm behaviour.
Why Choose North Care Animal Hospital?
📍 Located in North Vancouver, close to West Vancouver, we serve pet families from both regions.
✅ Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 10 PM
🚶 Walk-in service – No appointment needed
🏠 In-home mobile vet consultations available
🧠 Specializing in Pet Behaviour Consultation, not basic dog training
We understand the stress behavioural issues can place on your household. That’s why we emphasize fast access, professional evaluation, and tailored behaviour strategies.
Book Your Pet Behaviour Consultation Today
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, aggression, or other behavioural issues, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. A veterinary behaviour consultation can provide the clarity and strategy needed to create a peaceful, balanced home.
📞 Call North Care Animal Hospital today at 604-984-1464
📍 Visit us at 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC V7P 1S6
💻 Or Book Your Consultation Online