When dogs misbehave, it’s often a case of nurture rather than nature, says dog behaviour consultant Robert Spiteri. He tells Stephanie Fsadni that proper rehabilitation and owner cooperation are key for a happy, normal life.

Robert Spiteri believes in giving every dog another chance, but says finding the cause of behavioural problems and correcting them takes time and patience. Photos: Chris Sant Fournier/Jason Borg

Like humans, dogs may suffer from behavioural problems such as obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias and temperamental issues.

Man might find it difficult to understand his so-called best friend in such situations but specially-trained people, like Robert Spiteri, can “talk to them” and help them overcome their woes.

The dog behaviour consultant says that the most common issues are soiling in the house, pulling on a lead, separation anxiety, dog-to-dog shyness/aggression and unruly behaviour; whereas the least common one is dog–to-human aggression.

It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of such behaviour and often multiple factors are involved, but Mr Spiteri claims that “it’s often a problem of nurture, rather than nature”.

“There is never a clear-cut answer and it takes me quite some time to fully diagnose and trace the roots of a problem.

“But I can confirm that most of the behaviour issues I have examined originate from owner’s lack of experience, improper dog socialising and failure to establish fixed rules and routine.”

Many owners choose a dog just for aesthetic purposes. Such a decision can be a recipe for disaster

Mr Spiteri does not believe that some breeds may be more problematic than others, but that erratic behaviour may be more a result of bad matching between owner and dog.

“Unfortunately, many owners choose a dog just for aesthetic purposes. Such a decision can be a recipe for disaster.

“One should make sure the dog’s requirements as per breed are fulfilled, so the dog must match your lifestyle and character.

“For example, a border collie, which is very trainable, can be a very problematic dog if not properly exercised and mentally stimulated.

“Therefore, before adopting such a breed, you must make sure you have enough time/energy to cope with its needs. If not, the dog would be very frustrated and it could even lead to OCD.”

Mr Spiteri treats every case separately, starting off by observing the dog’s objectional behaviour and setting up an appointment with the owners.

“The first session is very demanding and quite lengthy as I try to understand the problem in full and have to question the owners about almost everything including health, routine, nutrition and behaviour observed,” he says.

“Then I proceed to trace a behavioural pattern of the dog from which I can suggest a plan for the owner to follow.

“After a few weeks, we meet up to reassess the case and discuss any further changes I would like to implement to the previous suggested programme.”

Mr Spiteri is adamant that owners must fully comply with his requests for the programme to work.

“Talking and understanding dogs is easy... it’s talking to the owners that is a bit more complex. My rehabilitation plan will never be successful if the owner is not ready to understand his dog’s needs and be willing to collaborate and follow my suggestions.”

And they have to be patient, as the healing process may take time.

“My motto is: ‘Always give dogs a second chance’. I strongly believe that most dogs can be rehabilitated if the owner is willing to be patient, does not rush things and follows my plan.

“One should be realistic, especially if the dog has been behaving the same way for a good number of years or has a certain age.”

One should also avoid quick fixes and hearsay techniques.

Talking and understanding dogs is easy... it’s talking to the owners that is a bit more complex

“If not treated properly, a behaviour may get worst at the expense of the poor dog and the relation with the owner. Surely no negative (punishment) technique is the way forward in any rehabilitation programme. Be wary of behaviour consultants that adopt such techniques,” he suggests.

Since he started working in this field some 20 years ago, Mr Spiteri has met some very cooperative, loving families, but admits he is shocked by recent incidents of animal cruelty reported in the news.

Abandoned dogs may exhibit more problems, but this should not discourage people from adopting a pet from an animal sanctuary or pick up strays.

“Adopting stray and abandoned dogs is a very noble gesture. When choosing such a dog, I would not worry that much about the behaviour as, unfortunately, the dog might have gone through a rough patch.

“It may feel afraid, hurt or suffer other discomforts,” points out Mr Spiteri. “I have noticed that such dogs are more prone to suffer separation anxiety due to the fact that they are afraid to have to go through the same trauma.

“The most important thing is to remember that the dog needs time to settle down and if the dog shows any signs of behavioural issues, one needs to contact a qualified professional to tackle these problems as soon as possible.

“However, with proper advice, love and patience, these dogs can regain confidence and live a normal, happy life.”