Recent news of an increase in dog attacks has led to a dog specialist to speak out to prevent aggressive behaviour in our K9 friends.

Dogs can be your best friends and as friends, people need to be on the same tune and look after them daily, says Dog Behavioural consultant Selina McIntyre.

“Our pets, especially dogs, need much more than food and shelter, they need exercise, love, and the same as humans they need to be provided with a healthy environment, is not just physical, is also mental health.”

There are many reasons that can affect a dog’s behaviour and, just like humans, most of them are formed during their period of learning and development.

The time between the 3 -17 weeks of age is called the critical socialisation period and it’s this time when positive association with other dogs and people should be done, says Selina.

“The puppy’s experiences during this time will Influence and shape their behaviour as adults.”

Another thing to keep in mind is exercise, while there is some breeds that need more physical activity than others, all dogs need to go out.

Selina says dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be used, otherwise it can lead the dog into inappropriate behaviour.

“These furry friends are so intelligent and from time to time is good to do some active mental stimulation at home, and it can be as simple as changing the way we feed them, not always doing it in a dog bowl is just looking for a more creative way to do it.”

Not humanising the dogs, not treating them like human babies and not exposing them to stressful situations like birthday parties is key to minimising any possible changes in dog behaviour, says Selina.