Understanding Your Pet's Behavior

Understanding Pet Behaviour: A Guide for Albury-Wodonga Pet Owners

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If you have any concerns please call (02) 6054-1838

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Every pet parent has had moments where they’ve wondered: “Why is my pet doing that?” From barking at the postie to hiding under the bed during thunderstorms, animal behaviour can sometimes be confusing.

At Murray River Animal Hospital, we believe that understanding your pet’s behaviour is the key to building a strong, trusting bond. Here's what local Albury-Wodonga pet owners should know.

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1. Communication Comes in Many Forms

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Your pet may not be able to speak, but they’re constantly communicating through:

• Body language – Tail position, ear movement, and posture all give clues.
• Vocalisations – Barking, meowing, growling, or whining can express fear, excitement, or distress.
• Behaviour patterns – Scratching, digging, pacing, or hiding often indicate stress, boredom, or medical issues.

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Understanding these signals helps prevent miscommunication and creates a more harmonious home.

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2. Common Behavioural Issues in Pets

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Here in Albury-Wodonga, our clients frequently ask about:

• Separation anxiety – Pets may become destructive or vocal when left alone.
• Aggression – Often a sign of fear, territorial instincts, or pain.
• Inappropriate toileting – Can be a result of stress, lack of training, or underlying health issues.
• Excessive barking or meowing – May stem from boredom, anxiety, or even medical discomfort.

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The key is identifying whether the issue is behavioural, environmental, or health-related—and addressing it from there.

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3. When to Seek help for your pets Behaviour

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Sometimes, unusual behaviour is a sign your pet isn’t feeling their best. If you notice any of the following, it’s best to book a vet check-up:

• Sudden behaviour changes
• Aggression or withdrawal
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Toileting accidents in house-trained pets
• If you have concerns that your pets life long behaviour may not be normal

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We can help rule out medical causes and diagnose and treat many of the most common behavioural problems. We consult with veterinary behavioural specialists for complicated cases and if needed, can refer you to see them.

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4. Tips to Support Positive Behaviour

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• Routine is everything – Regular feeding, walking, and playtime helps pets feel secure.
• Positive reinforcement – Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or affection, depending on what your dog values.
• Enrichment matters – Once you know what your dog enjoys, make sure they have adequate access. Toys, puzzle feeders, and regular social interaction are good examples, but it is never “one size fits all” Get to know your dog to prevent boredom and bad habits.
• Training builds trust – But the wrong training destroys it. Punishment based training erodes the pet:owner bond. We only recommend force free positive reinforcement training. Done well, basic training strengthens your bond and helps your pet feel more confident.

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Whether you’ve got a playful pup in Wodonga, a curious kitten in Lavington, or a nervous rescue in Thurgoona, understanding their needs is the first step to improving behaviour. We have the skills and knowledge to help.

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5. Every Pet is Unique

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Remember—what’s “normal” varies from pet to pet. (no – some will accept attention from strangers, none love it) others are naturally shy = anxious, so shouldn’t be in that situation (massive sign of stress or discomfort), while others are silent observers.

The most important thing is learning your pet’s baseline so you can spot when something is off.

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Need Help Understanding Your Pet?

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Our team at Murray River Animal Hospital are experts with dog and cat behaviour issues. We are always here to answer questions, rule out medical concerns, and develop behaviour support strategies tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

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📍 Based in Wodonga and caring for pets across Wodonga, Lavington, Thurgoona, and the wider region

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📞 Call us today if you have any concerns about your pets behaviour