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From jumping and nipping to barking and begging, even the best dogs come with typical behavior issues that frustrate and upset owners. In fact, problem behaviors top the list of reasons why dogs end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dog behavior problems. Along with them, we will also share few tips to follow and overcome such issues.
Jumping Up
It's natural for dogs to jump up when greeting people, but this behavior can be dangerous and unwanted. To curb jumping:
- Turn away and ignore your dog when he jumps. Only give him attention when all four paws are on the ground.
- Ask guests to do the same.
- Teach an alternative behavior like "sit." Reward that instead of jumping.
- Practice greeting people calmly on leash so you can correct unwanted jumping.
Chewing
Puppies explore objects by putting them in their mouths, while older dogs may chew when bored. To reduce chewing:
- Puppy-proof your home by removing shoes and other tempting objects.
- Provide lots of appropriate chewing toys so your dog always has an option.
- Use crates and baby gates to restrict access when you can't supervise.
- If your dog is chewing out of boredom or anxiety, increase his exercise, play time, and access to human company.
Begging/Counter Surfing
Dogs beg and steal food because they've learned it gets results. Instead:
- Feed your dog at scheduled times rather than leaving food out. It is a proven way to overcome dog behavior issues.
- Don't give table scraps or feed your dog during human mealtimes.
- Reinforce a "go to your spot" command during meals.
- Manage counter access via baby gates, keeping food out of reach, or by keeping your dog outside of the kitchen during meal prep.
Pulling on Leash
Dogs pull on leash because they want to explore faster than we walk. To curb pulling:
- Use high value treats to frequently reward slack leash walking.
- Stop moving when your dog pulls. Resume walking only once leash pressure eases.
- Try a no-pull body harness or head halter to reduce your dog's ability to pull.
- Take a loose leash walking training class for additional guidance.
Barking
Dogs may bark out of alarm, anxiety, greeting, playfulness, or boredom. Reduce excessive barking by addressing the underlying cause:
- Desensitize your dog to things that alarm him like noises, people, or other animals. Use counterconditioning techniques.
- Increase exercise, stimulation and companionship if barking from boredom or loneliness.
- Train your dog to stop barking on cue followed by a treat when he complies.
- Contact your vet if your dog's barking seems obsessive or anxiety driven.
Digging
Digging often signals exercise or stimulation needs aren't being met.
- Provide more daily exercise to ensure proper dog behavior. This includes both mental and physical - to see if this reduces digging urge.
- Restrict your dog's access to areas you don't want dug up.
- Try providing your dog with a designated digging area filled with loose soil or sand. Bury treats there to encourage using that space instead.
House Soiling
House soiling happens when a dog isn't fully potty trained, isn't given enough opportunities to "go" outside, or experiences sudden changes in habit like a health issue or new schedule. Solve by:
- Sticking to a consistent feeding and potty break schedule that matches your dog's needs.
- Completely clean all soiled areas with enzymatic cleaner to remove smells that draw dogs back.
- Limiting a young dog's access to the house until fully potty trained. Use crates and baby gates.
- Revisiting housetraining basics like rewarding all outdoor potties.
- Checking with your vet about urinary tract infections or digestive issues.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety display undesirable behaviors like barking, destruction, and house soiling only when left alone. Improvements come from:
- Keeping departures/arrivals low key by downplaying hellos/goodbyes.
- Making sure your dog exercises beforehand and has food puzzle toys when alone.
- Recording your dog when alone to distinguish anxiety signs vs. boredom or reminders to potty.
- Very slowly getting your dog used to being alone, starting with seconds and building up.
Attention-Seeking
Attention-seeking behaviors like barking, whining, blocking your path, or nosing at you are often inadvertently rewarded by well-meaning owners petting or scolding them - which is still attention! Instead, reduce attention-seeking behaviors by:
- Making sure your dog receives enough daily exercise, play, training and enrichment.
- Requesting an alternate desirable behavior first before giving your dog what he wants, like petting.
- Completely ignoring attention-seeking behaviors unless dangerous. Pay attention again only when the behavior stops.
Aggression
Aggression has a range of causes, requires professional intervention, and safety precautions like muzzles when needed. Your vet can refer you to trained behavior experts who use reward-based behavior modification programs to:
- Change your dog’s underlying emotional response to triggers like strangers or other dogs.
- Teach alternate non-aggressive behaviors.
- Help manage environments and prevent undesirable reactions.
- Prescribe anxiety medications if warranted alongside behavior modification plans.
Final Words
Don’t let frustration over your dog’s annoying behaviors overwhelm you. With knowledge of these common problems behind undesirable canine actions, you now have a starting point to curb each one with patience and persistence. Remember, you have the power to not only stop unwanted behaviors in their tracks, but also influence your dog’s conduct by managing his environment and rewarding actions you prefer instead.
