Common Bad Behavior Problems and How to Address Them
No matter how much we adore our dogs, certain behaviors can sometimes push us to the edge—think nonstop barking or a shredded couch. While these behaviors can be frustrating, the silver lining is that they’re often solvable with the right training and a lot of patience. Let’s dive into the most common issues and walk through how to gently guide your dog to better behavior.
Jumping, Barking, and Chewing: Why They Happen and how to fix it.
We all know the feeling—your dog jumps up to greet you with such enthusiasm it almost knocks you off your feet. Or maybe you can’t figure out why they won’t stop barking at the doorbell. These behaviors usually come from untrained impulses or boredom, but understanding why they happen is the first step to fixing them.
1. Jumping: Overexcitement and Attention-Seeking
Does your dog greet you or guests by jumping up as if saying, “Notice me! Notice me!”? While it may be cute at first, it can quickly become problematic—especially with larger dogs.
It happens because dogs jump mostly because they’re excited or trying to get your attention. In dog-to-dog greetings, it’s natural for them to meet face-to-face. So when they jump on humans, they’re essentially trying to reach your eye level. If they’ve been petted or praised while jumping (even by accident), the behavior becomes reinforced.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Jumping:
- Ignore the Jump: When your dog jumps, don’t push them off or make eye contact. Instead, turn your back and give no attention at all—any reaction, even negative, can feel like a reward.
- Wait for Paws on the Ground: Once your dog calms down and has all four paws on the ground, turn around and offer calm praise like “Good dog!” or give a small treat (just be sure to be consistent in your doings always).
- Teach an Alternative: Instead of just stopping the jumping, teach them what to do. For example, train your dog to “sit” when greeting people and reward that behavior instead.
“My dog jumps on guests before they even have a chance to turn around!”
You’re not alone! Use a leash to help control your dog’s excitement when guests arrive. Start by having them sit at a distance when the door opens. Reward their calm behavior and gradually decrease the distance between them and the guest over time.
2. Barking: Communication or Boredom?
We love that dogs communicate with us, but when your dog barks at every squirrel, car, or shadow, it can feel a bit overwhelming.
Why It Happens:
- Attention-Seeking: Your dog may bark because they’re bored or want your attention.
- Fear or Anxiety: Dogs often bark when they’re scared or anxious about something happening around them.
- Territorial Behavior: If your dog barks at people passing by, they might be defending their perceived territory.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce Barking:
- Find the Trigger: Pay attention to when your dog barks. Is it when they’re left alone, or when someone walks past the house? Knowing what sets them off helps you address the root cause.
- Teach “Quiet”: Allow your dog to bark a couple of times, then calmly say “quiet.” When they stop, even just for a moment, reward them. With consistency, they’ll begin to connect the word with silence.
- Remove the Attention: If your dog barks for attention, avoid responding. No eye contact, no talking, nothing—until they quiet down. Once they’re calm, then reward the silence.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog barks at everything when we’re outside—it’s impossible to stop them!”
Start by training “quiet” indoors, where distractions are fewer. Then, gradually increase outdoor exposure by practicing in low-distraction areas. Keeping them on a leash while practicing outside helps maintain control. Slowly introduce more challenging situations while reinforcing the “quiet” command.
With patience and the right techniques, your dog can overcome these common behavioral challenges. And remember, every bit of progress brings you closer to having that well-behaved, happy companion we all dream of.
3. Chewing: Destructive or Just Bored?
Chewing is a completely natural behavior for dogs, from puppies to adults. It’s how they explore the world, keep their teeth clean, and, yes, sometimes just pass the time. But when your favorite shoes become their new chew toy, it’s time to address the issue.
Why can happen:
- Puppy Teething: Like babies, puppies go through teething, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort.
- Boredom: Dogs left alone for too long or without mental stimulation may turn to chewing out of sheer boredom.
- Separation Anxiety: Some dogs chew destructively to cope with the stress of being left alone.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manage Chewing:
- Provide Plenty of Chew Toys: Dogs need an outlet for their natural urge to chew, so make sure they have safe, durable chew toys. Rotate these regularly to keep things interesting. Consider toys like Kongs, which can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to provide long-lasting entertainment.
- Redirect Unwanted Chewing: If you catch your dog gnawing on something they shouldn’t, don’t panic. Calmly take away the item and offer them an appropriate chew toy instead. When they chew the right thing, reward them with praise or a treat to reinforce the behavior.
- Manage Their Environment: Puppy-proofing your home is key—remove anything tempting, like shoes, cords, or cushions, from their reach. If necessary, crate training or confining them to a safe, chew-proof area when you’re not around can prevent accidents.
Common Owner Challenge:
“My dog chews on furniture when I’m not home.”
This often happens when dogs are anxious or bored while alone. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys can be lifesavers in keeping your dog occupied during your absence. Additionally, crate training can help by giving your dog a safe space, reducing the chance of destructive chewing when they’re unsupervised.
Separation Anxiety: Helping Your Dog Cope with Alone Time
Separation anxiety is tough—not just for you but for your dog, too. When dogs are left alone and feel overwhelmed, they might bark endlessly, chew up the couch, or even have accidents indoors. The key thing to remember is that these behaviors aren’t out of spite. Your dog is genuinely distressed, and their actions are cries for help. Thankfully, with the right steps, you can help your dog feel more secure when you’re not around.
Recognizing Separation Anxiety
Wondering if your dog suffers from separation anxiety? Look for these telltale signs first:
- Pacing, drooling, or whining when you start getting ready to leave.
- Destructive behavior, like chewing doors or scratching windows when they are left alone.
- Excessive barking, howling or crying after you’ve walked out the door.
- Accidents indoors, despite being house-trained.
“My dog barks and howls the moment I leave, and now my neighbors are complaining.”
This is a common issue, but you can ease your dog’s anxiety by desensitizing them to your leaving routine. Start small: pick up your keys and put on your shoes, but don’t leave the house right away. Gradually extend the time you actually spend out of the house, always keeping things calm and controlled. Toys or puzzle feeders can also keep your dog occupied, giving them something positive to focus on while you’re gone.
Gradual Desensitization: Easing Your Dog into Alone Time
Patience and consistency are key when helping your dog overcome separation anxiety. Here’s how to make it easier for them to handle alone time:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Practice Short Absences: Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few seconds, then gradually increase the duration. Keep departures and returns low-key—no emotional goodbyes or dramatic reunions, which can heighten their anxiety.
- Create Positive Associations: Make leaving a little less sad by giving your dog a special treat or toy only when you walk out the door. This will help them associate your departure with something good.
- Avoid Emotional Goodbyes: While it’s tempting to shower your dog with affection before leaving, this can actually make the separation harder for them. Keep things calm and neutral—just a quick pat, and you’re off.
House Training: Potty Problems, Solved.
House training is one of those things that can test your patience, but with a consistent approach, even the most stubborn dog will get the hang of it. The trick is sticking to a routine, using positive reinforcement. Though, be prepared for a few bumps along the way.
Potty Training Puppies
Puppies have tiny bladders and need lots of bathroom breaks—think of it as part of the puppy package. Establishing a routine early will make house training easier in the long run.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Establish a Schedule: Take your puppy outside every 1-2 hours, especially after meals, drinking, or naps. Puppies can’t hold it for long, so regular trips are essential.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: When your puppy does their business outside, celebrate! Give them treats and praise right away. This helps them understand that going outside is the right thing to do.
- Supervision is Key: When indoors, keep a close eye on your puppy. If you catch them mid-accident, gently interrupt them and take them outside immediately. Over time, they’ll start to get the idea.
“My puppy still has accidents indoors, even though we take them out all the time.”
It might feel like you’re taking them out constantly, but puppies sometimes need more bathroom breaks than you’d expect, especially right after eating or napping. If accidents continue, consider increasing the frequency of outings until they start getting the hang of it.
Potty Training Adult Dogs
Sometimes, adult dogs either regress in their potty training or were never fully house-trained in the first place. Don’t worry—it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Training an adult dog follows similar steps as for puppies, but you’ll need to reinforce the habit more intentionally to create lasting results.
This is often a sign of anxiety or simply a need for more frequent bathroom breaks when you’re away. If your dog struggles while you’re gone, try hiring a dog walker to give them an extra break, or create an indoor bathroom area using pee pads for extended absences. This helps your dog feel comfortable and prevents accidents when you’re not there to supervise.
Conclusion
I totally get how frustrating it can be, as I’ve experienced those moments too—when it feels like your dog is driving you up the wall. But with the right mindset (and more so right amount of patience), these common issues are absolutely fixable. Remember, the journey doesn’t happen overnight, but with time, you’ll see progress that makes your (and your dog) life easier.