Common Dog Behavior Problems and Their Solutions

Understanding Behavior Problems

Behavior problems are one of the most common reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. However, most behavioral issues are manageable or solvable with proper understanding, training, and sometimes professional help. This guide addresses the most frequent problems and effective solutions.

Problem #1: Excessive Barking

Understanding Why Dogs Bark

Dogs bark for various reasons:

• Attention-seeking
• Territorial/protective behavior
• Boredom or loneliness
• Fear or anxiety
• Playfulness or excitement
• Medical issues

Solutions

**Identify the Trigger:**

• What happens right before barking starts?
• When does it occur?
• Who or what is present?

**Behavioral Solutions:**

• Don't yell or punish (may increase barking)
• Remove or address the trigger if possible
• Teach "quiet" command by rewarding silence
• Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation
• Ignore attention-seeking barking
• Use white noise or calming music

**Environmental Management:**

• Block visual access to triggers (curtains, fence modifications)
• Reduce boredom with puzzle toys and exercise
• Consider citronella or noise devices (use carefully)
• Provide interactive toys when left alone

**When to Seek Help:**

• Barking is persistent and disruptive
• You can't identify the trigger
• Behavior modification isn't working
• Barking is causing neighbor problems

Problem #2: Chewing and Destructive Behavior

Understanding Chewing

Chewing is natural dog behavior but becomes problematic when directed at inappropriate items. Common causes:

• Teething (puppies)
• Boredom or excess energy
• Anxiety (especially separation anxiety)
• Lack of appropriate chew toys

Solutions

**Provide Appropriate Outlets:**

• Offer variety of appropriate chew toys
• Rotate toys to maintain interest
• Use puzzle toys and treat dispensers
• Provide chew toys when you can't supervise

**Puppy-Proof Your Home:**

• Remove or secure valuable items
• Use bitter spray on off-limits items
• Keep doors to unsafe areas closed
• Provide safe confined area when unsupervised

**Management:**

• Exercise your dog adequately before leaving
• Crate train (prevents destructive behavior when supervised)
• Provide mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys)
• Never give old shoes or items as toys

**Training:**

• Supervise closely and redirect inappropriate chewing
• Reward chewing appropriate items
• Teach "drop it" and "leave it" commands

Problem #3: Jumping Up

Why Dogs Jump

Dogs jump primarily to greet people and get attention. Common causes:

• Excitement at seeing people
• Attention-seeking behavior
• Lack of impulse control

Solutions

**Don't Reward Jumping:**

• Turn away or step back when dog jumps
• Cross arms and avoid eye contact
• Don't pet, push away, or talk to jumping dog
• Wait until all four paws are on ground

**Teach Alternative Behavior:**

• Train "sit" as default greeting behavior
• Require sit before petting or attention
• Reward staying on ground
• Practice with multiple people

**Increase Impulse Control:**

• Practice "wait" and "stay" commands
• Use these commands before releasing to greet
• Reward calm greetings

Problem #4: Separation Anxiety

Recognizing Separation Anxiety

Signs include:

• Excessive barking/whining when left alone
• Destructive behavior (focusing on exits or owner's items)
• House soiling when left alone (even if house trained)
• Attempting to escape
• Pacing or restlessness
• Depression when you prepare to leave

Solutions

**Gradual Desensitization:**

• Practice leaving for very short periods (seconds to minutes)
• Gradually increase departure time
• Make arrivals and departures low-key
• Don't give big emotional goodbyes or hellos

**Management:**

• Exercise before leaving to reduce energy
• Provide enrichment (puzzle toys, long-lasting chews)
• Consider doggy daycare or pet sitter for longer absences
• Use crate if providing security (not if increasing anxiety)

**Environmental Adjustments:**

• Leave familiar sounds (TV, radio)
• Provide comfortable space
• Consider calming products (pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps)
• Some dogs benefit from another pet for company

**Professional Help:**

• Severe cases often need professional behaviorist
• Medication may be needed in conjunction with behavior modification
• Don't attempt to handle severe anxiety alone

Problem #5: Pulling on Leash

Why Dogs Pull

Dogs pull because:

• They want to get somewhere faster
• They haven't been taught not to
• Pulling has been reinforced (movement forward is reward)
• They're overexcited

Solutions

**Use Proper Equipment:**

• Front-clip harness: Redirects forward motion
• Head halter: Controls head movement
• Standard collar: With proper technique
• Avoid choke or prong collars without training

**Training Techniques:**

• Stop when dog pulls (no movement forward)
• Walk in opposite direction when pulling
• Reward when leash is loose
• Use high-value treats near your side
• Practice in low-distraction areas first

**Increase Exercise:**

• Exercise before walks to reduce excitement
• Allow sniffing breaks during walks
• Consider separate exercise walks vs. training walks

Problem #6: Aggression

Types of Aggression

• Fear-based
• Resource guarding (food, toys, space)
• Territorial
• Protective of owner
• Social/dominance issues

Important Notes

Aggression is complex and potentially dangerous. These are general guidelines, but severe or escalating aggression requires professional help.

Solutions

**For Fear-Based Aggression:**

• Never punish fearful behavior (may increase aggression)
• Desensitize gradually to triggers
• Use counter-conditioning (pairing trigger with positive things)
• Consider professional behaviorist

**For Resource Guarding:**

• Trade up (offer better item for guarded item)
• Practice handling your dog while eating/playing
• Create positive associations with approaching their resources
• Never forcibly take items

**Prevent Escalation:**

• Recognize and address early warning signs
• Avoid situations that trigger aggression
• Use positive reinforcement training methods
• Seek professional help early

Problem #7: House Soiling

Understanding Causes

House soiling can be:

• Lack of house training
• Inadequate access to outdoors
• Medical issues (urinary tract infection, digestive problems)
• Marking behavior
• Submissive urination
• Anxiety-related

Solutions

**Medical Check:** First, rule out medical causes with veterinarian.

**Re-House-Training:**

• Establish regular schedule
• Take out immediately after eating, playing, napping
• Supervise constantly when indoors
• Reward appropriate elimination
• Clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner

**For Marking:**

• Spay/neuter if not already done
• Supervise closely indoors
• Mark then interrupt and take outside
• Address any anxiety triggers

Problem #8: Stealing Food or Counter Surfing

Solutions

• Never leave food unattended
• Teach "leave it" and "drop it" commands
• Manage environment (keep counters clear)
• Reward ignoring food items
• Provide alternative activities
• Never chase dog for stolen items (reinforces the behavior)

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for:

• Aggression toward people or dogs
• Separation anxiety
• Severe fear or phobias
• Behaviors that don't improve with training
• Safety concerns
• When you feel overwhelmed

Prevention is Easier than Correction

Many behavior problems can be prevented through:

• Proper socialization (8-16 weeks)
• Adequate exercise and mental stimulation
• Clear training and boundaries
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Understanding breed characteristics
• Meeting basic needs consistently

Conclusion

Most behavior problems are solvable with patience, consistency, and proper techniques. Understanding why your dog behaves a certain way is the first step toward resolution. Remember that behavior problems often stem from unmet needs or lack of training rather than malicious intent. With time and effort, most issues can be significantly improved or resolved.