Top 12 Behavioral Problems in Dogs

1. Digging

Dogs really like to dig. When you catch them digging, say “NO.” Then distract them with a toy. It will not help to scold them after they are done. You need to be consistent when they are digging, not afterward.

Tip: Bury some favorite toys and watch them have fun getting them out. it will help them learn that they can dig all day in that spot.

2. Chewing

Dogs, especially puppies, explore the world with their mouth. They like to chew and can destroy your stuff. Stop the habit, give them chew toys, and take away things they shouldn’t gnaw on. If you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, say “NO,” replace the object with an approved toy, and praise them once they are chewing it.

3. Begging

There’s one surefire way to prevent this: Never give your dog food from the table. If they don’t get scraps, they won’t learn to beg. You can take them out of the room while you eat or put them in their crate. Or teach them to go to a special spot and wait it out.

4. Not Coming When Called

Always praise your dog when they come to you, whether you call or not. That teaches them that coming to you is good. Say “come” or “here.” They may not understand what you want if you just call their name. If they don’t come, don’t chase them. Call them again while you move away. That might make them come after you. If they still don’t show up, tell them to sit, and go get them.

5. Pulling on the Leash

Help your dog learn to walk calmly beside you. Never let them pull, or else they’ll learn that doing it sometimes pays off. Keep the leash short but loose. When they come back, reward them, and keep walking. After a few days, they’ll figure out that pulling gets them nowhere.

6. Separation Anxiety

If your dog gets upset when you leave, teach them that you’ll always come back. First, leave them alone for just 5 or 10 minutes. Stay away a little longer each time. Give them a chew toy and leave on the radio or TV. Be calm when you go and return so they know that being alone is OK.

7. Whining for Attention

Does your dog whine? If you pet them, look at them, or do anything except ignoring them, you teach them that whining works. To stop it, turn your back when they whine, fold your arms and look away, or leave the room. Pet and play with them when they aren’t whining.

8. Barking at the Door

To cut the barking, teach your dog a new habit. Pick a spot within sight of the door. Then teach them to lie down and stay when you say, “Go to your spot.” That will help them stay calm and give them something to do while they wait to be greeted.

9. Jumping

It’s natural for a dog to greet people by jumping up. But that can scare away guests. Turn away if your dog jumps on you. Don’t give your dog attention unless they have their front paws on the ground. Then you can greet and pet them. Or tell them to sit and wait until they do before you pet them.

10. Biting

Any dog can bite if they feel threatened or nervous. But socializing a dog early teaches them to feel relaxed around people. Spend lots of time with them so they learn to trust people. Always watch for signs that your dog is uncomfortable and then do what you can to make them feel better. Especially be careful around kids and food.

11. Aggression

A hostile dog is usually one that’s afraid or nervous. Work with a professional trainer to learn how to teach your dog to rely on you in a healthy way. Never leave an aggressive dog alone with children or unfamiliar adults, even if you think they aren’t likely to hurt anyone. You may need to muzzle them in public.

12. Barking All the Time

Some dogs bark at things others ignore. Some bark when they’re frustrated. Don’t yell at your dog when they bark. That could make it worse. Obedience training can help fix frustration barking. If your dog learns to sit before, they do something fun like going for a walk, they’ll learn to control their impulses. If they are outside all day, bringing them inside for a couple of hours could help. But you may need to work with a vet or a trainer.