10 Common Dog Behavior Problems and Solutions

Causes and Solutions When Your Pet Misbehaves

Dog behavior problems are often misunderstood or mishandled by dog owners. Perhaps you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or just wishing to help your dog with a challenging issue.

Thoroughly understanding the most common dog behavior problems is the first step to solving and preventing them. A solid foundation of obedience training will help you avoid or better control many of these issues.

01of 10 Barking The Spruce / Charlotte EngelsenMost dogs vocalize in one way or another. They may bark, howl, whine, and more. Excessive barking is considered a behavior problem.Before you can correct excessive barking, determine why your dog is vocalizing in the first place. The most common types of barking are:

Warning or alertPlayfulness and excitementAttention-seekingAnxietyBoredomResponding to other dogs

Learn to control excessive barking. Consider teaching them bark/quiet commands. Be consistent and patient. Address any underlying causes of barking. Dedication and attention to detail can go a long way to stop a dog from barking.

02of 10 Chewing Emely / Getty ImagesChewing is a natural action for all dogs. In fact, chewing is an important activity for most dogs; it’s just part of the way they are wired. However, excessive chewing can quickly become a behavior problem if your dog causes destruction. The most common reasons dogs chew include:¹

Puppy teethingBoredom or excess energyAnxietyCuriosity (especially puppies)

Encourage your dog to chew on the right things by providing plenty of appropriate chew toys. Keep personal items away from your dog. When you are not home, keep your dog crated or confined to an area where less destruction can be caused.If you catch your dog chewing the wrong thing, get your dog’s attention and replace the item with a chew toy. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to burn off energy and be stimulated in that way rather than turning to chewing.

03of 10 Digging PM Images/The Image Bank/Getty ImagesIf given the chance, most dogs will do some amount of digging; it’s a matter of instinct. Certain dog breeds, like terriers, are more prone to digging because of their hunting histories. In general, most dogs dig for these reasons:

Boredom or excess energyAnxiety or fearHunting instinctComfort-seeking (such as nesting or cooling off)Desire to hide possessions (like bones or toys)To escape or gain access to an area

It can be frustrating if your dog digs up your yard. Try and determine the cause of the digging, then work to eliminate that source. Give your dog more exercise, spend more quality time together, and work on extra training. If digging seems inevitable, set aside an area where your dog can freely dig, like a sandbox. Train your dog that it is acceptable to dig in this area only.

04of 10 Separation Anxiety The Spruce / Sarah CrowleySeparation anxiety is one of the most commonly discussed dog behavior problems. Manifestations include vocalization, chewing, inappropriate urination and defecation, and other forms of destruction that occur when a dog is separated from his owner.² Not all of these actions are the result of separation anxiety. Signs of true separation anxiety include:

The dog becomes anxious when the owner prepares to leave.Misbehavior occurs in the first 15 to 45 minutes after the owner leaves.The dog wants to follow the owner around constantly.The dog tries to touch the owner whenever possible.

True separation anxiety requires dedicated training, behavior modification, and desensitization exercises. Medication may be recommended in extreme cases.

05of 10 Inappropriate Elimination The Spruce / Charlotte EngelsenInappropriate urination and defecation are among the most frustrating dog behaviors. They can damage areas of your home and make your dog unwelcome in public places or at the homes of others. It is most important that you discuss this behavior with your veterinarian first to rule out health problems. If no medical cause is found, try to determine the reason for the behavior, which can come down to one of the following:

Submissive/excited urinationTerritorial markingAnxietyLack of proper housetraining

Inappropriate elimination is unavoidable in puppies, especially before 12 weeks of age. Older dogs are another story. Many dogs require serious behavior modification to rid them of the habit once it becomes ingrained. Eventually, most grown (potty-trained) dogs can learn to ring so-called “doggy doorbells” to let their owners know when to let them out for a bathroom break.

06of 10 Begging The Spruce / Sarah CrowleyBegging is a bad habit, but many dog owners inadvertently encourage it. This can lead to digestive problems and obesity.³ Dogs beg because they love food. However, table scraps are not treats, and food is not love. Yes, it is hard to resist that longing look, but giving in “just this once” creates a problem in the long run.Before you sit down to eat, tell your dog to go to their place, preferably where they won’t be able to stare at you. If necessary, confine your dog to another room. If they behave, offer a special treat after you and your family are finished eating.

07of 10 Chasing Anda Stavri Photography / Getty ImagesA dog’s desire to chase moving things is simply a display of predatory instinct. Many dogs will chase other animals, people, and cars. All of these can lead to dangerous and devastating outcomes. While you may not be able to stop your dog from trying to chase, you can take steps to prevent disaster.

Keep your dog confined or on a leash at all times (unless directly supervised indoors).Train your dog to come when called.Have a dog whistle or noisemaker on hand to get your dog’s attention.Stay aware and watch for potential triggers, such as cars, joggers, and wildlife.

Your best chance at success is to keep the chase from getting out of control. Dedicated training throughout your dog’s life will teach them to focus their attention on you first, before running off.

08of 10 Jumping Up The Spruce / Sarah CrowleyJumping up is a common and natural behavior in dogs. Puppies jump up to reach and greet their mothers. Later, they may jump up when greeting people. Dogs may also jump up when excited or seeking an item in the person’s hands. A jumping dog can be annoying and even dangerous.There are many methods to stop a dog’s jumping, but not all will be successful. Lifting a knee, grabbing the paws, or pushing the dog away might work in some cases, but for most dogs, this sends the wrong message. Jumping up is often attention-seeking behavior, so any acknowledgment of your dog’s actions provides an instant reward, which reinforces the jumping.The best method is to simply ignore your dog. Walk away if necessary. Do not make eye contact, speak, or touch your dog. Go about your business. When he relaxes and remains still, calmly reward him. It won’t take long before your dog gets the message.

09of 10 Biting The Spruce / Sarah CrowleyDogs bite and nip for several reasons, most of which are instinctive. Puppies bite and nip to explore the environment. Mother dogs teach their puppies not to bite too hard and discipline them when needed. This helps the puppies develop bite inhibition. Owners often need to show their puppies that mouthing and biting are not acceptable by continuing to teach bite inhibition.Beyond puppy behavior, dogs may bite for several reasons. The motivation to bite or snap is not necessarily about aggression. A dog may snap, nip, or bite for a variety of reasons.

FearDefensivenessProtection of propertyPain or sicknessPredatory instinct

Any dog may bite if the circumstances warrant it in the dog’s mind. Owners and breeders are the ones who can help decrease the tendency for any type of dog to bite through proper training, socialization, and breeding practices.

10of 10 Aggression The Spruce / Sarah CrowleyDog aggression is exhibited by growling, snarling, showing teeth, lunging, and biting. It is important to know that any dog has the potential to show aggression, regardless of breed or history. However, dogs with violent or abusive histories and those bred from dogs with aggressive tendencies are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.Unfortunately, some breeds are labeled “dangerous” and banned in certain areas. However, it’s not usually about the breed so much as it’s about history. A dog’s environment has a major impact on behavior. Also, regardless of breed, a dog may inherit some aggressive traits.⁴Reasons for aggression are the same as the reasons a dog will bite or snap, but overall canine aggression is a much more serious problem. If your dog has aggressive tendencies, consult your vet first as it may stem from a health problem. Then, seek the help of an experienced dog trainer or behaviorist. Serious measures should be taken to keep others safe from aggressive dogs.