Dog Training Guide: How to Manage 10 Bad Behaviour Problems
Dog owners often misunderstand dog behaviour problems. As a result, they tend to mishandle the situation. If you wish to manage specific bad habits, the first step is to find the underlying causes behind their behaviour problems. It helps you understand your dog and establish long-lasting positive behaviour in your pet. Read on to take the first step to basic dog training.
10 Common Bad Behaviour Problems in Dogs & Their Solutions
Excessive Barking
Some of the most common reasons for your dog to excessively bark include:
- They want to alert you
- They are excited about something
- They want your attention
- They are anxious
- They are bored
- They are responding to other dogs
After finding out the underlying cause, consider teaching them the command to stay quiet. You should remain consistent in your efforts to help your dog learn and respond to it every time.
Chewing
Chewing is natural in every dog, especially puppies, as they explore the world around them. However, when your pet starts chewing your belongings, it may be due to:
- Anxiety
- Curiosity (primarily seen in puppies)
- Puppy teething
- Boredom
Provide suitable chew toys and take away everything else they gnaw on. If your pet is hyperactive, give them plenty of activities to keep them busy.
Excessive Digging
Some breeds with a hunting history love digging more than others. In general, these are some of the common reasons for the behaviour:
- Anxiety
- Boredom
- High energy
- Hunting instinct
- An urge to hide their favourite things
- Desire to nest in a cool place
- The impulse to escape or enter an area
Figure out the reason behind your dog’s digging and work to distract them with a favourite toy. If it becomes impossible to eliminate the behaviour, give them a sandbox, bury their favourite items, and watch them having fun while digging the things out.
Separation Anxiety
Chewing, improper elimination, vocalization, and other destructive acts are generally associated with separation anxiety in dogs. Additional signs of separation anxiety include:
- They are anxious and start misbehaving after you leave.
- They follow you everywhere.
- They constantly try to make physical contact.
Switch on the TV or radio when you leave. When returning home, stay calm so they understand that it is alright to be alone. In severe cases, you should consider enrolling in professional dog training programs that help modify the behaviour and desensitize your pet.
Inappropriate Urination or Defecation
If your dog eliminates in places where they shouldn’t, it becomes essential to consult a veterinarian. If there is no underlying medical cause, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- Anxiety or other emotional issues
- Urination due to excitement
- Urine marking
- Lack of proper housebreaking
Inappropriate elimination is inevitable in less than 12-week-old puppies. Older dogs require a specific approach to control their behaviour. It helps to look for a trainer that provides your pet with one-on-one training tailored to their needs.
Begging or Neediness
Begging is a natural tendency in dogs. Many homeowners reinforce the behaviour instead of discouraging it, leading to digestive issues and obesity. Avoid giving them scraps, and they will gradually learn to stop begging. If that longing look gets to you and you share your dinner, your dog will understand that begging is allowed. Take them out of the room or put them in their crate before you sit to eat. If they behave properly, give them a special treat after you and your family finish eating.
Chasing
Dogs have a predatory instinct that naturally drives them to chase moving things. This behaviour can lead to dangerous consequences. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent this behaviour:
- Control your dog on a leash every time you take them out
- Teach your dog to come when called
- Train your dog to respond to a whistle
- Notice potential triggers that drive the chasing
Dog training can help you successfully reduce your pup’s urge to chase and develop long-lasting positive behaviour.
Jumping Up
Dogs jump when they are excited, want to greet people, or get something you are holding in your hand. This behaviour may be unwanted or harmful if your pup knocks someone over or gets mud or hair on your guests. However, it is easy to fix the problem with constant effort. When your dog jumps, ignore the action and turn away. Avoid eye contact, speaking to, or touching your dog. When your pup calms down, give them a reward to send the right message.
Biting
Puppies have an instinct to bite to explore the environment. However, older dogs may bite for other reasons listed below:
- Nervousness
- Feeling threatened
- Urge to protect something/someone
- Pain or illness
- Predatory history
You need to teach your puppy to develop bite inhibition. For the older dogs, you need to find out the cause and provide proper dog training.
Aggression
All breeds of dogs have the potential to show aggression through biting, growling, snarling, lunging, and showing teeth. Those with an abusive history may be more aggressive towards other people or dogs. It is best to seek expert help and take your pet for dog training sessions dedicated to managing aggression. Until your pet learns to behave, ensure you never leave them alone with children, older adults, or strangers.
We Offer Complete Dog Training to Manage Behavioural Issues
Whether your pet needs to unwind from stress or learn discipline, dog obedience training at Alpha Paws has the solution for all types of behavioural issues. We aim to provide you with a dog training program designed to meet your dog’s specific needs.
We offer several options for dog training programs:
- One-on-one sessions on-site or at your residence
- Drop-off programs
- Virtual dog training with weekly webinars
We are one of the most sought-after names in the GTA and surrounding regions.
For more information on our dog obedience training, call us at 905-830-9500 or toll-free at 1-877-868-7297 to speak to one of our qualified dog trainers. You can also fill out our contact form to learn more about our personalized dog obedience classes. We are always glad to provide you with the best solution for your pet.
Also Read:
