10 common bad dog behaviors and how you can stop them
Raising a rambunctious and mischievous puppy into a well-behaved and mannered adult dog is like raising a child — it takes time and effort. Instilling good habits early is critical for preventing bad dog behaviors.
Luckily, even if your dog is already manifesting bad dog behaviors, there are ways to curb them.
This article discusses unwanted behavior problems and proposes a possible solution to each.
Top 10 bad dog behaviors
Before assuming your dog has a behavioral issue, schedule an appointment with your trusted veterinarian. Sudden behavioral changes are often due to underlying medical conditions.
If the vet determines your dog is physically healthy, you can assume the problem’s origin is purely behavioral.
Here are the most common bad dog behaviors that dog owners may face and their potential solutions.
Chewing, chewing, and more chewing
Chewing is the most annoying and common bad dog behavior. However, chewing is natural for dogs.
Although for different purposes, both puppies and adult dogs chew instinctively.
Solution: You cannot stop your dog from chewing. Instead, focus your dog’s chewing on appropriate objects. Namely, you need to provide your dog with safe chew toys. Rotating the toys helps prevent boredom.
Ear-wrecking barking
Barking is a normal part of canine communication. However, excessive barking is annoying for everyone. Barking can be an issue or a sign of other bad dog behaviors.
Solution: Find the barking trigger and remove it. For example, close the curtains if your dog barks when the UPS truck drives by.
If this is impossible, observe your dog’s environment and try to minimize its exposure to the trigger. It is also helpful to teach your dog the quiet command. You can also teach your dog to fetch toys — barking while holding something in the mouth is hard.
Embarrassing leash-pulling
Having a dog that pulls relentlessly is no fun — it is embarrassing and, more importantly, can be dangerous.
When we say hazardous, we mean for both you and the dog. Pulling the least can lead to injuries and is considered bad dog behavior.
Solution: The sooner you start correcting the behavior, the better. You need to invest in a high-quality, no-pull leash and harness.
Then, you should firmly hold the leash every time your dog starts pulling. You can also switch directions if your dog starts pulling. Be sure to give a reward, such as treats, praise, or toys, every time your dog behaves.
Messy digging
Digging is an instinctive habit for dogs. Dogs are genetically wired to dig — to make shelter and hide food. However, the drive seems to be more pronounced among certain dog breeds.
Overserve your dog to determine the cause of the digging.
Solution: If your dog is an excessive digger, you may be unable to stop the destruction.
Instead, consider designating a digging area in the yard for your dog.
Excessive jumping
Having your dog jump on you as a greeting can be cute when your dog is small.
However, it can be considered bad dog behavior for people visiting. It can also potentially injure someone or damage clothes.
Solution: Teaching your dog the “sit” and “stay” commands is generally helpful and can help stop problem jumping.
If your dog is prone to jumping, don’t make a fuss when you return home. The more low-key you are, the less excited your dog will get.
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a growing issue among modern dogs. Although more common in certain dog breeds, separation anxiety can develop in any dog.
Separation anxiety is emotionally challenging for the dog and usually results in destructive behavior
Solution: Behavior modification combined with positive reinforcement training is the perfect solution.
Also, remember that music is soothing for dogs with separation anxiety. Reducing your dog’s separation anxiety takes time, but it is possible.
Mounting and masturbation
Mounting, humping, and masturbation are typical male dog behavioral issues.
They can be accompanied by indoor urine marking and frequent efforts to escape. Such bad dog behaviors are expected in intact male dogs. Whether the dog has been bred or not doesn’t eliminate these issues.
Solution: The only permanent solution is to have the dog neutered (surgically or chemically).
Talk to your vet about which option is more suitable for your dog’s situation. Remember that surgical castration is permanent.
Annoying hyperactivity
A hyper dog does not equal an energetic dog. Energetic dogs have higher stamina but get tired. True hyperactivity is when a dog does not switch off.
Solution: You need to help your dog burn excess energy and learn to stay calm.
Be sure to provide your dog with daily walks and plenty of exercise.
Also, monitor what your dog eats. Be cautious about giving your dogs high-sugar foods that fuel hyperactivity and can lead to a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, dental problems, digestive upset, and even pancreatitis.
Give your dog sweet potato or fresh fruit like blueberries to satisfy its sweet tooth.
Aggressiveness
Aggressiveness is a severe behavioral issue in dogs. Common warning signs of dog aggression include snapping, snarling, growling, lunging, nipping, and a challenging stance.
Biting is the culmination of aggressive behavior, especially when it is unprovoked and unexpected.
Solution: If you have an aggressive dog, it is best to seek professional help. The problem evolves quickly and requires prompt management.
Plus, the consequences of failed management attempts can be grave. In such a case, contact a licensed trainer and enroll in obedience classes.
Be positive and consistent
Dog owners need to create a positive and consistent training environment is crucial for effective dog training and strengthening your bond.
Here are some essential tips:
Choose the right space
Use a quiet, distraction-free area. Vary locations to keep training engaging.
Establish a routine
Consistency matters; set a regular training schedule. Short sessions (5-10 minutes) are often best.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward desirable behaviors with treats, praise, or play. Redirect unwanted behaviors instead of using negative reinforcement.
Be patient and positive
Understand that each dog learns at its own pace. Celebrate small victories to maintain a cheerful atmosphere.
Clear commands
Use the same verbal commands and signals consistently to avoid confusion.
Limit distractions
Remove distractions during training. Start in calm environments and gradually introduce challenges.
Incorporate fun
Make training enjoyable with games and tricks. Use playtime as a reward to keep your dog engaged.
Stay engaged and challenged
Increase difficulty as your dog masters commands. Regularly practice to reinforce skills.
Involve your family
Ensure everyone uses the same commands and techniques to create a unified training approach.
Mind your dog’s mood
Pay attention to your dog’s body language and adjust your methods to keep training a positive experience.
Create a structured dog training regimen
Creating a structured training regimen for your dog is key to effective learning and bonding.
Here’s how to set it up:
Define objectives
Identify the desired behaviors to teach, such as basic commands or tricks.
Establish a schedule
Set specific days and times for training sessions. Aim for short, frequent sessions (5-10 minutes for puppies, 15-20 minutes for adults).
Designate a training space
Pick a quiet, distraction-free area for training that is safe and comfortable.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward desirable behaviors with treats, praise, or playtime to encourage motivation.
Introduce variety
Practice commands in different environments and gradually increase task difficulty to maintain engagement.
Incorporate socialization
Provide opportunities for socialization with other dogs and people to build confidence.
Monitor progress
Track your dog’s learning and adjust methods or schedules as needed.
Stay patient and consistent
Be patient, as every dog learns at their own pace. Consistent commands and rewards are essential.
Make it fun
Introduce games and activities to keep your dog excited about training.
Learn to eliminate bad dog behaviors
Training your dog is a significant investment in time, effort, and money. The key to success is patience and consistency.
However, it pays off. Curbing bad habits and eliminating problem behavior is easier for dogs who have completed obedience training and received proper socialization.
Dealing with bad behavior can be challenging. If the process is overwhelming, do not hesitate to seek professional help from a dog trainer.
Licensed canine trainers and behaviorists have the skills and experience to help you manage all sorts of “bad dog” issues.
Lori Wade is a journalist from Louisville, Kentucky, who writes about pet care and the veterinary industry. She is on LinkedIn.