5 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them

If you’ve ever struggled with leash pulling, excessive barking, unreliable recall, jumping up, or destructive chewing, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common dog behavior challenges pet parents face. In our latest podcast episode, From the Vault: Solve the Five Biggest Dog Behavior Problems with Expert Trainer Ruth Hegarty, we tackled these issues head-on. This blog post expands on that conversation, offering even more insights and actionable strategies to help your dog become a well-mannered companion.

Leash Pulling: A Tug-of-War You Can Win

Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

Leash pulling isn’t just about strength—it’s about excitement, curiosity, and a lack of clear communication. Many pet parents unknowingly reinforce pulling by yanking back on the leash, turning walks into a frustrating game of tug-of-war.

How to Fix It

• Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or a happy tone when they walk calmly beside you.

• Choose the right equipment. A front-clip harness can discourage pulling without causing discomfort.

• Teach the 'check-in' game. Reward your dog for looking at you during walks to reinforce engagement and focus.

• Keep walks structured. Short, focused training sessions reinforce good leash manners.

• Vary your walking pace. Slowing down, stopping, or changing direction helps refocus your dog.

• Start in low-distraction areas before progressing to busier locations.

Excessive Barking: Finding the Root of the Woof

Why Dogs Bark Excessively

Dogs bark—it’s natural. But when barking becomes excessive, it’s often due to boredom, anxiety, territorial instincts, or reactions to specific stimuli like the mail carrier or other dogs.

How to Reduce Barking

• Identify the trigger. Keep a “bark diary” to track what sets your dog off.

• Provide enrichment. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and exercise can prevent boredom-induced barking.

• Teach a 'quiet' cue. Reward your dog when they stop barking on command.

• Desensitize and counter-condition. Gradually expose your dog to triggers while pairing them with positive experiences.

• Establish a calming routine. A predictable schedule can reduce anxiety-driven barking.

• Create a designated quiet space for your dog to retreat when overstimulated.

Reliable Recall: Ensuring Safety and Freedom

Why Recall Training is Essential

A strong recall can save your dog’s life. It ensures your dog will come back to you even when distractions are tempting.

How to Strengthen Recall

• Start in a controlled environment before increasing distractions.

• Use high-value rewards—something more exciting than distractions.

• Make recall training a game by incorporating chase or hide-and-seek.

• Use a unique recall word if your dog has started ignoring 'come.'

• Avoid overusing the cue—say it once and follow through.

• Practice regularly in different locations to generalize the skill.

Jumping Up: Curbing Enthusiastic Greetings

Why Dogs Jump on People

Jumping is usually a sign of excitement, attention-seeking, or a lack of training in appropriate greetings.

How to Stop Jumping

• Ignore and redirect. Turn your back and only engage when all four paws are on the ground.

• Teach an alternative behavior. Train your dog to sit before getting attention.

• Be consistent. Everyone in the household should follow the same training approach.

• Manage excitement levels. Increase exercise and mental stimulation to reduce overexcitement.

• Practice calm entries and exits. Ignore excited behavior when you come home.

• Use a baby gate when guests arrive and only allow greetings when your dog is calm.

Destructive Chewing: Protecting Your Belongings

Why Dogs Chew

Puppies chew as part of teething, but adult dogs may chew due to boredom, stress, or medical issues.

How to Prevent Destructive Chewing

• Provide a variety of chew toys and rotate them to keep your dog engaged.

• Puppy-proof your home by removing tempting items like shoes and electrical cords.

• Use management tools like crates and baby gates to prevent access to problem areas.

• Address underlying anxiety if chewing is stress-related.

• Apply safe taste deterrents to discourage chewing on inappropriate objects.

• Offer food-dispensing toys to make appropriate chewing more rewarding.

Final Thoughts

Training takes patience and consistency, but by addressing the root causes of these common behavior problems, you can build a stronger bond with your dog. Whether you’re dealing with leash pulling, barking, recall struggles, jumping, or chewing, these techniques will help you create a well-mannered and happy companion.

For even more expert insights, listen to our latest podcast episode, From the Vault: Solve the Five Biggest Dog Behavior Problems with Expert Trainer Ruth Hegarty. Have a training success story or a question? Drop it in the comments below.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these five common dog behavior challenges requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember, every dog is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. By understanding the underlying causes and applying the strategies discussed, you can significantly improve your dog's behavior and strengthen your bond. This blog post expands on the key takeaways from our podcast episode, From the Vault: Solve the Five Biggest Dog Behavior Problems with Expert Trainer Ruth Hegarty, providing you with a comprehensive guide to creating a well-behaved and happy canine companion. We encourage you to listen to the full episode for additional tips and insights from our expert guest. Don't forget to share your experiences and ask questions in the comments section!