End Your Dogs Behavior Problems - Training Tips

Dog behavior Problems

Most dogs will potential develop behavioral problems if their owners are not prepared to take care of the dogs training. A lot of behavioral problems like barking, chewing, territorial aggression and digging are simply natural dog behaviors that has come out of control. As a dog owner you has to be aware of these different behavioral problems, so you can take action when natural dog behaviors are developing in an unacceptable direction.

Dog Behavior Problems - Barking

It is natural dog behavior to use barking as a way of communication. But if the normal barking behavior is growing into a never ending, out of control whining and barking scenario, then you have a real behavior problem. Before you can solve the behavior problem, you will have to find a reason why your dog is expressing himself in an excessive manner. The most common reasons for barking is:

- Attention seeking

- Boredom

- Anxiety

- Other dogs around

- Warning

- Excitement

A lot of barking behavior problems can be solved with proper obedience training. Read more in the article Dog Obedience Training

If your dog barks because he is alone, it can be he is bored or he might be suffering from separation anxiety. Read more about this behavior problem in the article Dog Separation Anxiety

Another reason for excessive barking can be a surplus of physical energy. You will need to exercise him more and / or bring in some meaningful training like obedience training or even dog agility training. Read more about Dog Agility Training

Dog Behavior Problems - Chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior for all dogs. A perfectly healthy dog will have a need for chewing on things. The real problem is what the dog should be chewing and how to learn the dog the difference between good and bad behavior when it comes to chewing.

If your puppy is teething, you know that the chewing is for a limited time if you handle the behavior correctly. Provide chewing toys for your dog and appraise his good behavior, when the dog chews on the right thing. Keep coming back and give the dog plenty of positive attention for chewing on the chewing toy. Whenever he chews on the wrong pieces, remove it with a No and substitute with the chewing toy and remember to give him good attention when he starts chewing at it.

More about dogs destructive chewing behavior

Dog Behavior Problems - Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a very common behavior problem with dogs. When the dog is alone he will try to stimulate himself by destructive chewing, tearing your things apart, excessive barking, urinating and other kinds of bad behavior. Signs of dog separation anxiety can be:

- The dog will get alert and then anxious by the first signs of the owner leaving
- The dog follows the owner around the house and will not relax
- Misbehavior and destruction starts a few minutes after the owner has left and lasts typically about an hour
- The dog is overly excited when the owner returns

There is no quick fix to dog separation anxiety. Plenty of exercise before leaving can be part of the solution. For some dogs it helps to have a radio turned on and if possible a view out so the dog can see the world pass by. Punishing the dog for the bad behavior is never a good idea.

Read more about dog separation anxiety

Dog Behavior Problems - Begging

A lot of dogs are begging at the table. It is bad behavior, but most of all a bad habit which the owner has created. There is no reason to beg, if it never pays off. So solving this problem starts with the family, setting up clear rules – Never Feed The Dog At The Table…Never.

And it cannot be said clearly enough, that table scraps are not dog food. Dogs are by nature not supposed to eat cooked human food. Eat leads to digestive problems and obesity. So learn your dog, that begging is not allowed. You as the pack leader eats first, and then the dog. If you cannot stand that longing look, then move the dog to another room when you eat. And if that is not possible, you and your dog might have missed some important lessons in the obedience class. Read more about Dog Obedience Training

Dog Behavior Problems - Chasing

Dogs have a natural desire to chase moving objects. It can be other animals, people jogging or on bikes. This can be dangerous for other people and your dog, and this behavior can be experienced by people as very frightening. This is unacceptable behavior, but also a behavior very difficult to control.

Until you are certain that you can control your dog keep him on a leash. Take your dog to obedience class and give him life long obedience training. Always have a whistle or a clicker to grab your dogs attention. Always be alert in public areas and watch out for other dogs, joggers and other triggers.

Dog Behavior Problems - Jumping Up

Dogs jumps to greet you, to get your attention or as an act of dominance. Almost everything you do to prevent this behavior, will only make it worse. Push him away, raise your knee or correct him and it will only give the dog the attention he seeks. It is far better and more effective to ignore him. Whenever the dog starts to jump, turn your back on him and walk away. As soon as the dog gets calm, give him positive attention in a relaxed manner. If he heats up again and starts the jumping behavior, then ignore him again. If everybody in the family are consistent about this, it will not take your dog long to get the message.

Dog behavior Problems - Aggression

A common reason for dogs aggression comes from a need to establish dominance. The dogs dominance aggression can happen towards family members if the dog hasn't found or accepted his role in the hierarchy. But more likely the aggressive dominance behavior will be directed as aggression towards other dogs or animals. Dogs are pack animals and aggression is a natural way to establish the dogs position in the pack. The dominance related aggression often occurs when the dog doesn't find a strong leader in the family. The dog will try to establish himself as the alpha dog in any possible situation. Enhancing your leadership in the family can help stabilize your dogs aggression.

Read more about Dog Aggression