Nobody’s perfect, not even our furry friends. Dogs can exhibit some problematic behaviors sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad dogs. Most of these behaviors stem from doggy anxiety or a desire for attention. Keep reading to learn about five common problematic behaviors in dogs and how to fix them.
Chewing on furniture or other household items
Dogs chew for many reasons. They might be anxious or bored, or they might simply be trying to get your attention. If your dog is chewing on furniture or other household items, the best thing you can do is provide them with plenty of chew toys and positive reinforcement when they use them. You might also want to try puzzle toys that give your dog a challenge and help relieve boredom.
Begging for food
It can be difficult to say no to those big puppy eyes, but begging behavior should be nipped in the bud as early as possible. The best way to do this is to never give in to begging, no matter how hard it is. Ignoring the behavior and rewarding calmness will eventually train your dog out of this habit. However, if your dog is truly begging because they’re hungry, ensure you’re feeding them according to their needs and consult with a veterinarian if necessary.
Jumping up on people
Jumping up on people is another typical problem behavior in dogs, incredibly excited young puppies who haven’t yet learned their manners. This behavior should be discouraged for several reasons; it is impolite and could lead to accidentally knocking someone over or getting hurt yourself. The best way to stop this behavior is by ignoring your dog when they jump up and only giving them attention when they have all four paws on the ground. With time and patience, they’ll learn that jumping up isn’t the way to get your attention.
Barking excessively
Dogs bark for many reasons, such as excitement and hunger. If your dog is doing it too much it’s essential to figure out why before attempting to solve the problem. If the barking is due to excitement or fear, you’ll need to work on training and desensitization exercises. If excessive barking persists after trying these solutions, consult with a veterinarian, as there might be an underlying medical issue causing the behavior.
Digging holes
Excessive digging can be frustrating for pet owners because it ruins yards and gardens; however, there are several possible reasons why dogs dig holes. Some dogs dig holes as part of their natural predatory instincts, while others do it out of boredom or frustration at being confined inside or in a small yard area without enough stimulation. If your dog is displaying this problematic behavior, try providing them with more outlets for their energy, such as daily walks or runs, fetch games, and puzzle toys stuffed with tasty treats.
Dogs tend to exhibit these kinds of behaviors, and some breeds might do certain behaviors from this list a lot more. Aside from following the tips above, you can also use proactive measures so that they won’t learn these behaviors in the first place. Here are some of those measures.
Training
If your fur baby is still a pup, it’s an excellent time to get them into training. An experienced private dog trainer can ensure they don’t develop the above behaviors. Additionally, they can help reinforce good behaviors, so your puppy will be obedient to you in the future. Here are other benefits you should consider when you hire a trainer:
It Saves You Time
Training your dog can be time-consuming, mainly if you teach them complex tricks or behaviors. A professional trainer can do all the work for you while you focus on other things.
You Can Also Learn
Not only will your fur baby learn from the experience, but you’ll also be able to participate in the training sessions and learn how to communicate better with your dog. This way, you can continue reinforcing good behavior even after the trainer is gone.
It May Be Cheaper Than You Think
Many people think hiring a trainer is expensive, but that’s not always the case. Some trainers offer group classes at a reasonable rate, and some even offer sliding scale payment options based on income.
Reinforcement
If you want to train your puppy, you must learn about reinforcement. This is when you provide your pet with a reward after they complete the desired behavior. The most common reinforcement in dog training is food, but it can also be toys, verbal praise, petting, or even letting them out of their crate. It’s essential to use reinforcement consistently so that your puppy knows what they’re being rewarded for and continues to display the desired behavior.
Misbehavior among dogs is usually a result of either boredom or excitement. If you want to prevent your dog from becoming bored, give them plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
With time, patience, and consistency, you can train your dog out of its problematic behaviors and have a well-behaved pet that you can enjoy for years to come.
