We’ve compiled common behavioral problems dog parents experience and ways to fix them. Does your dog frustrate you? The behaviors we expect of dogs actually don’t come naturally to them. So, navigating the human world can be tricky for dogs. In many cases, the things we want dogs to do (like walking without pulling, not taking things that don’t belong to them, etc.), may go against their natural instincts. Whether you have a new dog or an older dog, teaching new tricks and skills is always possible.
Barking At the Windows
If your dog has lots to say about squirrels or a new mail delivery, you aren’t alone. Excessive barking at windows is one of the most common behavioral problems and it can be very frustrating. To help your dog change their barking habit, reduce the level of distraction your dog experiences. For example, add curtains, blinds, or a removable opaque vinyl window cling. By obstructing your dog’s view of the street, you’ll reduce the number of times your dog does the unwanted behaviors. Next, when your dog starts to fixate at the window, but ideally before they start barking, call your dog away from the window and give your dog praise and treats. After several repetitions, your dog will begin to agree that seeing something outside the window means getting pleasure from you instead of barking.
Pottying In the House
Potty Training is frustrating for many dog owners, but it is achievable with patience and consistency. Dogs don’t inherently know they shouldn’t pee and poop on your favorite rug. When your dog or puppy is inside, supervision is essential. Look for bathroom indicators, like if your dog starts sniffing around. When you notice an indicator, take them outside. To teach your dog where you want them to go, bring your dog or puppy outside to your preferred potty area frequently. When it’s time to go out, go with your dog instead of just opening the door to the backyard. This ensures you know when your dog potties.
Anytime your dog goes to the bathroom outside, immediately offer treats and praise. To help prevent accidents, take your puppy out whenever they wake up from a nap and after they eat or drink. If you can’t supervise your dog, make sure they are contained in a crate or an easy-to-clean area.
Counter Surfing
Dogs stealing food or other items off the counter, kitchen table, or coffee table is known as counter surfing. Preventing your dog from taking things off the counter can be challenging because it’s a self-rewarding behavior. Essentially, dogs self-reward themselves with whatever they take. This is one of the most common behavioral problems as well; and one that is frustrating for dog owners and potentially dangerous if your dog takes something toxic.
Prevention is the best way to keep your dog from counter-surfing. Avoid leaving any food on surfaces that your dog can reach. It’s also helpful to teach an incompatible behavior to stop the behavior. When you have food out on the counter while cooking or preparing meals, give your dog a different place than under your feet, sniffing up at the counter. To do this, use treats to lure your dog to a bed or an out-of-the-way area where you would like your dog to rest while you cook. When your dog is on their bed, praise and reward them with treats. You can also give your dog a stuffed food toy or chew to occupy them and reward them for staying on their bed or in a designated area.
Stealing Children’s Toys
If you have both dogs and kids at home, there may be conflict with your dog stealing toys that don’t belong to them. This is challenging because kids’ toys may have small pieces that can be swallowed and many aren’t made to withstand puppy chewing. Dogs, however, are often attracted to children’s toys because they are soft, fun shapes and look indistinguishable from their toys.
The best way to keep your dog from taking your kid toys is to prevent access. Be consistent with clean up and put toys where your dog can’t access them. Try adding baby gates to your children’s bedrooms or playroom doors to keep your dog out. If your dog picks up a toy that doesn’t belong to them, get one of their toys and trade them for a chew or toy you want them to play with. Then, praise your dog for playing with their toy, which will help them associate with what toys you want them to play with instead.
Door Darting
Dogs rushing outside when a door opens is another one of the most common behavioral problems for dogs. Dog darting is frustrating for owners and can be dangerous for the dog who might escape. To teach your dog door manners, leash your dog and then ask your dog to sit. The first step is to praise your dog as your hand moves towards the doorknob. Be sure to praise and treat your dog without opening the door. If your dog gets up, just ask them to sit again. As your dog gets better and understands you want them to sit while you’re reaching towards the door, you can progress to unlocking your door and then opening it. If your dog gets up at any point, just ask them to sit again and start over. Praise and reward your dog as your dog sits patiently while you open the door.
Leash Pulling
Does your dog pull like a sled dog when you take them out for a walk? Pulling is a common behavior because dogs don’t come pre-programmed. They don’t know you don’t want them to pull! Dogs pull on their leash out of a desire. For example, they want to sniff somewhere, or move faster, or greet another dog, or get food, or anything else that your dog finds valuable. To teach your dog to walk loosely on a leash and not to pull, start at home in an area without distractions. The key to loose leash walking is to be more interesting than the environment around your dog.
Attach the leash to your dog and praise and treat your dog for looking at you. If your dog starts pulling, just stop and wait for your dog to look your way then give lots of praise and treats. Soon, your dog will make the association that staying near you while walking will be rewarded. When your dog gets the hang of loose leash walking in the house, you can start to practice outside, slowly building up to more distracting areas and continuing to praise and reward your dog for focusing on you.
Training Routine
As you work through these common behavioral challenges, prioritize consistency in your daily schedule. You don’t need lots of time to work on training; a couple of short training sessions, even just a few minutes, can make a massive difference in helping your dog.. Regular training sessions also help strengthen the relationship you have with your dog.
Training Strategies
Regardless of what behaviors you are trying to change, a positive learning environment is essential. To do this, use positive reinforcement or reward-based training approaches to guide your dog to desired behaviors. Using praise and rewards allows your dog to gain confidence, strengthens your bond together, and teaches your dog the new behaviors. Avoid punishing or scolding your dog even if they don’t do what you want. Instead, decrease the difficulty of the behavior you are asking for and remove distractions so your dog can be successful. Later, slowly build back to a higher level of distractions.
