12/11/2025
Common Dog Behavior Problems and the Benefits of Professional Dog Training
Common behavior problems in dogs, such as aggression, territorial behavior, possessiveness, nipping, excessive Barking, negative attention-seeking, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, jumping, inappropriate elimination, mouthing, and hyperactivity, can become problems if left unattended. Canine training programs provide owners with the necessary preparation and guidance to understand their dogs' behaviors and the consequences that follow. Professional training helps owners gain sufficient knowledge to use consistent, humane methods to establish effective leadership and enjoy a healthy relationship with their pets. A trained dog becomes a happy, well-adjusted, and friendly dog, bringing joy and pride to its owner. Through training, dogs showcase a unique combination of funny, amusing, and intelligent performances.
Every dog benefits from professional training, regardless of breed, from Pit Bulls and Shih Tzus to Golden Retrievers and black Labrador puppies. Such training helps address their innate behavior problems. Many dog owners find this challenging and seek professional help to address their dogs' temporary quirks. However, this challenge can also be seen as a stress-relieving technique since the rewards of having a well-behaved pet are immense.
Once the trainer has taken charge to some extent and addressed initial problems, professional treatment aims to transition the responsibility of training back to the owner. This way, the owner becomes a professional for their dog rather than relying on external training. Dogs often develop behavioral issues that hinder their ability to have a normal, happy relationship with their human families. Financial constraints may make addressing the dog's problems a lower priority than other family needs. However, these behavior problems deepen without treatment and may eventually lead to the dog being removed from the family. Thus, professional training becomes crucial in maintaining a harmonious bond between dogs and their owners. Dogs often develop behavioral problems that can hinder their ability to have a normal, happy relationship with their human families. It may be necessary to seek help transitioning from an unpleasant temperament to a pleasant one. In extreme cases, these behavior problems can be dangerous for both the dog and their owner. However, it is essential that psychological and physiological functioning are interconnected. That's why consulting with a professional trainer with knowledge about dog behavior's psychological aspects can be invaluable. Such a trainer can guide you through the many steps involved in training, tailoring the approach to address specific problems rather than using a one-size-fits-all treatment.
A dog with separation anxiety may feel relief when they see their human returning home, even if they still wear their backpack and stand at the end of the driveway. Dogs associate their training with the environment in which it takes place. If you would like to use your departure and arrival as part of behavior training, put away any objects, like skipping ropes, in areas you don't want your dog to accompany you. Also, train your dog in those areas of the house using different objects, just as you did with the backpack. This way, your furry companion will be happy and not associate your departure with their presence.
Solution: Reserve your luggage for times when you genuinely plan to leave. Avoid using your departure and backpack as a form of punishment for misbehavior. If you do, your dog may associate the backpack with feelings of loneliness and isolation and may resist your attempts to use it. Before you begin desensitizing your dog to your departure, introduce the concept of the departure reward without you leaving the house. Take the backpack into another room at random times, gradually increasing the time your dog waits for something good to happen. Afterward, come out and resume giving your dog attention and affection as if nothing unusual occurred. This technique can be especially effective for dogs on medication who are experiencing severe separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is easily diagnosed due to the quick onset of behaviors and psychological reactions. Clinical signs may result from boredom or lack of exercise. Still, when accompanied by a specific time frame of occurrence and a dog's hyper-attachment to an owner, it is more likely to be separation anxiety. Excessive attention to the owner, typically without displaying separation anxiety, can lead to panic-associated behaviors commonly seen in separation anxiety when the owner leaves the room or home. These behaviors usually start within 30 minutes after the owner leaves and can last for hours. Separation anxiety is typically seen in dogs ranging from 5 months to 10 years old, with the average age being five years.
It is crucial for separation anxiety to be diagnosed by a professional, such as a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. If you suspect or are concerned about separation anxiety, seek guidance from a behavioral professional. There are other reasons why dogs may engage in similar behaviors, such as loud vocalizations (barking or howling, especially during the day) or defecating in the home, which need to be addressed and may not be related to separation anxiety. However, behaviors that usually coincide with separation anxiety include destructive and panic behaviors that occur shortly after the owner leaves or in the early part of their absence. While large-breed dogs like German Shepherds and Labradors are more prone to separation anxiety, it can affect dogs of all breeds and individuals.
The term "pack leader" comes from the fact that dogs are pack-oriented animals. The dog's pack leader is the one who meets their needs, particularly their need for safety. As the owner, you are the "pack leader" responsible for the dog's safety and for ensuring they have a sense of leadership. When your dog recognizes you as their pack leader and understands you can meet their needs, you can relax. This is why it is often said that the pack leader needs to "be around," as very little is required to maintain this pack order. A professional dog trainer is a skilled, experienced problem-solver who can help you completely change your dog's problematic behaviors. This is important because dogs cannot be reasoned with, so simply scolding or telling them off is not an effective training method. However, a professional dog trainer knows how to communicate with a dog so that the dog understands what is expected of them. They can also explain why your dog is acting out and teach you how to help it behave and stay safe. For instance, have you ever wondered where the idea of needing a "pack leader" came from?
Aggression is a complex issue with various underlying causes. Understanding why a dog exhibits aggressive behavior is essential to addressing the problem effectively. Some common reasons for aggression include fear, possessiveness, lack of socialization, and other factors. When dogs become aggressive, they are often fearful, and people try to stop the aggression. Professional treatment and training are recommended to address this problem in a positive and non-punitive manner. Both are crucial when dealing with an aggressive pet. It's important to remember that animal aggression is natural but potentially dangerous, especially with large, aggressive dogs, regardless of their motivation or history.
The more you know about the reasons behind a dog's aggressive behavior, the better equipped you are to address it. Before seeking professional help for an aggressive dog, it's essential to understand what you should and shouldn't do as a pet owner. Knowing the appropriate steps to take and what to avoid before contacting an animal behaviorist or dog trainer can be helpful. Once you consult with a professional, they may suggest tools to support your
behavior change. Some behavior professionals have specific tools they are trained to use, so it's best to consult them first. We recommend using a Gentle Leader or a Halti/Walk Rite (also known as a leader/harness head) and treating them as aids only as part of the professionally advised desensitization and counter-conditioning process.
While there are many more reasons a dog might display aggression, these are among the most common. Recognizing the type of aggressive behavior exhibited can help you understand why your dog behaves that way and how to work towards correcting it. Dogs can be aggressive out of fear, protectiveness, territoriality, social or non-social tendencies, fearfulness, frustration, medical issues, possessiveness, redirected aggression, predatory instincts, pain-induced aggression, conflicts between male dogs, play-related aggression, instrumental aggression, idiopathic aggression, or aggression directed toward humans.
Aggressive behavior often prompts owners to seek professional advice. Dog biting is a serious concern because it can harm individuals, create conflicts with neighbors, lead to insurance issues, and cause legal problems for the owner. Aggression can stem from different sources, such as territorial aggression, possessive aggression, and fear or pain-induced aggression. It can also be deliberate and harmful without any specific threat, known as predatory behavior. To accurately identify the motive behind the aggression, owners must determine whether the dog is overly aggressive, defensive, or predatory. Therefore, professionals must possess expertise in temperament assessment, knowledge of available tests and their limitations, and the ability to evaluate behavior across various conditions. A thorough interpretation of test results should consider the dog's history, previous social interactions, medical records, and the practicality of implementing behavior modification and management programs for owners.
Excessive Barking. To properly diagnose separation distress in dogs that excessively bark, it is essential to consult a qualified animal behaviorist. Different dog owners report varied behaviors of their dogs when left alone, making a professional assessment crucial for identifying actual separation anxiety. Excessive Barking can lead to chaos and stress for people and potentially cause other health problems. Continuously issuing minor corrections can escalate anxiety and discontent in an already frustrated dog. It is better to enter and exit your house multiple times without acknowledging your dog than to repeatedly assert yourself over an anxious dog with a loud,
direct command to be quiet. The best solution is to ensure that a dog barking while alone feels safe, stress-free, and not isolated.
Dogs bark as a means of communication and expression. A dog may bark to express discontent when left alone at home. While this behavior could be attributed to separation anxiety, it is not always the case. Separation anxiety is characterized by excessive anxiety and distress behaviors when a dog's guardians leave. However, excessive Barking in this situation does not necessarily indicate stress; it could simply be the dog's way of seeking attention. Additionally, a dog's feelings about solitude can influence whether Barking becomes a problem. Some dogs may bark because they feel abandoned without their humans present. Territorial Barking can also occur when dogs have free rein over the yard. This behavior can escalate to preemptive Barking simply because the dog can visually access a specific location. For example, a dog may bark loudly whenever it sees the mail carrier, a neighbor walking their dog, or children waiting for the school bus.
Barking can also be influenced by excitement or fear. Dogs may bark at unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells, sudden or unexpected movements, or even changes in light. They may become nervous and fearful when encountering unfamiliar moving or noisy objects. External stimuli can trigger barking, leading to increased tension, fear, or anxiety in the dog. Dogs barking for these reasons may be unresponsive to disturbances, pace back and forth, and repeatedly whine or bark in a high-pitched voice. They may also start hiding from people or become overwhelmed by large crowds or stimuli they cannot handle regularly. Barking is one of the most common behavioral issues dog owners face. While barking is a standard form of communication, it can become excessive and bothersome if not adequately controlled. The reasons behind a dog's barking often depend on the context in which it occurs. For instance, a dog may bark in alarm when a stranger approaches the house, or it may bark continuously at the same stranger if it perceives him as a threat. Sometimes, a dog may bark in response to specific sounds or stimuli, or to seek attention. The key to addressing a barking problem is identifying the primary trigger and the underlying motivation.
In addition to the benefits of professional training, establishing a good relationship with the behavioral professional and receiving advice are fundamental advantages that set professional training apart from pet obedience training. Additionally, through this training, owners learn to understand their dogs' body language and how to interpret their behavior, which is crucial in a home setting.
Dogs bark as a natural means of communication, and owners must teach them to bark appropriately without excessive Barking or associated problems. Loneliness, fear, anxiety, the presence of strangers or other animals, stimuli, and a strong need for exercise and stimulation are the main reasons dogs bark. In some cases, dogs may already know commands but intentionally choose not to obey them to obtain rewards. This is not due to ignorance but rather their intention. Barking is a complex behavior, as dogs have different reasons for barking. The first step is to understand why the dog is barking, and then behavior modification techniques can be used to reduce excessive Barking. Pet owners should avoid reinforcing barking by giving attention or toys when the dog is barking. Instead, they should reward the dog for stopping barking when commanded. Basic position commands like "sit," "down," and "stay" are helpful during this process. Positive reinforcement-based training techniques and daily exercise and stimulation will also help achieve a calm, content dog. If needed, seeking assistance from a behaviorist is highly recommended for any behavior problems.
I had a student whose husband would not allow their female Doberman inside the house because he believed she would chew up everything. However, it is rare for dogs to maintain such destructive behavior once they adjust to their environment and feel secure. They should not be treated like prisoners in their own homes. To address destructive chewing, it is recommended that dogs be crate-trained and provided with activities to keep them occupied while in their crates. For example, dogs that experience boredom in the crate may act out by snatching mail from the mail carrier. What you can do: Destructive chewing is a significant issue, especially in large-bodied dogs. It is a complex problem because, although our belongings are destroyed, the dog is trying to find relief from whatever is making them feel bad. Most dogs in crates are trying to ease anxiety caused by boredom. When owners leave their dogs with nothing to do or without guidance, the dogs become targets of the stress they try to alleviate by entertaining themselves. The dog doesn't care about your furniture or understand its human significance. If you pay attention, you'll notice that the objects they destroy are usually found in places you frequent.
If a dog is unhappy, random bites can still be considered exercise, as they provide proper stimulation that improves the situation by releasing natural pain-killing endorphins. A curious dog feels better and learns this. All of these causes stem from situations when the dog is discontent with something happening in its immediate surroundings. The dog is creating a situation where it can focus its energy, known as "Pent-up Frustration." During these times, the focus shifts from exhibiting favorable behavior towards acceptable stimuli to engaging in unacceptable behavior. If this is the cause, the chewed material is unimportant to the dog, and the chosen object will be related to the behavioral need.
If this feeling persists, a bored dog doesn't have enough to do and becomes anxious and distressed. Providing the dog with something to occupy its time can alleviate this issue. However, boredom alone cannot fully explain the behavior. After all, how often do you feel bored and resort to destructive chewing or mischievous behavior? The causes of unwanted chewing can generally be categorized into the following behaviors. This article might help you identify the cause of your dog's chewing problems.
Dogs jump up for various reasons, such as seeking attention, excitement, or to greet people. It can also be a natural behavior in puppies as they explore their environment. While it may seem cute when small, it can become problematic when they grow bigger and stronger. Jumping up can be dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and smaller dogs. It's essential to address this behavior early to prevent potential issues. Dogs naturally enjoy reaching higher levels because it increases the likelihood of spotting something interesting, which gives them an advantage during social confrontations. However, it is essential to note that they are not trying to dominate you. I implore all of you not to perceive jumping as a dominant act, regardless of your gender, age, or physical condition. The crucial factor here is how you react. Reacting in a way that a dog interprets as receiving attention is a natural and immediate reward for jumping, making it a self-rewarding behavior. In contrast, if we pay attention to dogs and puppies who approach us while enjoying their life at a height that allows us to ruffle their heads, we can teach them to take turns when interacting with us. By doing so, we establish a foundation for a polite companion.
Seeing how quickly dogs embrace the world from a higher level is fascinating and amusing. Sometimes their level is just above your knees, while at other times it's below your chin. Their desire to quickly reach our height may explain why dogs teaching themselves to jump up is one of the earliest interactions observed between dogs and children. Although no formal study has been conducted, the estimate that dogs start jumping up at around 6 months of age or older seems accurate. Additionally, many dogs and puppies can jump up. While some cannot, the majority of dogs, including Labradors, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Shelties, as well as some Boston Terriers and Chihuahuas, can engage in this behavior.
Effective "sit" training involves executing the command when prompted and proactively carrying it out in situations where the dog wants the leash on, the food bowl filled, or to chase after something interesting. Incorporate routine commands into your daily interactions, such as asking the dog to sit and be calm, denying access to the leash, food, or doors, and not permitting the dog to entertain people or dogs on a leash seeking attention. Make obedience training and a cooperative culture a regular part of your routine. Keep treats on hand to encourage and reward desired behavior and to ensure every visitor receives expert treatment. Spend time with your dog, engaging in quiet and cheerful conversation to keep them relaxed and willing to sit for a reward when someone knocks on the door.
Various alternatives are available to help your dog respect personal space, refrain from jumping when greeting people, and still be sociable and well-adjusted. Once your dog has learned how to sit, it is essential to prevent access to inappropriate greetings, control interactions, reinforce the "sit" command, and provide specific behavior socialization, which may include territorial or protective training.
Both clinically reasoned and research-based professional instruction can eliminate the most persistent and refractory behavior problems. Whether it requires the assistance of a comprehensive boarding school to address more complex behavior problems, a group program for the more typical problems, or some well-designed aid in the privacy of the client's home, this instruction can eliminate a wide range of common dog behavior problems. With such instruction, living with pets can become a delightful experience rather than a tragic one. Dog owners should not view frustrating canine behavior problems as an inherent necessity of pet ownership. Instead, they should persevere and seek professional training for their loyal companions, which offers many benefits.
Several common canine behavior problems significantly upset many dog owners, but can be conquered with professional assistance. These range from winning the struggle over a favorite pair of shoes to keeping the peace when Mrs. Smith's Siamese cat promenades on the fence top. The various approaches to dog training problems offer significant benefits for owners and their animals. As behavior problems diminish, owners find greater pleasure in their relationships with their pets, and dogs become happier and more responsive to humane, reasonable expectations. While eradicating all dog behavior problems is not attainable, love, proper care, reasonable expectations, and humane and effective training techniques can significantly reduce their occurrence.
Successful completion of professional dog training classes offers many benefits. Professional dog training ensures that your dog is reliable, making the hours spent training him worthwhile. A well-trained dog becomes a pleasure to be around, and you won't have to constantly monitor visitors or close doors if your dog knows the "sit-stay" command. Obedience training fine-tunes everyday encounters, even potentially dangerous ones. Through obedience training, the bond of mutual love and trust between you and your pet will flourish. Professional dog training strengthens this relationship by teaching you how to control and guide your puppy into a well-adjusted, confident adult dog.
