Bad Dog Behaviors That Drive Owners Crazy And How To Fix Them 

Your dog isn’t bad, but some behaviors can drive you up the wall. Jumping on guests and chewing everything in sight can sure be frustrating. The good news is you can correct these habits with the right approach. Let’s discuss 15 common bad dog behaviors and how to stop them.

Excessive Barking

Imagine this: you settle in for a quiet evening, but your dog barks at every little noise. Why? Boredom, anxiety, or territorial instincts. First, rule out medical issues. Then, redirect with training. Teach the “quiet” command and reward calm behavior. Consistency helps your dog learn that silence earns praise.

Jumping On People

As guests enter, your dog might leap into their arms like an excited rocket. It’s fun until someone gets knocked over. To manage this, teach “sit” as the default greeting. By rewarding calm behavior and ignoring the jumping, your dog will soon greet visitors politely.

Chewing On Everything

When your dog chews on furniture, it’s often a result of boredom or teething. Provide chew toys to redirect their attention, and use a firm “no” to discourage destructive chewing. With the right toys, your dog stays content, and your furniture stays unharmed.

Digging Up The Yard

You step outside and find your once-perfect lawn looks like a construction site. Some dogs dig for fun, others to cool down. So, give them a designated digging spot with loose soil or sand. If it’s boredom, increase exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog won’t have time to dig trenches.

Pulling On The Leash

Walking your dog shouldn’t feel like a tug-of-war match. To end leash pulling, start by using a front-clip harness and teaching your dog to walk with a loose leash. Change direction when the pulling begins, and your dog will quickly realize that walking politely leads to a more enjoyable stroll.

Begging At The Table

Big eyes stare at you as you eat, followed by whining and pawing. Begging works because humans give in! Stop the habit by never feeding from the table. Instead, reward calm behavior away from the dining area. A firm routine teaches your dog that human meals are off-limits.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can cause dogs to panic, bark, or destroy things when left alone. Gradual departures, increasing time away, and leaving interactive toys can help manage this behavior. Rewarding calm behavior reinforces progress. If the issue persists, seeking professional help may be necessary to address the anxiety effectively.

Aggression Toward Other Dogs

A peaceful walk turns chaotic when your dog growls or lunges at another pup. Fear, lack of socialization, or dominance issues could be at play. Keep a safe distance, and gradually expose your dog to others under controlled settings. Confidence and positive reinforcement reduce reactivity.

Not Listening To Commands

Training without consistency leads to dogs ignoring commands. Clear, concise cues paired with instant rewards ensure better results. If “sit” only leads to treats on occasion, your dog will become confused. Rewarding obedience consistently will make sure your dog listens every time.

Stealing Food

It’s a familiar sight: a dog swiping a sandwich when you turn your back. Counter-surfing can be prevented by keeping food out of reach and teaching your dog the “leave it” command. As snacks are secured, your dog will learn the boundaries, and the stealing habit fades when it no longer results in rewards.

Ignoring Personal Space

Some dogs act like velcro, always leaning, pawing, or sitting on you. It’s sweet but can become overwhelming. Teach boundaries with commands like “off” and reward independent behavior. Encourage a designated resting spot. A dog that respects space remains affectionate without being overbearing.

Chasing Cars Or Animals

Your dog’s chase instinct is triggered the moment a squirrel appears, but it can be risky. A solid “stay” or “come” command, combined with a leash or secure area, can keep them safe. Such impulse-control training and mental stimulation provide a safer way to release that chase energy. 

Overexcitement Around Visitors

If your dog hears a knock and goes wild, barking and jumping, teach it a calm greeting routine. Before opening the door, ask your dog to sit and reward stillness. If excitement spikes, reset and try again. Visitors appreciate a friendly pup, but a calm one makes the best impression.

Potty Accidents Indoors

Even well-trained dogs have accidents, but frequent ones signal an issue. First, rule out medical problems. Then, stick to a strict potty schedule, praise outdoor success, and never punish mistakes. Dogs thrive on routine, and a clear schedule ensures they know when and where to go.

Destroying Furniture When Left Alone

Come home to shredded pillows and scratched doors? Your dog feels stressed or bored. So, engage them with toys and limit access to certain areas before you leave. A busy, relaxed dog won’t turn your home into a disaster zone. Calming aids like pheromone diffusers also help.