As devoted dog owners, we do our best to encourage positive behaviors in our furry friends. However, our canine companions occasionally exhibit negative behavior and that can be frustrating and challenging to handle.
Today, we will explore 10 common negative dog behaviors. We will delve into the underlying reasons behind them and provide effective strategies to address and prevent these unwanted actions.
Excessive Barking
Why do they do it? Dogs often howl or bark excessively due to boredom, fear, anxiety, territorial instincts, or seeking attention.
How to stop this negative behavior
- Provide mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys and regular exercise.
- Desensitize your dog to triggers that cause barking and reward calm behavior.
- Establish a “quiet” command and use positive reinforcement to reinforce silence.
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Separation Anxiety Associated Negative Behavior
Why do they do it? Separation anxiety stems from a fear of being left alone and can manifest as
- destructive behavior
- excessive vocalization
- house soiling.
How to stop this negative behavior
- Gradually acclimate your dog to alone time by leaving for short periods and gradually increasing duration.
- Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog with engaging toys and comforting scents.
- Consider professional help, such as a certified dog behaviorist, for severe cases.
This article discusses this negative behavior in more detail. https://happymutt.org/canine-post-isolation-separation-anxiety/
Chewing on Furniture and Belongings
Why do they do it? Dogs chew to alleviate teething discomfort, relieve boredom, release energy, or seek attention.
How to stop this negative behavior
- Provide appropriate chew toys and bones to redirect their chewing behavior.
- Keep valuable items out of reach and use bitter sprays on objects to discourage chewing.
- Supervise and correct inappropriate chewing, redirecting their attention to approved items.
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Jumping on People Is Definitely Negative Behavior
Why do they do it? Dogs may jump on people to seek attention, express excitement, or establish dominance.
How to stop it
- Ignore jumping behavior and avoid reinforcing it with attention until the dog is calm.
- Teach your dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting or offering a paw for greeting.
- Reward calm and controlled behavior with treats and praise.
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Pulling on the Leash
Not abiding by leash rules is considered a bad behavior.
Why do they do it? Dogs often pull on the leash due to a desire to explore, excess energy, or a lack of leash training.
How to stop it
- Train your dog to walk on a loose leash using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Use a front-clip harness or no-pull harness to discourage pulling and redirect their focus.
- Practice leash manners through consistent training sessions, rewarding desired behavior.
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Counter Surfing
Why do they do it? Dogs may engage in counter surfing to find food or explore interesting scents and textures.
How to stop it
- Remove all enticing items from countertops and keep food securely stored.
- Provide appropriate chewing and food-dispensing toys to satisfy their need for exploration.
- Train your dog to stay in a designated area or use baby gates to restrict access to the kitchen.
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Digging
Why do they do it? Dogs dig for various reasons, including instinctual behavior, seeking comfort, boredom, or to cool down.
How to stop it
- Create a designated digging area in your yard with loose soil or sand and encourage your dog to use it.
- Provide mental and physical stimulation through interactive toys and regular exercise.
- Supervise your dog when outside and redirect their digging behavior to the designated area.
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Nipping or Mouthing
Why do they do it? Nipping or mouthing is often seen in puppies during play or exploration, but it can become problematic if not addressed.
How to stop this negative behavior
- Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog appropriate bite inhibition and soft mouthing.
- Provide suitable chew toys for them to redirect their biting behavior.
- Consistently discourage nipping by redirecting attention to appropriate activities and rewarding calm behavior.
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Begging for Food
Why do they do it? Dogs beg for food because they have learned that it can be a rewarding behavior, or they may be genuinely hungry.
How to stop this negative behavior
- Establish and maintain consistent feeding schedules to ensure your dog is not hungry.
- Ignore begging behavior and avoid giving in to their demands.
- Teach your dog to settle in a designated spot during mealtime and reward them for good behavior.
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Excessive Licking
Why do they do it? Dogs may lick excessively due to anxiety, boredom, allergies, or seeking attention.
How to stop it
- Determine the underlying cause of the excessive licking and address any medical issues with a veterinarian.
- Provide mental and physical stimulation to alleviate boredom or anxiety.
- Redirect your dog’s attention to a chew toy or engage them in interactive play when they start to lick excessively.
Conclusion
Remember, it’s crucial to approach negative behavior with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Each dog is unique, so tailor your training methods to suit their personality and needs.
However, if persistent issues arise, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance.
Photos courtesy of Pixabay, Getty and Pinterest