Common Bothersome Dog Behaviors & How To Correct Them

Common Bothersome Dog Behaviors & How To Correct Them

Dogs bring so much happiness that it’s easy to dismiss imperfections. As parents, however, we should correct troublesome behavior through physical and mental exercise and consistent corrective conditioning.

Barking

  • Your dog barks mostly because they’re warning you, seeking attention, releasing frustration, excited, or territorial. To correct incessant barking, address the cause.
  • An exhausted canine is less prone to bark so provide ample stimulation.
  • Turn away or leave when they bark. Respond when they stop. This way, they’ll associate rewards with not barking. Consistency is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll revert to where you started.
  • Distract your pet from situational triggers and reward them when they stay calm.

Chewing

  • Puppies chew a lot when teething. If not, chewing acts as a stress or energy release. Give dogs plenty of exercise to prevent this.

Digging

  • This is not altogether bad but serves as energy release. What you can do is control where he/she digs. Distraction works by employing treats or cues.

Begging

  • Puppy dog eyes may be adorable, but not when overdone. Solution? Don’t give in. Teach where they should eat or play during mealtime.

Jumping

  • Do the same with barking. Don’t respond and reward when they stay down.

Separation Anxiety

  • Tire your dog before leaving. Leave a treat/toy to keep them busy. When you arrive, greet only when they remain calm.
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