Have you ever stopped to consider that you might be unintentionally encouraging your dog’s less-than-ideal behaviors? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. We all make mistakes! Like it or not, a dog’s behavior often reflects their owner’s lifestyle, attitude, and training methods (or lack thereof). Dogs naturally repeat behaviors that are rewarded or reinforced, so understanding the “why” behind your pup’s actions is key to addressing and improving their habits. The first step? Pinpoint the reasons behind that pesky behavior!
Here are 6 common dog behavioral problems and what they might reveal about you.
#1 – Refusing to obey repeated commands
If it takes more than one word to get your dog to sit and he winds up staring at you as a string of “Sit! Sit! Sit!” flies from your mouth, it indicates that you’re impatient. Hopefully, you don’t usually throw a barrage of questions at your friends before they can even answer the first one. It’s the same for your dog. Give him a chance to respond to your first command. Repeating commands also teaches your dog that he doesn’t need to obey you the first time around – and that can be a dangerous lesson for him to learn!
#2 – Pulling on the leash
Walking nicely on a leash can only be taught with consistent training, so somebody who refuses to put in the tough training time and just lets their dog drag them around comes across as somebody in search of immediate gratification. A dog who’s learned they can drag their owner anywhere they please can get themselves into a world of trouble, so it would benefit both of you to put the time into leash training.
#3 – Begging
People who give into their dog’s puppy dog eyes and feed them table scraps tend to be shortsighted. While some people food is healthy for dogs, much of it can cause long-term health problems such as obesity and diabetes, and many people foods can be very dangerous for dogs.
#4 – Too much uncontrolled energy
Some dogs and breeds naturally have more energy than others, but if every dog you’ve ever had has been bonkers, the problem might be that your life is too crazy and your dog is feeding off of your energy. Puppies in particular learn what life is supposed to be like by how it happens around them, and too much frantic energy in your household will cause your dog to be frantic also.
#5 – Excessive barking
While some dog breeds are more prone to barking than others, a dog that barks excessively usually does so because they get something from it. Attention from you, even in the form of yelling, rewards the behavior, and if you actively try to distract them from barking with toys or treats, you are teaching them that barking gets them things they want.
#6 – Dog Aggression
Setting Boundaries for a Well-Behaved Pup
If your dog frequently gets into skirmishes, it might be a sign that you’re not establishing enough authority. Ignoring behaviors like growling at another dog can send the message that it’s acceptable, potentially leading to more serious issues over time. From day one, it’s important to show your dog that negative behaviors have consequences. For example, if your pup growls at another dog, stop walking and make them sit instead of continuing forward. Consistently setting boundaries helps your dog understand what’s expected and builds a foundation for a well-mannered and confident companion.
