Training your dog is a vital part of being a responsible pet owner, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming, even for the most devoted dog lovers. Dogs can develop habits that test your patience, but with the right approach and tools, you can manage and even eliminate these issues effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore four common dog behavior problems—jumping up, excessive barking, not coming when called, and pulling on the leash—and provide practical solutions to help you address them.
We’ll also highlight some helpful products to support your training journey.
1. Jumping Up
Jumping is often a dog’s way of greeting and seeking attention. It’s particularly common in young, excitable dogs. While it might seem harmless, jumping can be problematic, especially with larger dogs or when guests are involved.
Training Techniques to Prevent Jumping
One effective method is to ignore the jumping. When your dog jumps on you, turn your back and avoid eye contact. Only give attention when all four paws are on the ground. This teaches your dog that jumping doesn’t get them the attention they crave.
Another approach is to reward calm behavior. Keep some training treats handy—Dr. Marty’s small, soft treats are perfect for this. When your dog greets you with all four paws on the floor, give them a treat to reinforce the behavior.
You can also reinforce incompatible behavior. Train your dog to sit or lie down when greeting people, as it can’t jump if it’s sitting.
Products from Healthy-Pet that can Help:
- Dr. Marty’s Training Treats: Ideal for rewarding good behavior during training.
DOOG Treat Pouch: Keep treats easily accessible during training sessions.
2. Excessive Barking
Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become excessive when triggered by certain stimuli like other dogs, passersby, or even boredom. Different types of barking—whether territorial, attention-seeking, or alarm—require different approaches.
Different Types of Dog Barks
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Alert/Alarm Barking: A warning bark at perceived threats, like someone approaching the house or unusual noises. It can be life-saving but often triggered by non-threatening stimuli.
To manage alert barking, always investigate what your dog is alerting you to, then use a positive interrupt to stop the barking and reward them for being quiet. Reducing your dog’s exposure to triggers, like covering windows or using barriers, can also help minimize unnecessary alarm barking.
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Demand Barking: Barking to get something, such as attention, food, or toys. It becomes persistent if previously rewarded.
The key to stopping demand barking is to ignore it completely. Turn your back on your dog, avoid eye contact, and do not give in to their needs. Once they are quiet, reward them with attention or treats to reinforce the desired behavior. Avoid giving in to their demands since this will reinforce their noisy behavior.
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Frustration/Arousal Barking: Intense barking out of frustration, often directed at something the dog wants but can’t reach, like another dog or a toy.
Redirect frustration barking by using a positive interrupt and offering high-value treats when your dog encounters frustrating stimuli. Over time, this counter-conditioning helps them associate the trigger with positive experiences, reducing the urge to bark out of frustration.
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Boredom Barking: Continuous, monotonous barking from a dog left alone and unstimulated for long periods, usually in a yard.
Boredom barking can be reduced by bringing your dog indoors and providing plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can keep your dog engaged and less likely to bark out of boredom.
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Stress Barking: Barking due to fear, anxiety, or panic, often triggered by separation anxiety or perceived threats.
Address stress barking by identifying and reducing your dog’s anxiety sources. If separation anxiety is the cause, gradually desensitize your dog to being alone and consider consulting a professional for severe cases.
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Play Barking: Barking during play, is common in herding breeds, as they try to control the play of others.
To manage play barking, use negative punishment by temporarily removing your dog from play when they start barking. Over time, they’ll learn that barking leads to a loss of fun. Alternatively, allow play barking in specific, acceptable settings.
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Greeting Barking: Excited barking when greeting people, such as when an owner returns home or guests arrive.
To curb greeting barking, ignore your dog until it stops barking when you arrive home or when guests visit. Only greet it once it is calm to prevent reinforcing the barking behavior. Consistency is key to making this approach effective.
Training Techniques for Barking
One strategy is desensitization. Gradually expose your dog to the triggers that cause their barking while rewarding them for remaining calm.
Teaching the “Quiet” command can also be effective. Train your dog to stop barking on command by saying “Quiet” and rewarding them with a treat when they stop.
Sometimes, barking stems from boredom. Providing mental stimulation through puzzle toys and activities can reduce the tendency to bark excessively.
Products from Healthy Pet that Can Help:
Puzzle Toys and Snuffle Mats: These provide mental stimulation by making your dog work for their food, helping to reduce boredom-related barking.
3. Coming When Called
A reliable recall is crucial for your dog’s safety, especially in off-leash situations. However, some dogs struggle with this command, particularly when distracted by their surroundings.
Training Techniques for Recall
Start small, in a low-distraction environment, using a high-value treat or toy to encourage your dog to come to you. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog by using a long line leash, rewarding them each time they come when called.
After practicing a few times, introduce a verbal cue like "come" or "here" as your dog moves toward you. For puppies, keep the training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and straightforward. The AKC recommends using the puppy's name or a verbal cue as they approach for meals or playtime. For dogs that are more stubborn or easily distracted, try integrating recall training into everyday activities, like during mealtime or walks.
Remember, positive reinforcement is critical. Always reward your dog when they come to you, even if they respond slowly. Treats like Dr. Marty’s can make coming to you a rewarding experience.
Products from Healthy Pet that can Help:
- Long Line Leash: Allows you to practice recall with your dog from a greater distance.
Dr. Marty’s Training Treats: Perfect for rewarding your dog during recall training.
4. Pulling on the Leash
Dogs naturally want to explore their surroundings, and their excitement often leads to pulling on the leash. If not properly managed, this can make walks unpleasant and even dangerous.
Training Techniques to Stop Leash Pulling
One method is to stop and wait when your dog pulls. Don’t continue walking until the leash is slack. This teaches your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
Another technique is to change direction. If your dog starts pulling, turn around and walk the other way. This helps them learn to pay attention to your movements.
Positive reinforcement and appropriate tools, like a front-attaching harness or head collar, can also help manage pulling more effectively. These tools are aids to be used alongside consistent training, not quick fixes.
Leash pressure training can also be effective. Gently pull up on the leash and then immediately release it when the dog pulls. This repositions them without causing any discomfort or pain.
Products from Healthy Pet that can Help:
- Front-Attaching Harness: Helps redirect your dog’s focus back to you when they start pulling.
Head Collar: A useful tool for controlling pulling behavior without causing harm.
Keeping Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
Mental stimulation prevents many behavioral issues, including excessive barking and leash pulling. Engaging your dog with enrichment activities can help tire them out mentally, making them more responsive to training.
Products that can Help:
- Snuffle Mats and Puzzle Toys: Great for slowing down mealtime and providing mental exercise.
- Lick Mats: Spread peanut butter or yogurt on a lick mat and freeze it for a longer-lasting challenge that helps calm your dog.
- Benebones and No Hide Bones: Long-lasting chews that keep your dog occupied and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you effectively address behavioral issues in dogs?
Effectively addressing behavioral issues in dogs involves using positive reinforcement techniques. Rewarding your dog for calm or appropriate behavior, especially during interactions with guests or other dogs, can help train away aggressive tendencies. Treats are excellent rewards for encouraging good behavior.
What techniques are effective for training dogs with behavioral problems?
Positive reward-based training is highly effective for dogs with behavioral problems. This approach not only reinforces good behavior but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, while providing mental stimulation. Regularly introduce new commands and practice existing ones to keep your dog engaged and well-behaved.
What is the most frequently reported behavioral issue in dogs?
Aggression is the most commonly reported and serious behavioral problem in dogs. Different forms of aggression may require specific approaches to treatment. Understanding the underlying reasons for a dog's behavior, such as barking, can help address these issues effectively.
What are some strategies for training a dog that behaves poorly?
For dogs exhibiting problem behaviors, use a command followed by a gentle pull-and-release technique if the behavior persists. Provide positive reinforcement—such as treats, pats, or play—when the dog exhibits good behavior. Using tools like a leash and head halter can help control the dog and allow for immediate correction of undesirable behaviors like barking.
Patience, Consistency & the Right Tools
Successful dog training requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. You can build a stronger, more enjoyable relationship with your dog by addressing common issues like jumping, barking, recall, and leash pulling.
Use attention, treats, and our recommended products to enhance your training efforts. Remember that every dog is different, so tailor your approach to suit your dog’s unique needs. With dedication and the proper strategies, your furry friend can become a well-behaved and happy member of your family, enriching your life with the joy that dogs bring.
Consider a Helping Hand
Training your dog is an ongoing process of reinforcing the behaviors that let our beloved pets live harmoniously in our households. We recommend finding a local trainer that can help you get the most out of your efforts, while continuing with the techniques outlined in this blog. Consider checking out our community page to find great recommendations from pet owners like yourself, on where to find a great trainer.