How to Correct Bad Dog Behavior
Dogs, no matter their age, can develop unwanted behaviors like jumping on guests or sneaking food off the counter. While these habits can be frustrating, remember that your dog isn’t acting out to be disobedient—they simply need clear guidance to understand what you expect from them. With patience, consistency, and the right training approach, you can effectively redirect their behavior. Here are some practical strategies to help you curb these common issues and foster better habits in your dog.
Training Is Key
Training your dog to sit, come, or lie down might not seem directly related to correcting behavioral issues, but it plays a crucial role. Reward-based training not only reinforces positive behaviors but also strengthens your bond and provides essential mental stimulation, which can help prevent unwanted behaviors caused by boredom or excess energy. Introducing a new command each week while consistently practicing previous ones keeps training engaging and effective. If you’re unsure where to start, consider working with a qualified dog trainer for expert guidance.
Exercise Helps Release Energy
A well-exercised dog is a well-behaved dog. If your dog spends long hours alone with minimal physical activity, they may find other, less desirable ways to burn off excess energy—like chewing your shoes or pulling on the leash during walks. Puppies, in particular, have higher energy levels and require more exercise than adult dogs, while a dog’s breed also plays a significant role in their activity needs. To ensure your dog gets the right amount of exercise, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Prevent Them From Learning Bad Behaviors
Puppy-proofing your home is essential to setting your new companion up for success. Store shoes, toys, and other tempting items out of reach, and move houseplants off the floor to prevent accidents. Always supervise your puppy, even in a fenced yard, to discourage unwanted behaviors before they start. Preventing bad habits from developing is far easier than trying to correct them later, making early training and management key to raising a well-behaved dog.
Reward Desired Behaviors
Reinforcing good behavior is just as important as correcting unwanted habits. When your dog is lying quietly instead of jumping or barking, reward them with praise and affection. If they walk calmly beside you on a leash, let them know they’re doing a great job. Focusing on what you want your dog to do—like saying “sit” instead of “don’t jump” or “heel” instead of “don’t pull”—makes it easier for them to understand and respond positively. Encouraging desired behaviors through clear communication and positive reinforcement helps build a well-mannered, happy companion.
Consistency Makes a Difference
Consistency is key when setting behavioral expectations for your dog. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules to avoid sending mixed signals. For example, if you never feed your dog from the table but someone else sneaks them treats, they’ll learn to beg. Likewise, if you ignore jumping but others reward it with attention, the behavior will persist. Clear, consistent reinforcement from everyone helps your dog understand what’s expected and prevents confusion, making training more effective.
Tips To Deal With Bad Dog Behavior
Here are some effective training strategies to address common behavioral issues in dogs.
Jumping
To prevent your dog from jumping, start by greeting them calmly to avoid overstimulating them. If they try to jump on you, remain still like a statue or turn away—since dogs jump for attention, withholding it is the best way to discourage the behavior.
If your dog knows the “sit” command, use it as an alternative behavior—after all, a sitting dog can’t jump. Once they sit calmly, reward them with attention and praise. With consistency, they’ll begin sitting automatically instead of jumping.
To prevent jumping on guests, consider using a crate, leash, or dog gate until they settle down. Teaching a “place” command can also redirect their energy, guiding them to a designated spot instead of leaping on visitors.
Chewing
Chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs, especially during teething. The best way to protect your belongings is to keep them out of reach and provide appropriate alternatives, such as durable chew toys or edible chews suited to your dog’s age and size.
To help curb destructive chewing, ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Teaching the “leave it” command can also be invaluable if they manage to grab something they shouldn’t. With proper guidance and enrichment, your dog can satisfy their chewing instincts without damaging your possessions.
Countersurfing
If your dog manages to snatch food from the counter even once, countersurfing can quickly become a persistent habit. To prevent this behavior, avoid feeding them scraps while cooking or cleaning up, as even an occasional reward reinforces the habit.
When preparing food, consider placing your dog in their crate or using the “place” command to direct them to a designated spot away from the kitchen. Teaching a solid “leave it” command can also help if they attempt to grab food. With consistency and clear boundaries, your dog will learn that countersurfing isn’t rewarding.
Pulling On the Leash
When walking your dog, avoid pulling on the leash, as this often triggers their instinct to pull back. Instead, encourage loose-leash walking by praising them, using a training clicker to mark good behavior, or rewarding them with treats when they stay by your side.
If your dog starts pulling, stop walking immediately or change direction, calling them back to you. Consistency is key—make sure everyone who walks your dog follows the same approach to prevent mixed signals.
To set your dog up for success, start practicing in a low-distraction environment before gradually introducing more challenges. Teaching them to focus on you, regardless of distractions, will make walks more enjoyable for both of you.
Barking
Excessive barking can quickly become a frustrating habit, but with the right approach, you can teach your dog to be quieter. Start by introducing a “quiet” or “enough” command. When your dog begins barking, calmly give the command—avoid yelling, as this may only excite them further.
Once they stop barking, reward them with praise or a treat to reinforce the behavior. Staying calm is key; if you react with excitement or frustration, your dog may think there’s a reason to keep barking.
It’s also important to understand why your dog is barking. Are they bored? Do they need more exercise or socialization? Addressing the root cause can significantly reduce excessive barking. If your dog barks for attention, ignore them until they stop—rewarding silence teaches them that quiet behavior is more effective in getting what they want.