How To Stop Bad Dog Behavior: Solutions That Work For Common Dog Problems

Have you been dealing with some bad dog behavior lately?

Is your dog causing you a lot of frustration and heartache?

Trust me, we’ve all been through it.

However, it’s important to realize that dogs (just like babies) are not born bad. Dogs (and humans) are influenced by their surroundings as well as their interactions with others. And the fact is… bad dog behaviors are almost always the result of the dog’s upbringing.

Thus, your dog’s bad behavior could be due to inconsistent or bad dog training. Or your dog may simply be uncomfortable in certain situations for one reason or another.

One thing’s for sure, if we don’t communicate a clear message and be consistent with that message at all times, then our dogs will become confused about what’s expected of them and they will be uncertain about their limits and boundaries.

In fact, without realizing it, you may be accidentally reinforcing bad dog behaviors.

To stop dog behavior problems you have to stop rewarding your dog for certain behavior, and teach your dog what behavior you ‘DO’ want instead. Dog behavior that is not rewarded will decrease in intensity, duration or frequency and in time disappear. Conversely, dog behavior that is rewarded will increase. Source

Fortunately, with patience and time, together you and your dog can work through just about any bad behaviors that may arise. And if you can’t do it on your own, then a dog behavior specialist can help you.

Here’s how to prevent and correct your dog’s bad habits…

Putting An End To Problem Behaviors

Following are some of the bad habits our dogs have had through the years, and how we ultimately made things better.

Hopefully, these tips will work for you as well:

How to stop excessive dog barking – 3 easy steps that put an end to all the barking once and for all — especially barking at strangers.

How to stop your dog from unrolling the toilet paper – what your dog sees as a fun game isn’t fun after it happens again… and again.

How to stop puppy biting – tips that work to stop a young puppy from nipping and biting.

How to stop your dog from jumping on people – here’s a quick & easy way to stop your dog from jumping up on people when greeting them.

How to stop dog chewing on things outdoors – tips to keep your dog from chewing on things he shouldn’t when he’s outside.

How to stop dog aggression before it begins – tips for understanding the dog pack heirarchy.

How to stop your dog from barking at the same noises – if the same sounds always trigger a round of barking from your dog, try these tips.

I encourage you to try this 3-step approach to solve any of your dog’s problem behaviors.

Other Bad Dog Behaviors & Solutions

About Lynnette

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

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Tammy

I have a 12 year old female (Akita/Shepherd mix) that has lost her companion of 10 years. About 4 months after our loss, she has started to chew not only the door handle completely off but casings around our slider door and windows to the backyard where she does her business and basically putts around. I’ve tried to confine her to a dining room where she still has low windows to see the world, but after a couple of days she figured out how to escape and destroyed/chewed anything in her way including chairs and complete walls. I’ve re-introduced “Challenge” toys, several actually for a good variation but she still is clawing her way through the back slider door. Though I have a 1″ square STEEL door jam, she can dislodge it from the track and literally chew the now remaining metal door handle, and eventually open the slider just enough to slip out. Fortunately the backyard is 6 foot stockade fence, however at 5 degrees below zero at times not only is this a risk to her health but the house is freezing when we get home. Just to mention, she’s not usually left alone for more than 4-6 hours on any given day. I’m not sure if she’s board, if it’s due to the winter season and being inside more, grieving her loss or a combination of all. I am open to almost any type of advice on correcting this behavior, please help!
VJ Privette

I have a year and a half year old Boxer/Mastiff mix. She is a big girl at about 85 lbs. She is usually a good girl and very friendly (Overly so at times) and she totally dominates our completely submissive 2 1/2 yr old male Pitbull. She was easily house broken as a pup and NEVER urinates in the house, however over the past week or two she has begun defecating in the children’s bedroom almost every night. I have no idea why she started doing this, she will wake me in the middle of the night if she needs to pee (Also annoying) She goes out plenty in the daytime and I take her out before I go to bed which is usually between 1 and 2 am, so why is she doing this? She is a very vocal animal, meaning she talks to me and my family, she moves her mouth making different sounds as if she is actually forming words (It’s very cute) and she does this when she wants something, especially to go out, and if you don’t listen she begins barking and will not stop until she gets her way. I understand that at least part of this behavior is a show of dominance and i don’t know how to break her of it, but the pooing in the house has got to stop! Please help if you have ideas or suggestions.
Ken Musson

OK. This question requires an answer, I sure someone can respond. Thank you in advance. I discussing unwanted dog behavior, several people suggested that a good way to redirect a dog that dogs, is to place he dogs own feces in the hole and cover. undermining a fence and put the dog poo along the area where the dog is digging and cover. I have never heard of this ‘training’ tool Any responses greatly appreciated…
Natalie Pearce

I have a 5 year old border collie I got from shelter . they never warned me that it doesn’t seem to like kids . he shows his teeth and growls at my grand kids . I don’t want to return it to shelter but I feel anxious when kids come to my house .any advice ? thanks
My name is John
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