15 Common Dog Behavior Problems and Solutions

Raise your hand if your dog has ever embarrassed you in public. Oh, just me? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Dogs are lovable goofballs, but they can also have some downright puzzling—and occasionally maddening—habits.

From non-stop barking at the neighbor’s cat to Olympic-level leash-pulling, these quirks can make you wonder: “Is it me, or is my dog secretly plotting chaos?”

As a dentist who’s spent countless evenings unwinding with my dog after long clinic days, I’ve been there.

My old beagle, Max, once chewed through my favorite sneakers in less than ten minutes. (I learned the hard way that leaving shoes by the door is basically an invitation for destruction.) So, trust me when I say I get the frustration—but I also know there’s hope.

This guide covers 15 of the most common dog behavior problems and, more importantly, practical solutions that actually work.

I’ll keep it real, share some personal stories, and sprinkle in pro tips from vets and trainers so you don’t feel alone in this journey. Ready to reclaim your sanity—and maybe your shoes? Let’s get started.

1. Excessive Barking – When Your Pup Won’t Stop Announcing Everything

Why Dogs Bark Too Much (Common Triggers)

Dogs bark because that’s how they talk, but when they’re narrating everything—the mailman, a falling leaf, the wind blowing—it gets old fast.
Most excessive barking comes from:

• Boredom or loneliness (they need more stimulation)
  
• Territorial instincts (protecting “their” space)
  
• Fear or anxiety (like fireworks or thunder)
  
• Attention-seeking (“Hey, you! Look at me!”)
  

Practical Ways to Reduce Excessive Barking

Here’s what’s worked for me and countless clients:

• Identify the trigger first. Is it the doorbell, strangers, or other dogs?
  
• Teach the “Quiet” command. Reward silence right after they bark once or twice.
  
• Provide mental enrichment. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys keep their brains busy.
  
• Burn off extra energy. A tired dog rarely has the stamina to bark all evening.
  

A little patience goes a long way—IMO, most barkers just need to be heard and redirected.

2. Chewing on Everything – Shoes, Furniture, You Name It

Chewing for Puppies vs. Adult Dogs

Puppies chew to soothe teething pain, while adults often chew out of boredom, anxiety, or just because they can. Chewing isn’t bad in itself—it’s natural. What matters is what they chew.

How to Redirect Chewing to Appropriate Toys

• Keep shoes and valuables out of reach. (Lesson learned—RIP my sneakers.)
  
• Offer sturdy chew toys. Kong toys or rubber bones work wonders.
  
• Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting.
  

Mistakes Owners Make (Like Yelling)

Yelling usually makes things worse. Instead, calmly remove the off-limits item and replace it with a proper chew toy. Then praise the switch.

3. Jumping on People – Cute as a Puppy, Not So Much as an Adult

Why Dogs Jump Up in Greeting

Dogs jump because they’re excited to greet you face-to-face. Unfortunately, their idea of “friendly” doesn’t always align with ours.

Step-by-Step Training to Curb the Habit

1. Ignore the jump. No eye contact, no words—basically turn into a tree.
   
2. Reward calm greetings. As soon as all four paws touch the floor, give praise or treats.
   
3. Consistency matters. Everyone in the household must follow the same rule.
   

Pro Tip: Reinforce Calm Greetings

Keep a stash of treats near the door so you can reward calm behavior the moment guests walk in.

4. Pulling on the Leash – Turning Walks into Tug-of-War

Why Dogs Pull During Walks

Dogs naturally walk faster than we do, and exciting smells ahead often trigger their inner sled dog.

Tools That Actually Help (Harnesses, Front-Clip Leads)

• Front-clip harnesses discourage pulling without hurting the dog.
  
• No-pull head halters (for stubborn cases) gently guide the head back to you.
  

Training Techniques for Loose-Leash Walking

• Stop walking the instant they pull—dogs quickly learn that pulling halts their fun.
  
• Praise and treat every few steps they walk beside you without tension.
  

Loose-leash walking takes patience, but your shoulders will thank you later. 🙂

5. Digging Holes in the Yard

Instinctual vs. Boredom-Driven Digging

Some breeds—like terriers—are born diggers, while others do it because they’re bored or hot and want a cool spot to lie down.

How to Redirect Digging (e.g., Sandbox Trick)

• Designate a digging zone. Fill a sandbox with soft soil or sand and bury toys to encourage them to dig there.
  
• Block access to favorite digging spots with chicken wire or rocks.
  
• Increase exercise and playtime. A tired dog is less likely to remodel your garden.
  

6. Food Guarding and Resource Aggression

What Causes Resource Guarding

Food guarding is rooted in instinct—dogs in the wild had to protect resources to survive. For pets, it’s usually fear of losing their meal or toy.

Gradual Desensitization & Positive Reinforcement

• Start by tossing high-value treats near the bowl while your dog eats to show you’re a friend, not a thief.
  
• Slowly work closer over days or weeks until they stay calm as you approach.
  

Safety Do’s & Don’ts

• Do: Feed in a quiet, low-stress space.
  
• Don’t: Grab food away or punish growling—it can escalate the problem.
  

7. Separation Anxiety – The Sad Whining (and the Sofa Destruction)

Spotting Signs of True Separation Anxiety

• Constant pacing as you grab your keys
  
• Excessive whining or barking when you leave
  
• Destructive behavior focused on doors or windows
  

Small Steps to Build Independence

• Practice short departures and returns without fanfare.
  
• Offer interactive toys or frozen peanut-butter Kongs for distraction.
  
• Leave behind an item with your scent—like an old T-shirt.
  

When to Consult a Vet or Trainer

If your dog shows panic-level distress (heavy drooling, self-injury), it’s time to call a professional for behavior therapy or medical support.

8. Aggression Toward Other Dogs

Socialization Issues vs. Medical Triggers

Some dogs react aggressively due to poor early socialization, while others may have underlying pain or fear issues. Ruling out medical problems is step one—sometimes aggression stems from an injury or illness.

How to Reintroduce Dogs Safely

• Start in neutral territory like a park, not in either dog’s home turf.
  
• Keep both dogs on leashes with plenty of distance at first.
  
• Use calm praise and high-value treats for relaxed behavior.
  
• Gradually reduce the distance over several sessions.
  

When to Seek Professional Help

If there’s any risk of biting or lunging, don’t wing it. Certified trainers or veterinary behaviorists can design safe desensitization plans.

9. Aggression Toward Strangers

Territorial Instincts & Fear Responses

Many dogs feel the need to “protect” their home or their favorite humans. While that’s sweet in theory, it can look like scary lunging or growling when someone unfamiliar walks in. Sometimes it’s not territorial at all but fear-based aggression—a nervous pup reacting before assessing the situation.

Controlled Exposure & Desensitization

• Start with a distance. Have the stranger toss treats without approaching.
  
• Pair good things with strangers’ presence. This helps your dog associate new people with rewards, not threats.
  
• Keep sessions short and positive. Long exposures can stress the dog further.
  

Consistency here is everything. I once helped my neighbor’s shepherd warm up to our mail carrier simply by having him drop tiny treats during his daily rounds. Within two weeks, she wagged her tail instead of barking.

10. Potty Accidents Inside the House

Common Reasons (Not Always Disobedience!)

Potty “accidents” often aren’t about being stubborn. Some common reasons include:

• Incomplete house training or inconsistent schedules
  
• Medical issues (like UTIs or digestive problems)
  
• Stress or sudden changes in the household
  

How to Reinforce Proper Potty Behavior

• Stick to a strict routine for feeding and potty breaks.
  
• Reward immediately after successful outdoor pottying.
  
• Supervise indoors—use baby gates to limit roaming.
  

Cleaning Hacks to Remove the Scent (So They Don’t Return)

Use an enzymatic cleaner instead of regular soap. Dogs’ noses are super sensitive; if they smell old spots, they’ll likely reuse them.

11. Begging for Food at the Table

Why Dogs Beg (Spoiler: We Encourage It)

Dogs beg because it works. Every “just a little piece” snack we sneak them reinforces the behavior. Guilty as charged? Same here.

Rules and Boundaries That Actually Work

• Stop feeding from the table—period.
  
• Designate a “settle spot” like a bed or mat during meals.
  
• Reward staying in that spot with a special treat once dinner’s over.
  

Set expectations early; otherwise, you’ll end up with a furry little con artist eyeing your plate every night.

12. Excessive Licking – From Hands to Furniture

Normal vs. Compulsive Licking

Some licking is just affection (or your dog likes the taste of your lotion 😅). But excessive licking can signal anxiety, allergies, or even boredom.

Redirecting Behavior with Distraction & Training

• Offer chew toys or lick mats coated with safe spreads like unsalted peanut butter.
  
• Increase exercise and playtime—a tired pup is less prone to obsessive habits.
  
• If licking is focused on a specific body part or causing sores, see your vet to rule out medical issues.
  

13. Nipping and Play-Biting

Puppy Play vs. Problematic Nipping

Puppies use their mouths to explore and play, but sharp teeth can hurt! If not corrected, it can become a bigger problem as they grow.

Training Commands to Stop Nipping Gently

• When nipped, yelp softly or say “Ouch!” to mimic a littermate’s reaction.
  
• Immediately stop play for a few seconds so they learn biting ends the fun.
  
• Redirect to chew toys and praise them for using the toy instead.
  

Patience is key here; IMO, most puppies figure it out quickly if you stay consistent.

14. Not Coming When Called – The Selective Hearing Phase

Why Recall Training Fails

If “Come here!” means the fun ends—like leaving the park or going inside—dogs learn to ignore it. They’re not being defiant; they’re just optimizing for fun.

Fun Ways to Make “Come Here” Rewarding

• Use high-value treats or favorite toys to make coming to you a jackpot moment.
  
• Start in low-distraction environments before graduating to the park.
  
• Play recall games (like hide-and-seek) to turn training into playtime.
  

Trust me, calling a dog that comes running with a wagging tail feels like a major parenting win. 🙂

15. Hyperactivity and Over-Excitement

Understanding Energy Levels by Breed

Some dogs—looking at you, border collies—come with turbo engines. If their energy isn’t burned off, it often shows up as zoomies, barking, or destruction.

Outlets for Mental & Physical Stimulation

• Daily walks or runs that match their breed’s activity needs
  
• Brain games like snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, and scent work
  
• Structured play sessions (fetch, tug, agility) to channel that energy productively
  

A mentally and physically stimulated dog is far less likely to bounce off the walls.

Pro Tips to Prevent Behavior Problems Before They Start

• Consistency is key. Everyone in the household should follow the same rules.
  
• Socialization matters early. Introduce your pup to various sights, sounds, and people from the start.
  
• Exercise and enrichment beat boredom. A tired, engaged dog is a happy dog.
  
• Reward the good stuff. Praise calm behavior so it becomes their default.
  

Conclusion

At the end of the day, dogs aren’t “bad”—they’re just being dogs. Most behavior issues stem from unmet needs, miscommunication, or a lack of early training.

I’ve seen firsthand (both as a dog owner and as a dentist chatting with countless pet-loving patients) how the smallest changes—like rewarding good behavior or sticking to routines—can transform your relationship with your pup.

Remember: patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are your best tools. Oh, and maybe hiding your favorite shoes until chewing is under control.

Which of these issues has your dog mastered—or maybe you’ve already solved a few? Share your experience; you never know whose sanity you’ll save with your tips.