How to Fix Four Common Dog Behavior Problems

By Lexi Rutter

As loving dog owners we all long for happy, tail wagging, calm dogs. But life is not always so easy, and many owners are challenged by dog behavior problems. Here are four common dog issues along with suggestions for correcting the behavior.

1. Dog Is Terrified of Thunderstorms

Problem: Dog is terrified of thunderstorms.

Solution: to begin remedying this common dog fear problem is to talk to your dog in a happy, upbeat, loving voice. The reassuring tone in your voice will suggest there is nothing to be afraid of. While talking to your dog, divert his attention from the thunder by initiating a command and treat reward session.

2. Dog Destroys Household Furniture

Problem: Your dog destroys household furnishings when left alone.

Solution: This common and destructive problem can stem from a number of stimulants. The dog may be suffering from severe separation anxiety and taking out its angst on the home furnishings. It may suffer from barrier frustration, attacking doors and/or windows in an attempt to get outside. Or the dog may simply be bored. In such cases, the destructive activity has no particular focus.

Mild cases of separation anxiety can often be resolved by providing your dog with more exercise to burn off excessive energy. Tired dogs are generally calm and relaxed dogs. Another suggestion is to give your dog plenty of dog appropriate toys to stimulate his mind while you're away.

3. Dog Dislikes Certain People

Problem: Your dog does not particular people such as men with facial hair, people wearing hats, or small children.

Solution: Often a traumatic experience occurs to puppies when they are young and the experience is so frightening it becomes a learned fear response.

For example, if a dog has a frightening experience with a man in a hat, and the situation is so traumatic it can become ingrained in the dog's memory. The result is a repeating negative behavioral response each time the dog encounters a man wearing a hat.

The usual treatment method is to gradually desensitize the dog by frequently exposing him that which he fears. This is a process that takes time and patience and lots of love.

4. Dog Jumps on People

Problem: Your dog jumps up on you, family members, and/or visitors.

Solution: In most cases, this is simply an overly enthusiastic means of saying hello.

The wrong thing to do is to ignore the jumping, as it will never go away. The way to address the issue is leave a leash on your dog when you are expecting company or the arrival of a family member. When the person is about to enter stand on the end of your dogs leash so he is not able to jump up, and as he attempts to jump speak firmly in a loud stern voice and give the command "no jump".

If you are coming through the door as your dog begins to jump give the same command "no jump" as you lift your knee up contacting your dog's chest. Then move away from the dog so that it cannot continue. In most cases, the dog will eventually stop. Another alternative is to command the dog to sit when it seems about to jump.

Correcting dog behavioral requires consistency from dog owners, along with patience. You may consider consulting a professional dog trainer to help you gain improvement in working one on one with your dog.

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