Understanding Common Dog Behaviour Issues
- Avril Munson
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
And how calm, thoughtful guidance can change everything
Dogs are wonderful companions, but sometimes their behaviour can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even upsetting. When things go wrong, many owners quietly blame themselves — or their dog — without realising that most behaviour is simply communication.
Understanding common dog behaviour issues is the first step towards building a calmer, more trusting relationship. When we learn why a dog behaves in a certain way, the path forward becomes clearer, kinder, and far more effective.
This article explores some of the most common behaviour challenges dogs show, why they happen, and what genuinely helps.
What are common dog behaviour issues?
Many dog owners face similar struggles. Some feel small and manageable, others can disrupt everyday life and wellbeing — for both dog and human.
Common issues include:
Excessive barking
Chewing and destructive behaviour
Aggression towards people or other animals
Separation anxiety
House soiling or inappropriate elimination
Every one of these behaviours has an underlying reason. None are “bad dogs”. With patience, understanding, and the right support, change is possible.
Excessive barking
Barking is natural. It’s how dogs communicate. The problem isn’t barking itself — it’s when barking works too well.
Dogs bark because:
it relieves emotion
it creates excitement
and most importantly… it gets a response
Barking does not respond well to being ignored. Dogs can become quite addicted to barking — it gives them a chemical “high”, and once that habit forms, it can be hard to break.
Often, barking starts small. We look, talk, shout, soothe — all attention. The dog learns: this works. Over time the barking lasts longer, becomes louder, and more persistent.
What helps:
Remove the rewardCalmly leave the room and close the door behind you.Return as soon as the barking stops — often immediately.
On your returnNo eye contact. No talking. No praise.You cannot reward a dog for not doing something — it confuses the process.
Avoid punishmentShouting or harsh corrections increase arousal and anxiety and will make barking worse.
If barking continues, professional support will help untangle the habit properly — the sooner, the easier.
Understanding aggression and fear
Aggression is one of the most worrying behaviours for owners, but it is almost always rooted in fear, pain, or self-protection.
Aggression can look like growling, snapping, lunging, or biting — but these are warnings, not malice.
Common causes include:
Poor or limited early socialisation
Previous frightening or traumatic experiences
Pain or medical discomfort
Protective/guarding instincts around people, food, or space
What genuinely helps:
Always rule out pain or health issues first
Avoid situations that trigger reactions while learning is underway
Use calm, positive reinforcement to support safer choices
Introduce people or dogs gradually and thoughtfully
Most importantly — seek help early. Trying to “fix” aggression alone can lead to misunderstandings that make behaviour harder to change later. Early, skilled guidance protects both dog and owner.
Chewing: why dogs do it — and how to manage it
Chewing is natural. It soothes, explores, releases emotion, and helps dogs cope with the world.
Dogs chew because of:
Teething discomfort
Anxiety or stress
Over-stimulation
Tiredness
Natural exploration
Seeking human attention
Boredom is often blamed — but is actually less common than people think.
What helps:
Provide safe chew items — but don’t allow constant access Dogs need to learn when to rest, not self-stimulate endlessly.
Ensure adequate sleep and downtime. Over-tired dogs chew far more than under-exercised ones.
Keep tempting items out of reach
Use deterrent sprays where appropriate (generally effective over 6 months of age)
Balance exercise with calm time — both matter equally
Separation anxiety
Separation anxiety isn’t naughtiness. It’s panic.
Dogs with separation anxiety struggle to cope when left alone, even briefly.
Common signs include:
Pacing or distress before departure
Excessive drooling or panting
Destruction near doors or windows
Indoor toileting despite being trained
What helps:
Gradually build tolerance to alone time
Create a calm, predictable leaving routine
Avoid emotional exits and reunions
Provide a safe, comfortable resting space
Consider calming aids where appropriate
Again, early support makes a huge difference.
House soiling and inappropriate elimination
House soiling is deeply frustrating — but almost always fixable.
Common causes include:
Medical issues such as UTIs
Incomplete or rushed house training
Stress or environmental changes
Over-excitement or anxiety
What helps:
Rule out medical causes first
Re-establish predictable routines
Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners
Praise quietly for outdoor toileting — calm reinforcement works best
Be outside with your dog when they go. Waiting indoors misses the learning moment.
Management tools that help:
Restrict unsupervised access to the home
Use one room or a crate temporarily
Keep your dog on a lead indoors to prompt regular outings
Building a better relationship with your dog
Behaviour is communication.
What looks like “bad behaviour” is often a sign of:
stress
confusion
fatigue
unmet needs
A calm, connected relationship grows from understanding, not control.
Support your dog by:
Spending quiet, meaningful time together
Balancing exercise with rest
Using clear, kind boundaries
Being consistent and patient
Valuing sleep and downtime as much as training
Seeking professional help when needed
A final thought
Understanding your dog’s behaviour is an act of kindness.With knowledge, empathy, and the right support, most behaviour issues can be softened, reshaped, and resolved.
A calmer dog doesn’t come from force —it comes from being heard.
Avril thedogcalmer
+447505277374
Comments