Why is my dog misbehaving?

A common complaint with many dog owners is misbehavior. Their dog does not behave properly or simply will not listen to them. What many people do not realize is the amount of time and energy that needs to be put into your dog to ensure that they stop misbehaving. Some dogs will misbehave because they are bored and have not had enough exercise, others lack proper training. A dog who is feeling anxious may also exhibit behavior that appears to be a case of misbehaving.

When you bring a new dog into your home be sure to research the breed so you are fully aware of the breed’s characteristics. Some breeds are high energy and require a lot of room to run and play. Other breeds are extremely stubborn and require extensive training. If you are unsure about which breed is best for your family, speak with dog professionals about the different breeds you are interested so you are more informed before making a decision.

Some dog owners reinforce the bad behavior because they think their dog is being cute. However, when the misbehaving dog gets positive reinforcement for the behavior, they will continue the behavior even when it becomes undesirable to the owner. Possible reasons why your dog is misbehaving are:

• Lack of training
• Lack of exercise or boredom
• Reinforcing bad behavior
• Unfamiliar with breed characteristics
• Unfamiliar with adolescent dog behavior
• Canine anxiety

Lack of Training

Some dogs are simply laid back and do not require a lot of formal training. However, there are also some dogs that will benefit from formal training so they learn what behaviors are desirable and what behaviors will cause them to get into trouble. If your dog is misbehaving constantly, look into hiring a professional trainer who will work with you and your dog one-on-one. 

Lack of Exercise or Boredom

There are certain breeds that are classified as high energy. These breeds will require an intensive exercise program or they will begin misbehaving because they do not know what to do with themselves. Herding breeds do require a lot more exercise as do Terrier breeds. Research your breed and know what the exercise requirements are for your breed. Dogs that suffer from boredom will misbehave, not because they are willful or stubborn, but because they do not know what to do with themselves. Provide plenty of room to run and play and also invest in some interactive toys for your dog to provide stimulation and reduce their boredom.

Reinforcing Bad Behavior

When your dog misbehaves, many times you will unknowingly reinforce that behavior by rewarding them. A dog that barks for attention and receives attention, either in the form of petting or even yelling, has just been rewarded for that behavior. Dogs are smart animals and will learn how to behave to get what they want. If you do not want your dog to bark, do not encourage it and do not give them the desired attention they are seeking. 

Unfamiliar with Breed Characteristics

Many times a dog owner will bring home a dog because they are cute or they had sad eyes. But, that new dog owner probably did not research the breed before taking on the responsibility of the new dog. Toy dogs are harder to housetrain, herding dogs are more likely to chase, working dogs can become more aggressive, and each breed has their own special idiosyncrasies that makes them unique. 

Unfamiliar with Adolescent Dog Behavior

People do not necessarily understand that dogs go through an adolescent phase, similar to the teenage phase that people go through. Generally, dogs will go through their adolescent phase between 5 months and 18 months of age. During this time, your dog will test their limits and see what they can get away with. You will notice that your dog is misbehaving more often than usual and you have to stay consistent in your training.

Canine Anxiety

A dog who is anxious, perhaps due to separation or a phobia, may misbehave or act in a destructive manner. This may not be an intentional act. Punishment is not the answer; the reason for the anxiety or stress needs to be addressed.

Your dog misbehaving is not necessarily a health issue. A lapse in house training may be cause for concern and an examination by your veterinarian may be needed. Otherwise, misbehavior is generally caused by your dog’s inability to properly express themselves about their uncertainties, boredom, or anxieties.. Proper training is essential in having a well-adjusted companion. If you are not sure you know how to properly train your dog, a professional dog trainer can be hired or you can enroll your dog in a training class.

Dogs that are bored or need more exercise should be given plenty of social interaction, room to play and interactive toys for play. This will keep them sharp mentally as well as wear them out physically so they do not look for ways to occupy their time. This will drastically reduce, if not completely stop, the misbehavior.

Research your dog’s breed characteristics before you bring your dog home. Know exactly what the exercise requirements and training requirements are for that breed. Take your dog to a training class or hire a professional trainer for one-on-one training. 

Provide plenty of room for your dog to play and run. Social interaction with other dogs and people is very important to keep your dog happy and stop them from misbehaving. Interactive toys or even just time with you, playing games, can help them become more willing to please you and stop misbehaving.

If your dog is suffering from a medical condition, costs will vary depending on the diagnosis and treatments provided. If it is not a medical condition and a professional dog trainer is needed, costs can range from $50 per hour to $150 per hour. Some trainers will offer a package of classes at a reduced rate.