How to Correct Bad Behavior in Dogs

A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people--or even make them feel threatened. To raise a well behaved dog, enroll him or her in an obedience class at a young age. Here are some pointers on how to handle common dog problems.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Stop begging. This stems from natural instinct, improper socialization, boredom or desire for your attention. To stop it, feed your dog on a regular schedule with no snacks between meals. Never feed to the dog from the dinner table, and ignore the dog while he's begging.
2. Prevent or stop biting. Dogs bite because they're teething, they feel threatened, they're injured, they've been abused or, sometimes, if the dog is in heat. Provide dogs plenty of chew toys. If a puppy nips or bites, use a can or bottle filled with coins or rocks as a shaker, and shake it at them while saying "no" firmly. The shake can will startle them. Dogs that are injured should be muzzled until they've healed to prevent biting.
3. Keep your dog from chasing cars. Often a dog is protecting its territory when doing this, other times, it could mean simply that the dog dislikes cars. Keep the dog in a secure yard where the street isn't accessible. On walks, leash the dog and yank firmly on the leash if he guns for a car. That said, lavish praise on a dog when he resists chasing cars. Exercise the dog regularly to rid it of pent-up energy.
4. Step chewing. This is also an element of the natural teething process in puppies. It also arises from boredom, separation anxiety, undernourishment, lack of exercise and thunderstorms. Give dogs chew toys and an alternative, particularly in puppies. Older dogs should have varied chew-toy options. Spray bitter apple (available at pet stores) on items the dog likes to chew. Home remedies include hot pepper sauce, vinegar and hot mustard, as well as alum mixed with water. Say "no" and use the shake can if you catch the dog in the act. Exercise the dog daily. Consult a vet if there is a diet problem or if the dog has a problem during thunderstorms.
5. Don't let your dog dig through the trash. This results from hunger, boredom or a strong odor. Store the trash can in an inaccessible area and use a sealed lid. Spray bitter apple on the trash can or try some of the aforementioned home remedies. Once the dog knows that the shake can means "no," you can place it on top of the trash as a warning sign.
6. Avoid holes in the lawn by preventing the dog from digging in it. Dogs usually dig as a natural sheltering instinct. They also do it to escape from the yard, from boredom, separation anxiety, critters and vermin or a desire to cool off in hot weather. Discourage it early on because it's one of the tougher habits to break, especially in terriers. Provide toys in your absence. If it's hot, put a kiddie pool in the yard. Exercise the dog daily. If it can't be stopped, confine the dog to an area of the lawn where digging is acceptable.
7. Don't let your dog eat its (or others') stool. They do this because of undernourishment, stress, boredom or poor hygienic conditions. Clean up the stool as soon as the dog has eliminated it. Feed the dog special food, available through vets, that makes feces undesirable. Exercise and play with the dog daily to relieve stress and boredom. Keep the dog on a leash during walks, and use your shake can.
8. Quiet excessive barking. Along with the usual culprits, territorial aggression and frustration can be to blame. Exercise the dog plenty. Train your dog to know the boundaries of the yard and narrow the area she feels territorial about.
9. Don't let your dog fight with other dogs. Enroll your dog in obedience courses. Keep your dog on a leash during walk. Yank leash and say "no" firmly if he growls at another dog. Never try to break up dog fight with your hands. Hose dogs off, throw a jacket on them or try to distract them with loud noise.
10. Keep dogs from jumping on people. Consistently discourage the practice at early age with firm "no." Ignore the dog and avoid eye contact when she jumps on you to discourage such behavior. Tell the dog to "sit" and reward her with affection and treats when she obeys. Exercise the dog daily to reduce excess energy.