Common Behavior Problems

Dogs can eat some strange things, including dirt. More often than not, a dog will eat dirt just because it's something to do, but occasionally there are real medical concerns that may be causing your dog to eat dirt.

Bruxism, the act of grinding teeth together using jaw muscles, includes clenching or striking teeth. Teeth grinding is well known among humans, but it can occur in dogs as well. Mild teeth grinding may not cause any issues, but frequent grinding or clenching of the teeth can lead to problems with the teeth and jaw.

There's no doubt that every dog is its own person and has a specific personality. However, most dogs exhibit some unusual behavior patterns. If you've ever wondered, "Why is he doing that?", you're not alone. Find out below why some dogs act the way they do.

Should you allow your dog to get on the couch? Is it okay to let your dog sleep in your bed? These are common questions for dog owners. Many of us allow our dogs on furniture, choosing sofas and beds that accommodate our pets. However, other people believe dogs should not be allowed on furniture due to personal preferences or concerns about potential behavior issues like aggression.

Any dog can bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control, dogs bite around 4.5 million people each year.1 This number may seem frightening, but there are a number of things you can do to ensure that your dog doesn't contribute to this dog bite statistic.

Dogs growl as a way to communicate. Growling indicates pain, fear, possessiveness, aggression, or that a dog is having fun. You have to identify the reason a dog is growling to be able to interpret the vocalization and decide how to respond to the growl.

The reasons why some dogs eat feces are not entirely known, but we understand how frustrating it can be for dog owners. If you find that your pup is often eating poop, don't fret: Coprophagia, or the act of eating feces, is relatively common in dogs. It's also treatable in several ways, such as keeping your yard free of dog droppings and understanding why your dog is doing this in the first place.

For many of us, settling down for the night may involve putting on some soothing music, turning on a fan, and plumping and positioning the pillows to be just right. Dogs also have complex and important nighttime rituals that help them feel safe and ready to sleep. It can be distracting and even annoying to be all settled down for sleep, only to have your dog jump on the bed and circle and scratch at the bedding for several minutes.

Your dog may be perfectly calm and have no behavior problems around women and children, but it may become a completely different dog when a man enters the room or tries to approach. Some dogs try to hide or start cowering, shaking, or urinating out of nervousness. Others become anxious or show signs of aggression, like growling or baring their teeth. In some cases, a dog may unexpectedly attack or bite a man.

Social anxiety is a troubling disorder for both dogs and their owners. Some dogs experience nervousness or fear in situations that involve other dogs or people. It may happen when you take your dog to the park, crowded events, or the veterinarian. Shyness or trembling are signs of anxiety; aggression may also occur. This condition is easier to manage early in a dog's life, but there are strategies you can use to help an older dog cope with social stressors.

It never fails: after giving your puppy a bath so he looks and smells lovely, he runs outside and rolls in poop.

Is your dog a leaner? It might stand or sit by your legs and put much of its weight on you. Leaning is common in dogs, especially large and giant dog breeds. Many dogs that lean also like to lie with part of their body against yours. Is this common behavior normal, or is it a behavior problem?

Has your dog ever started running around like a maniac for no apparent reason? Some dogs get sudden bursts of energy that seem to make them go from zero to sixty in mere seconds. Many people call this "the zoomies" because it often involves the dog zooming all over the place at high speed.

Does your dog become aggressive, or even try to bite, during nail trimmings? While humans often enjoy visiting a salon, many dogs do not feel the same about nail clipping. Some dogs tolerate nail trimming despite not enjoying it, while others may become aggressive due to their strong dislike.

Dogs often lick their butts as part of their regular grooming routine; however, excessive licking is not typical. Not only is it unpleasant to observe, but it might also indicate a health issue in your dog.

Why do dogs love to dig? Dogs dig for several different reasons, but the good news is there are a few things you can do to deter destruction as a result.

Is your dog afraid of the stairs? Some dogs are afraid of going up and down stairs. This is a fairly common fear or phobia, especially in young dogs who may not have encountered them while they were puppies.1 Fortunately, you can help your dog get over this fear and go up and down the stairs with confidence. Here's what you need to know if your dog has a fear of the stairs.

Have you ever noticed your dog licking another dog's pee? Dogs are known to display plenty of odd behaviors and weird habits, like sniffing each other's rears or suddenly getting the zoomies. When dogs sniff the urine of other dogs, they get a world of stimulating information.

Jumping up is a common behavior problem among dogs, but there are several solutions to stop a dog from jumping on you when excited. Most of the time, jumping only indicates that your dog is seeking attention. The good news is that you can train your dog to stop jumping on people and start greeting everyone more politely.

Eating grass is a common behavior in dogs and isn't as concerning as other things dogs try to eat. However, you may wish to stop your dog from eating grass if you're concerned about chemicals or parasites on the ground. The reason behind this foraging behavior isn't entirely clear, but it may be a normal behavior inherited from dogs' wild relatives, a sign of a health or behavioral issue, or a way to fulfill an unmet nutritional need.

Most people generally know what it means when a dog growls. When you hear a dog growling, it can be very frightening. That's because growling is often the first sign of aggression seen from a dog. It is a warning that a dog might bite, so it's important to be very careful near a growling dog. For this reason, it's important to understand why your dog is growling so you can figure out the degree of aggression and the best way to deal with the problem.

Barking is a normal activity for dogs. Dogs will use their bark to express a number of emotions and a bark can mean different things depending on the situation. However, excessive dog barking is a nuisance and can be considered a behavior problem.

Have you ever given your dog a bone only to watch him head to the couch or outside in the garden to bury it? Many dogs like to hide things in safe places and often dogs are predisposed to bury items that belong to them, and sometimes items that do not. Discover four reasons why this behavior occurs, and how or if you should stop it.

Whether you named your dog Shadow or not, there’s a good chance that your canine companion follows you around the house. Many dogs seem to love (or even need) to follow their owners around. While this generally is just a sign of your dog’s interest in you, it can also be a symptom of underlying anxiety or lack of confidence in your dog.

Losing your dog can be a terrifying experience. It’s even scarier to realize that your dog ran away on purpose. If your dog runs away repeatedly, it’s important to understand why and figure out how to stop it.

Whether you let your dog on the furniture or not is a hotly debated topic. Some people are very passionate about their stance on their dog's couch surfing. So, what's the big deal and how do you keep your dog off the couch should you desire to?

Nystagmus in dogs describes when your dog’s eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably. While alarming for caregivers, understanding it is not normal and requires prompt attention is key.

Dogs are common companions, making the prevention of dog bites essential. While some dogs are more amiable, any dog can be capable of biting, regardless of breed or size. Even the friendliest dog might snap or bite when hurt or scared.

Is your dog scared of children? Dogs and kids can form lifelong bonds under the right circumstances. However, if a dog fears children, it may not be safe to bring them together.

You have probably seen a dog bare its teeth at one point or another. You might have thought it meant "stay away" and you were probably right. But what does it really mean when a dog bares its teeth? Do some dogs smile? If your own dog shows his teeth, is it aggression or is he smiling?

Humping is a common behavior in dogs, though it can sometimes be embarrassing. This behavior is especially awkward if your dog humps people, particularly those who don't like dogs. Some dogs will hump their toys, furniture, shoes, or other pets. While humping is usually harmless and normal, it can be curbed if it's problematic.

Separation anxiety in dogs is the distress some dogs feel when they are left alone without their human or other animal companion. It can be a complicated issue to diagnose and treat, but luckily there are methods to treat separation anxiety in dogs and give and your pup some relief. Here are the signs, causes, and training steps to help fix separation anxiety.

How does your dog feel about car rides? A dog that loves traveling will joyfully hop in for an adventure. Conversely, a fearful dog might resist getting into the car, causing distress or acting out during the journey. This common phobia can be discouraging, distracting, and potentially unsafe for drivers and dogs alike.

Dogs occasionally suffer bouts of depression. When dogs are depressed, they often appear sad and withdrawn. They can even lose interest in play.

If your dog is peeing on your bed, you are likely beyond frustrated. Dog urine can ruin your bed. Plus, if you don't use a urine detector to find and clean the stain, the scent may attract your dog, and they might just pee again.

Dogs may fight over territory, to protect their families, and because of overstimulation. Despite how it may look to humans, dogs don't fight without a reason. Dogs can seriously injure each other during a fight or attack, and sometimes these injuries may even result in death. It's imperative dog parents know how to safely break up a dogfight if they are ever in the unfortunate situation.

Some dogs are scared of people, while others display extreme fear of strangers. They may cower, tremble, or try to hide from any new person they encounter. While it's not uncommon for dogs to fear strangers, an ideal reaction would be open friendliness rather than hiding or fleeing.

While it might seem like your dog is whining for no reason, they're actually trying to communicate. Like barking and growling, whining is a way for dogs to express their desires, excitement, pain, stress, and more. Whether you should respond to a whining dog depends on the reason behind it. Rewarding whining with treats or attention could encourage the behavior, leading to excessive whining. There are ways to interpret the whining, calm your dog, and possibly stop the behavior.

Sudden aggression in a dog can be frightening for any pet parent. An adult dog that's been with you for a while typically behaves predictably, so unexpected irritability is concerning. If your cheerful, loving dog suddenly becomes aggressive without an apparent cause, we're here to assist you.

Dog behavior problems are often misunderstood or mishandled by dog owners. Whether you are new to dog ownership, considering getting a dog, or trying to help your dog with a challenging issue.

A dog peeing in the house can be very frustrating, especially when it's a housetrained adult dog. Inappropriate urination is a common issue in dogs that may be caused by a medical or behavioral issue and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Whether directed at you, a family member, a stranger, or another animal, an aggressive dog is not only frightening but could also lead to injury or legal issues. Although it might seem that a dog is aggressive without cause, most show this behavior due to a few basic reasons: they are sick, frightened, possessive, or frustrated.

If your house-trained puppy or recently rescued dog pees on the floor when people come over or when you arrive home, it may be due to submissive or excitement-based urination. Any inappropriate urination, regardless of how or where it occurs, could signal an underlying health problem, so it's worth knowing what submissive or excitement-based urination looks like—and when something more serious may be affecting your dog.1

Yes, dogs will lick you to show affection, often called giving you kisses. However, there are other reasons you might end up with a slobbery face or hand. Your dog might be seeking attention, following instincts, or simply figuring out how you taste.

Possessive aggression in dogs poses a significant problem for dog owners and often leads them to seek help from animal behavior specialists. This behavior, known as possession aggression or resource guarding, occurs when a dog acts aggressively toward people or other animals approaching valued objects like toys, treats, or food. If your dog's aggression stems from this, behavior modification and training may help. Here's how to address it effectively.

If your dog often growls, snaps, or bites, it may have an aggression issue. Aggression is a common reason why dog owners consult professional trainers or animal behaviorists. It's important to note that any breed can exhibit aggression under specific conditions, not just larger dogs or "dangerous breeds."

Dogs bark for many reasons: to express how they’re feeling, to communicate crucial information, and to draw attention to something they find concerning. In addition to facial expressions, body language, and other vocalizations, barking is a vital way for dogs to communicate. People often find a barking dog annoying, but it’s important to remember that from the dog’s perspective, they are trying to convey necessary information.

Signs of jealousy can occur in dogs in many different situations. They may arise between dogs in multi-dog households or when your pup has a visiting doggy friend. You may also notice these signs directed towards people when a new human is in your household, or maybe even after the arrival of a baby.

Pit bulls have unfortunately been stereotyped as aggressive and dangerous animals, but a well-socialized and trained pit bull is far from it. Modern pit bulls were actually developed specifically to be friendly and gentle toward humans, and people who live with pit bulls can attest to their loving, loyal nature. In fact, in one study, pit bull type dogs showed significantly decreased aggression to owners but increased aggression to dogs, but they did not rank highest in any aggressive category.1 So how did they get their reputation? Here's what to know about these commonly misunderstood dogs.

One of the most common non-food items for dogs to eat are rocks, but why do dogs eat rocks in the first place? The consumption of non-food items that provide no physical benefit to the dog can occur with a condition called pica and can be a manifestation of a true medical condition or a behavioral condition.1 Here's why your dog might be eating rocks and how you can stop the behavior.

Littermate syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe sibling rivalry or extreme attachment between dogs. There's a longstanding theory that when sibling dogs are raised together, problems can develop. The two dogs may begin to fight with one another, or they may become overly bonded to the point that they become anxious when separated.

Desensitization and counterconditioning are two training methods that may help your dog overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain people, animals, or other triggers. If your dog is exhibiting fear or anxiety, it is important to develop a plan that is consistent1 and based on proven methods2 to retrain your dog's thought processes and reactions.

Bringing a new dog home is exciting, but it’s not always the picture-perfect experience you envisioned. One day you’re gushing over how adorable they are, and the next, you’re surveying the damage after they’ve chewed through your couch or ripped apart your favorite shoes. It can be tough to not let your frustration take over in these moments, but staying calm is crucial for your pup’s well-being.

The Fourth of July is typically a wonderful holiday for humans, but the same holiday can have our furry friends feeling red, white, and blue. From loud, booming fireworks to busy parades, Independence Day is not the most pet-friendly holiday. That's why it's so important to take proper precautions and keep your pets calm and secure.Luckily, you can help reduce pet stress by preparing ahead of time.

Dogs can be quite funny, sometimes engaging in behaviors that have us scratching our heads. If you find yourself asking why your dog is licking furniture, then you know exactly the sort of behavior we’re talking about. In many cases, a dog licking furniture is harmless, but it can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Bringing home a rescue dog can feel like the start of an exciting new chapter. But the first days or weeks may also come with a few unwelcome surprises. Your new canine companion might hide under the bed, spend all night pacing, pant nervously whenever the dishwasher starts running, or have accidents indoors.

Dogs will howl for different reasons but howling is usually thought be a form of communication. Howling is a normal vocalization that wild dogs often make but it isn't exclusive to just coyotes and wolves. All breeds of dogs, even a little Pomeranian or a Chihuahua, have the ability to howl, but certain breeds are more well known for making this sound. Sometimes a howl is done out of fear, due to pain, from disorientation after waking up from anesthesia, or simply to make their presence known. It's important to know what your dog may be trying to communicate to you when they are howling.

Most of us humans enjoy the occasional massage, but why is it that so many dogs enjoy, initiate, and even seem to expect pets on a regular basis?