Dogs with behavioural problems: Why Early Training Matters

Dogs with behavioural problems - like barking for attention, jumping, counter surfing, stealing food, nudging you to act, or dragging you on the leash - may seem harmless at first. However, if left unchecked, these habits can escalate into more serious behavioural challenges, including reactivity and aggression.

Why Do Dogs Have Behavioural Problems?

Dogs are incredibly smart and quickly learn what works to get what they want.

If barking, jumping, or pulling on the leash results in food, attention, or playtime, they’ll repeat these actions. A behaviour that gets rewarded will be repeated.

Over time, this persistence can evolve into frustration. When their demands are denied, they may escalate to more intense behaviours like growling, snapping, or lunging.

For example, if a dog learns that barking makes their owner hand over a treat, they might apply the same logic elsewhere—barking to get closer to another dog, whining to be let off-leash, or even reacting aggressively when prevented from chasing a cat. This is why early intervention is so important.

Setting Boundaries With Dogs

When a dog understands that calm, patient behaviour leads to rewards, they become more emotionally balanced. Without clear boundaries, they may become frustrated, which can lead to excessive barking, leash reactivity, or resource guarding.

To prevent demanding behaviours from spiralling into more serious issues, it’s essential to teach your dog self-control, impulse control, and polite ways to ask for what they want.

How to train dogs with behavioural problems

Imagine a world where your dog waits patiently for your command, rather than jumping and barking for attention.

So...instead of allowing your dog to demand things, guide them to communicate in a calm and respectful way. Here are five effective techniques to help curb demanding behaviours and promote patience:

1. Introduce the “Place” Command

Teaching your dog to go to a specific spot and relax helps build impulse control. Reward them for staying calm in their designated place, reinforcing that patience is rewarding.

2. Work on Impulse Control

Practice exercises that require your dog to wait before receiving something they want. For example:

• Have them sit and wait before being fed.

• Teach them to pause before exiting the door for a walk.

• Reinforce waiting calmly before being allowed to greet people or other dogs.

3. Reward Soft and Polite Behaviour

Dogs repeat behaviours that get rewarded. Praise and reward them for sitting calmly, making eye contact, or waiting patiently. Over time, they’ll learn that these polite actions are more effective than barking or jumping.

4. Be Consistent and Clear

Dogs thrive on consistency. Make sure everyone in your household follows the same rules about what’s allowed and what’s not. Mixed signals can confuse your dog and slow their progress.

5. Ignore or Redirect Demand Behaviours

If your dog barks, jumps, or pushes for attention, avoid giving in.

Instead, ignore the behaviour or redirect them to a calm alternative—like asking for a sit before giving attention or treats. Over time, they’ll realise that demanding tactics don’t work.

The Importance of Positive Reinforcement on Dogs

While it’s crucial to stop unwanted behaviours, harsh corrections can create fear or mistrust, making issues worse. Instead, focus on reinforcing the behaviours you do want to see. Redirect, reward, and remain patient—this builds trust and helps your dog feel more secure.

Common Myths About Dogs with Behavioural Problems

There are many misconceptions about behavioural problems in dogs that can lead to ineffective training or misunderstandings. Here are a few common myths:

• Myth 1: Reactivity Means Aggression – Reactivity is often mistaken for aggression, but they are not the same. Many reactive dogs are simply overexcited or anxious, not inherently aggressive.

  
  

• Myth 2: Only Certain Breeds Are Reactive – Any dog, regardless of breed, can develop reactivity if not properly socialized or if they experience stress triggers.

  
  

• Myth 3: Reactivity Will Go Away on Its Own – Without proper training and management, reactivity can worsen over time. Structured training helps dogs develop better coping mechanisms.

  
  

• Myth 4: A Reactive Dog Can’t Improve – With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, reactive dogs can learn to stay calm and respond appropriately in different situations.

Preventing Future Dog Behavioural Problems

Unchecked demanding behaviour can lead to serious issues like resource guarding, excessive barking, or aggressive reactivity. But by addressing it early and consistently teaching patience, you’ll create a calmer, happier dog and a stronger bond with them.

If your dog struggles with demand barking, jumping, leash-pulling, reactivity, or aggression, I can help.

About My Dogs Behave

At My Dogs Behave, I specialise in compassionate, effective training designed to help you and your dog thrive. Based in Sydney’s Inner West, I offer tailored solutions to guide your dog toward better behaviour.

Ready to transform your dog’s behaviour? Contact me today and let’s start the journey to a calmer, more balanced life together!

Contact me on 0426 705 556