Why is it necessary to train dogs? As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to teach your dog basic commands. Without training, your dog will become ill-mannered. Think of your dog as a toddler. Imagine if a child is not disciplined. In most cases, these children will throw tantrums and meltdowns wherever, whenever and this can be a real headache for parents.

The same is true for your dog. If your dog isn’t disciplined, it will misbehave and cause you a great deal of stress. Dog training can be challenging. Thankfully, dog experts have shared some of their ideas, techniques, and strategies to make it easier for you to train your dog. There are also dog training classes you can try.

A good foundation for dog training is to start with obedience training. Once your dog masters basic obedience commands you can smoothly shift to other more advanced tricks. Let’s check out some of the common dog behavior problems pet owners are struggling to control.

#1 Excessive Barking

Obviously, dogs can’t talk they bark and use body language to communicate. There are times when your dog howls or whines and that’s completely normal but when your dog starts to bark excessively that it becomes a nuisance you can consider that a behavioral problem.

To address excessive barking you must first identify what’s causing it. Some of the reasons why dogs bark includes responding to other animals, boredom, anxiety, seeking attention, excitement, playfulness, or a warning.

You can control the barking by teaching your dog the bark/quiet command.

#2 Chewing

Again, just like barking, chewing is a normal dog behavior. It’s part of their system. It’s how they are wired. But when it becomes excessive and unnecessary to the point where it causes damage to furniture and other possessions you need to make it stop. Some of the common causes why dogs chew include boredom, excess energy, curiosity, anxiety, and puppy teething.

You can address this behavioral problem by providing your dog with chew toys. There are plenty of chew toys sold in the market today and they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Don’t give your dog personal items in your home even if you no longer use them because this will give your dog the wrong idea and it will think that it’s okay to chew on these things. When you catch your pet chewing on a sandal or a furniture leg distract it immediately. Once you get its attention give it a chew toy.

Another way to avoid chewing is by allowing your dog to exercise throughout the day so that it can release its pent-up energy. When a dog is tired after exercising it will not be tempted to chew on personal items.

#3 Digging

Dogs dig. It’s in their nature especially if your dog is a terrier. Dogs dig for many reasons like hunting instinct, fear, anxiety, excessive energy, boredom, seeking comfort, trying to escape, trying to gain access, or attempting to hide possessions like toys and bones.

If your dog’s digging is becoming annoying you must determine the root cause. Once you’ve identified it, find ways to eliminate the cause. Again, it’s helpful to give our dog time to exercise so that it can release its bottled-up energy. You may also provide a place for your dog to dig. Getting a sandbox is a smart idea.

Takeaway

Dog training should be consistent for it to be effective. Don’t worry if you are a newbie at this because there are plenty of resources you can find online to help you get started with your training. If you don’t have the time to spare, you can always hire a professional dog trainer.