Dog Behavior Problem Solver

Which problem are you dealing with?

Select the option that best describes your situation.

Excessive barking

Your dog barks too much — at sounds, people, other dogs, or for attention.

Jumping on people

Your dog jumps up on people when greeting or excited.

Leash pulling

Your dog pulls hard on the leash during walks.

Chewing

Your dog chews on furniture, shoes, or other items they should not.

Potty accidents

Your dog is having accidents (peeing or pooping) inside the house.

Digging

Your dog digs holes in the yard or garden.

Separation-related behavior

Your dog shows distress, destructiveness, or vocalizing when left alone.

Fear/anxiety around common situations

Your dog shows fear or anxiety toward everyday things or situations.

Reactivity

Your dog overreacts (barking, lunging, growling) to certain triggers on leash or at home.

Other everyday behavior problem

A common behavior issue that does not fit the other categories.

About Dog Behavior Problems

Everyday dog behavior problems — barking, jumping, pulling, chewing, potty accidents, digging, and separation-related distress — are incredibly common. Most can be improved with consistent management, clear training, and an understanding of what is driving the behavior.

The Dog Daily Behavior Problem Solver helps you identify what may be contributing to the behavior and gives you a practical, beginner-friendly plan. It covers your dog’s age, when and where the behavior happens, what triggers it, your current response, exercise levels, and recent routine changes.

Each plan includes what to do today, what to stop doing, what to practice, a 7-day action plan, and a progress check. The approach is based on positive, force-free methods — no punishment-based techniques are recommended.

Important: For aggression, biting, dangerous behavior, or severe distress, please seek help from a qualified veterinarian and/or a professional force-free dog behavior consultant. This tool is not a substitute for professional behavior advice.

Dog Behavior FAQs

How can I reduce excessive barking?

First, identify what triggers the barking (sounds, people, other dogs, attention-seeking, or being left alone). Block visual access to outdoor triggers by closing blinds or using window film, and muffle sounds with white noise. Avoid yelling at your dog to be quiet — your dog may interpret this as joining in. Instead, reward quiet moments and teach a "quiet" cue by marking and rewarding brief pauses in barking. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental enrichment, as under-stimulated dogs bark more.

How can I stop my dog jumping on people?

The key is to stop rewarding jumping with attention — even pushing your dog away or saying "no" can count as attention. Instead, fold your arms, turn your back, and become completely still when your dog jumps. The moment four paws are on the floor, reward with calm attention. Teach an alternative behavior like "sit for greeting" and practice with family members first, then with calm visitors. Keep greetings low-key to avoid over-exciting your dog.

How can I improve leash pulling?

Stop walking forward when the leash is tight — every step forward while pulling rewards the behavior. Instead, stop and wait for slack, or turn and walk the other direction ("penalty yards"). Reward your dog for walking near your side with a loose leash. Start practicing in low-distraction areas like your driveway or a quiet hallway, and gradually move to busier environments. A front-clip harness can give you better control while you train. Avoid retractable leashes, which teach dogs that tension is normal.

How can I reduce chewing?

Provide plenty of appropriate chew outlets (durable chew toys, stuffed Kongs, safe chews) and supervise your dog when loose in the house. If you cannot supervise, use a crate or safe confinement area. Remove items you do not want chewed. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and mental enrichment — bored dogs chew more. If your dog has something off-limits, trade it for a high-value treat rather than chasing or punishing. For puppies, chewing is normal during teething — offer frozen chew toys to soothe gums.

When should I get professional behavior help?

Seek help from a qualified force-free dog behavior professional if you see aggression or biting, behavior that risks injury to people or animals, severe distress (panicked escape attempts, self-injury), fear or reactivity that is not improving or is getting worse, or any behavior that feels beyond your ability to manage safely. For sudden behavior changes with no obvious cause, consult your veterinarian first to rule out pain or medical contributors. Early professional help is always better than waiting.