Understanding and Solving Common Dog Behavioral Problems
Why Your Dog Acts Out — And What You Can Do About It
Learn the most common behavioral problems in dogs, what causes them, and how to address them with training, structure, and patience.
Behavior Issues Are More Common Than You Think
If your dog has quirks that drive you a little nuts—like barking at everything, lunging on leash, or chewing the couch—you’re not alone. A recent study of over 13,000 dogs found that more than 70% exhibit at least one behavioral problem (Salonen et al., 2020).
Behavioral issues are one of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters, yet most of these issues are preventable or manageable with the right tools and training (AVMA, n.d.).
Top 7 Most Common Dog Behavior Problems
Fear & Anxiety (30–40%)
Includes fear of strangers, other dogs, or new environments. Often shows up as barking, hiding, trembling, or avoidance (Salonen et al., 2020).Noise Sensitivity (30%+)
Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud vehicles. This is one of the most prevalent fear-related responses in dogs (Salonen et al., 2020).Aggression (10–20%)
May be fear-based, resource guarding, or frustration-related. Can be directed at humans, other dogs, or both (Blackwell et al., 2008).Separation Anxiety (14–20%)
Dogs may howl, destroy furniture, or soil the house when left alone. Often linked to over-dependence on the owner or lack of independence training (ASPCA, n.d.).Destructive Behavior (10–15%)
Chewing, digging, or tearing things apart, often due to boredom or stress (AVMA, n.d.).Excessive Barking (5–15%)
Barking is natural—but when it’s constant, it often signals an unmet need or stressor (AVMA, n.d.).Resource Guarding (~5–10%)
Growling or snapping when approached near food, toys, or resting spots is common and often misunderstood (ASPCA, n.d.).
Why Do Dogs Act Out?
Behavioral issues usually stem from one or more of the following:
Lack of structure or leadership
Poor socialization
Under-stimulation (mental or physical)
Past trauma or lack of confidence
Inconsistent training methods
But here’s the thing about bad behaviors — these aren’t personality flaws—they’re communication. Your dog is telling you what they need help with.
How to Start Addressing Behavior Problems
Routine & Structure: Dogs thrive with boundaries and predictable routines.
Training: Balanced training creates clarity and builds trust.
Exercise & Enrichment: A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Professional Help: Don’t wait until it’s “bad enough.” Getting help early prevents escalation.
Final Thoughts
Behavioral issues are common, but they’re not something you have to accept as normal. With the right strategy and support, your dog can become calmer, more confident, and better behaved—and you’ll enjoy your time together so much more.
Need help with your dog’s behavior? Let’s work together.
📩 contact@supernovadogtraining.com
References
Blackwell, E. J., Twells, C., Seawright, A., & Casey, R. A. (2008). The relationship between training methods and the occurrence of behavior problems, as reported by owners, in a population of domestic dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 3(5), 207–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2007.10.008
Salonen, M., Sulkama, S., Mikkola, S., Puurunen, J., Hakanen, E., Tiira, K., ... & Lohi, H. (2020). Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 2962. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59837-z
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (n.d.). Behavior problems in dogs. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/behavior-resources
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). (n.d.). Dog behavior issues. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues
