Top 5 Behavioral Problems in Dogs

Digging

Dogs really like to dig. You'll have to train Fido to get them to stop. When you catch them in the act say "no." Then distract them with a toy. It won’t help to scold them after they are done. You need to be consistent when they are digging, not afterward. Tip: Give them a sandbox where they can go to town. Bury some favorite toys and watch them have fun getting them out. Pile on the praise -- it will help them learn that they can dig all day in that spot.

Chewing

Dogs, especially puppies, explore the world with their mouth. They liks to chew because it calms them. But it destroys your stuff. Even worse -- they might eat something like a sock that could block their intestines. Break this habit now. Give them chew toys, and take away things they shouldn't gnaw on. If you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, say “no,” replace the object with an approved toy, and praise them once they are chewing it.

Begging

There’s one surefire way to prevent this: Never give your dog food from the table. If they don’t get scraps, they won't learn to beg. You can take them out of the room while you eat or put them in their crate. Or teach them to go to a special spot and wait it out.

Not Coming When Called

Always praise your dog when they come to you, whether you called or not. That teaches them that coming to you is good. Say "come" or "here." They may not understand what you want if you just call their name. If they don't come, don't chase them. Call them again while you move away. That might make them come after you. If they still don't show up, tell them to sit, and go get them.

Pulling on the Leash

Help your dog learn to walk calmly beside you. Never let them pull, or else they'll learn that doing it sometimes pays off. Keep the leash short but loose. Stop when you feel it go tight. They'll stop to see why you aren't moving. When they come back, reward them and keep walking. After a few days, they’ll figure out that pulling get them nowhere.