Main Behavioral Problems in Dogs
Living with a dog also involves understanding and preventing potential behavioral issues. Recent studies indicate that over 99% of dogs exhibit at least one moderate to severe behavioral problem.
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6/6/20254 min read
Living with a dog also involves understanding and preventing potential behavioral issues. Recent studies indicate that over 99% of dogs exhibit at least one moderate to severe behavioral problem (1, 2). Among the most common issues are aggression, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, fears or phobias, excessive barking, and compulsive behaviors. Below, each of these problems is described from a scientific and ethological perspective, followed by practical prevention and management strategies.
Aggression
Aggression in dogs is displayed through threatening behaviors or attacks intended to cause harm (3). It may include growling, biting, or intimidating postures, and its causes often involve fear, resource guarding, territoriality, or frustration (3, 4). In fact, fear is the underlying cause of most canine aggression (5). This issue is very common in veterinary consultations; for example, over half of British veterinarians reported an increase in aggressive cases among young dogs during the pandemic, linked to inadequate socialization in their early months (6, 7).
To address aggression, it is crucial to identify and avoid specific triggers while using reward-based behavior modification techniques. Keeping the dog below its stress threshold (avoiding overwhelming situations), training with positive reinforcement, and, in severe cases, seeking specialist support or considering anti-anxiety medication are recommended (8, 9).
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences emotional distress upon being left alone. Veterinary reports suggest around 14% of dogs suffer from this condition (10). It manifests through behaviors such as chewing furniture or objects, prolonged barking or howling, inappropriate urination or defecation, excessive drooling, and desperate escape attempts when the owner leaves (11, 12).
This disorder can have various origins: it is more common in dogs separated from their mothers before 60 days or in male shelter dogs, whereas proper socialization during adolescence (5–10 months) and predictable routines appear to protect against it (13).
For separation anxiety symptoms, desensitization (gradually acclimating the dog to solitude) and counterconditioning (associating the owner’s absence with positive stimuli, such as food-dispensing toys) are recommended (14). Creating a calm environment (e.g., a space with a bed and familiar objects) and avoiding dramatic farewells also help. In severe cases, veterinary-prescribed anti-anxiety medication may be necessary.
Destructive Behavior
Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, destroying objects, digging in the yard) often stems from curiosity or anxiety rather than malice. Many of these actions are normal exploratory behaviors that arise when a dog lacks sufficient exercise or mental stimulation (15). They are frequently linked to stress or boredom: anxious dogs may release tension by destroying things when left alone (16, 17).
Providing daily exercise and appropriate toys (such as chew toys or puzzle feeders) helps channel their energy (15). Supervision or confinement (e.g., in a safe area with dog-proof items) when unsupervised can also prevent property damage.
Fears and Phobias
Dogs can develop intense fear responses to various stimuli. Fear is a normal reaction to a real or perceived threat, whereas a phobia is an irrational and exaggerated fear (18). Common triggers include fear of other dogs or strangers (especially children), loud or unfamiliar noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners), and specific situations or places (vet visits, unfamiliar surfaces) (19).
For example, noise phobias—such as fear of thunder or fireworks—are very common and often lead to escape attempts or hiding (20). Managing these fears involves counterconditioning: gradually exposing the dog to the feared stimulus in a controlled setting while pairing it with positive reinforcement (treats or praise) to teach calm responses. Providing a safe retreat at home and, in extreme cases, using veterinarian-approved anti-anxiety medication can also help.
Excessive Barking
Barking is a natural form of canine communication but can become problematic if excessive. Dogs bark for various reasons: excitement, alerting to strangers, territorial defense, fear, frustration (being unable to access something), loneliness, or attention-seeking (21, 22).
To address excessive barking, identifying the root cause is essential. Teaching a "quiet" command—rewarding periods of silence—and avoiding unintentional reinforcement (e.g., not responding to attention-seeking barks) are effective strategies. Punitive methods (shock collars or yelling) are discouraged, as they only suppress behavior temporarily and increase stress (23).
Enriching the dog’s routine with exercise and interactive toys can also reduce boredom- or anxiety-driven barking.
Compulsive Behaviors
Compulsive disorders in dogs involve uncontrollable, repetitive actions that appear purposeless, such as tail-chasing, spinning, excessive licking, or self-biting to the point of injury (24, 25). These resemble human obsessive behaviors and often arise from unresolved stress or frustration (25).
Certain breeds (e.g., Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Dobermans) are predisposed to compulsive tendencies. Treatment typically combines environmental enrichment (more exercise and chew toys), behavioral therapy (redirecting the dog’s focus), and medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., clomipramine) are often prescribed to reduce underlying anxiety and improve symptoms (26).
Prevention and Management Strategies
General Prevention:
Early socialization: Gradually expose puppies to diverse people, animals, and environments in a positive manner to reduce future fears (27).
Exercise and enrichment: Provide daily physical and mental stimulation (walks, play, puzzle toys) to prevent boredom (28).
Positive reinforcement training: Reward desired behaviors and avoid punitive methods, which can exacerbate fear or aggression (29).
Routine and health: Maintain consistent feeding/walking schedules. Regular vet check-ups rule out pain or medical causes of behavioral changes (9, 30).
Specific Management:
Aggression: Avoid triggers, use positive reinforcement training, and consult a behaviorist for severe cases (8, 9).
Separation anxiety: Practice gradual departures, provide engaging toys, and create a calm environment (14).
Destructive behavior: Offer appropriate chew toys and ensure sufficient exercise before alone time.
Fears/phobias: Use desensitization and counterconditioning; provide a safe space during stressful events.
Excessive barking: Identify the cause, train alternative behaviors, and avoid punishment (21, 22).
Compulsions: Redirect the behavior, increase enrichment, and consider medication if needed (26).
Conclusion
Understanding dogs’ ethological needs (socialization, exercise, clear structure) and using positive reinforcement-based training can prevent and correct most behavioral issues. Early detection of stress signals, proper socialization, and professional guidance for persistent problems are key to ensuring the well-being of both dogs and their families (14, 29).
Sources: The above information is based on recent veterinary behavior and canine ethology studies (1, 3, 14, 26), presented accessibly for pet owners. Key claims are supported by cited references.
(1, 2) More Than 99% Of US Dogs Have A Behavior Problem, Texas A&M Researcher Finds – Texas A&M Stories
(3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 27, 28, 29) Problemas de comportamiento de los perros - Comportamiento - Manual de veterinaria de Merck
(6, 7) Veterinarios advierten de un aumento de comportamientos agresivos en los perros adquiridos durante la pandemia
https://www.animalshealth.es/mascotas/veterinarios-advierten-aumento-comportamientos-agresivos-perros-adquiridos- pandemia-covid-19
(12, 13) Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management - PMC
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7521022/
(14, 17) Explaining Destructive Behavior in Dogs • MSPCA-Angell
https://www.mspca.org/pet_resources/explaining-destructive-behavior-in-dogs/
(21, 22, 23) Excessive barking | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/ excessive-barking
(25, 26) Frontiers | An Interdisciplinary Approach for Compulsive Behavior in Dogs: A Case Report
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.801636/full
(30) Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-separation-anxiety/
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