Learn 8 common dog behaviour problems, why they happen and when vet support or pet insurance can help your dog get the right care.
If you’ve ever been bowled over by your overexcited Labrador? Dragged down the road by your determined Vizsla? Found a mysterious “gift” on your carpet in the lounge?
You’re not alone.
Behaviour problems are one of the most common reasons pet parents ask vets for help. And while they can be frustrating, they’re rarely random. Your dog isn’t being “bad”. They’re trying to tell you something.
The good news? With the right approach, patience and consistency, many behaviour issues can improve a lot. Some can even be resolved completely.
Here are eight common dog behaviour problems, why they happen, and what you can do about them.
1. Separation anxiety
If your dog panics when you leave, you might notice barking, whining, pacing, chewing, scratching at doors or toileting indoors. In severe cases, dogs can even hurt themselves trying to escape.
Why it happens
Dogs are social animals. Some cope just fine on their own. Others struggle, especially if they’re very attached to you or their routine has changed.
What you can do
The goal is to teach your dog that being alone is safe and calm.
Start small. Really small. This may mean briefly leaving the room while your dog is settled, then slowly building up the time they spend alone.
Skip the dramatic goodbyes and big reunions. Greet your dog only once they’re calm and all four paws are on the ground.
Food puzzles, lick mats and safe chew toys can also help, especially if you rotate them to keep things interesting.
For moderate to severe separation anxiety, you may need support from your vet and a qualified animal behaviourist. Pheromone therapy, behavioural medication and a structured plan can make a real difference.
2. Aggression
Aggression can look like growling, snapping or biting. It may be directed at people, other dogs, or linked to things like food, toys or space.
Why it happens
Aggression is usually rooted in fear, pain, frustration or learned behaviour. It’s not about your dog trying to “dominate” you, even though that old myth still gets thrown around.
What you can do
Don’t ignore it. And don’t punish it.
First, you need to understand what’s driving the behaviour. A vet check is important, especially because pain can make dogs react aggressively. Pet insurance can help with unexpected accidents and illnesses that may be linked to sudden behaviour changes.
From there, the safest route is a structured behaviour plan, often created with your vet and an animal behaviourist. Aggression can escalate, so this is one area where getting help early really matters.
3. Excessive barking
Barking is normal. Constant barking? Less fun for you, your dog and the neighbours.
Why it happens
Dogs bark for a reason. Common triggers include boredom, anxiety, territorial behaviour, frustration or attention-seeking.
Barking is one of your dog’s main ways of communicating. So instead of only asking, “How do I stop this?”, ask, “What is my dog trying to tell me?”
What you can do
Start by finding the trigger.
A bored dog may need more stimulation. An anxious dog may need structure, reassurance and, in some cases, medication. A dog barking at every passer-by may need help feeling less on duty all day.
Trying to stop the noise without dealing with the cause usually doesn’t work for long.
Shock collars and debarking procedures aren’t recommended. They don’t solve the underlying problem and can make anxiety and behaviour issues worse.
4. Destructive behaviour
Chewed couch. Shredded cushion. Garden that now looks like a tiny mining site.
Destructive behaviour is often a sign that something is missing in your dog’s day.
Why it happens
Common causes include boredom, too much pent-up energy, frustration or anxiety. Young dogs and high-energy breeds are especially prone to this.
What you can do
Increase both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Even five minutes of focused training a day can help. Dogs love having something to do, especially when it involves treats, praise and your attention.
Try short, game-based training sessions. Rotate toys. Use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and lick mats. Create a safe routine without making it too predictable or boring.
A tired brain is often just as useful as tired legs.
5. Pulling on the lead
You leave the house imagining a peaceful walk. Ten minutes later, your shoulder feels like it’s filing for divorce.
Why it happens
Pulling works. It gets your dog closer to the smell, the park, the other dog, the exciting thing up ahead.
So they keep doing it.
What you can do
Loose-lead walking is a skill. It needs to be taught.
Stop walking when the lead tightens. Move forward only when it loosens again. Reward your dog when they walk calmly next to you.
Front-clip harnesses or half-chain collars can help during training, but consistency matters more than equipment.
Avoid choke chains. They can cause serious physical harm and don’t teach your dog what you actually want them to do.
6. Inappropriate toileting
A puddle by the door. A wet patch on the rug. A “present” in the corner.
Deeply annoying? Yes. Defiance? Probably not.
Why it happens
In younger dogs, this may be linked to incomplete house training or anxiety. In older dogs, age-related cognitive decline can play a role. Yes, doggy Alzheimer’s is real.
Medical issues can also cause sudden changes, including bladder infections, diabetes or kidney disease.
What you can do
Start with a vet check, especially if the behaviour is new or sudden.
Once medical causes are ruled out, go back to basics: regular toilet breaks, a consistent routine and praise the moment your dog toilets in the right place.
Clean accidents properly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell.
Don’t punish your dog, hit them or rub their nose in the mess. It increases fear and anxiety, and often makes the problem worse.
7. Compulsive behaviours
Tail chasing, excessive licking, flank sucking or snapping at the air may seem funny at first. But repetitive behaviours can become serious if they continue.
Why it happens
These behaviours are often linked to anxiety, chronic stress, frustration or pain. Some breeds may also be more prone to them.
What you can do
Act early.
Increase enrichment, reduce stress where you can and avoid punishment. Redirect your dog when the behaviour starts, then reward a calmer alternative.
In more advanced cases, your vet may recommend pheromone therapy or behavioural medication, usually alongside a behaviour plan from a qualified animal behaviourist.
8. Jumping
Your friends arrive for a braai and your dog launches at them like a furry torpedo. Paws on chests. Tongues on faces. One toddler down.
Why it happens
Jumping is usually a friendly greeting. Your dog is trying to get to your face, where all the attention happens.
And if jumping has ever worked, even if the “reward” was you shouting or pushing them away, they may keep doing it.
What you can do
Ignore the jumping completely. Turn away, fold your arms and avoid eye contact.
The moment all four paws are on the ground, calmly reward your dog with praise or a treat.
Everyone needs to follow the same rule: family, visitors, the friend who insists “it’s fine, I love dogs”.
Teaching a reliable “sit” for greetings can also help. Your dog learns that calm behaviour gets attention. Jumping doesn’t.
When should you be concerned?
A behaviour problem needs attention when it:
- Gets worse over time;
- Puts people or other animals at risk;
- Affects your dog’s quality of life; or
- Starts affecting your own quality of life.
These aren’t issues to wait out forever. The earlier you step in, the easier they are to manage.
Why early help matters
Behaviour problems can become habits. And habits are much harder to change once they’re well rehearsed.
Getting help early can mean fewer consultations, less intensive treatment and lower long-term costs.
A practical reality check
Behaviour issues can take time, effort and sometimes money to manage. Treatment may include training, changes at home, follow-up vet visits and, in some cases, medication.
Many pet parents don’t budget for this. Some pet insurance plans include behavioural consultations and treatment, which can make support more accessible when you need it.
One last thought
Your dog’s behaviour is communication.
So when something feels off, pay attention. With patience, consistency and the right support, most behaviour issues can improve significantly.
Your vet isn’t only there for vaccines, check-ups and upset tummies. They can also help you understand what your dog is trying to tell you, and what to do next.
Behaviour problems can take time, patience and the right support to manage. Sometimes that means vet visits, follow-ups, medication or help from a qualified behaviourist.
Naked Pet Insurance can help make that care easier to access, with cover for unexpected accidents and illnesses.
Get a quote online in minutes and choose the cover that works for you and your dog.
References
- Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
- Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2012). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Elsevier.
- Yin, S. (2009). Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats.
- Herron, M., Shofer, F., & Reisner, I. (2009). Survey of training methods in dogs.
- Luescher, A. (2003). Compulsive disorders in companion animals.
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statements.
- RSPCA behaviour advice.
- Dr Tom Mitchell, Behavet.
