NOW OVER 350 BREEDS WORLDWIDE COVERED!
If you really want to know what breeds make up your cross breed, don't guess -research has shown that we are wrong about 75% of the time!
We would be delighted to help you find out what breeds make up your unique dog, plus we give you info on the breeds found. Just give us a shout, or visit our website and see how simple and easy it is - the kit will be sent to you by post, so no running around or visit to vet required - totally non-invasive. |
Common Reasons Why Dogs Develop Behavior Problems
by Friends of the Dog

Dogs, like people, can have a wide range of behaviours which are natural to them, but not necessarily to us, especially when extreme! Understanding the root cause of these behavior issues is crucial to addressing them effectively. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs may develop behaviour problems:
Lack of Basic Training
One of the most common reasons for behaviour problems in dogs is a lack of basic training, especially in the home environment. Dogs need to understand what is expected of them, and they rely on clear communication and consistent reinforcement-when you are inconsistent, not only do you confuse the dog, inconsistency can actually worsen the problem. Without basic training, they may develop unwanted habits such as excessive barking, jumping on people, or even destructive chewing.
Separation Anxiety Relating to Humans
Dogs are pack animals, and they often form strong bonds with their human companions. Additionally, when the dog was not taught Alone Time when a puppy, and somebody was with him most of the time, they find the being left alone very hard to cope with.
When left alone for long (sometime shorty) periods, some dogs can develop separation anxiety, which manifests in behaviours such as excessive barking, howling, destructive chewing, or even accidents in the house. It is not uncommon for dogs with separation anxiety to run away from home, even just to the neighbour next door, who may have a dog, or the person is known to the dog.
Insufficient Physical and Mental Stimulation
Dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If a dog is not getting enough physical activity or mental engagement, it may start acting out in undesirable ways, such as becoming hyperactive, anxious, or destructive.
Insufficient Social Stimulation in Home Environment
As mentioned above, dogs are social animals. If the dog is not getting sufficient social stimulation from the owner/s especially a dog that is left alone most of the day without enough physical or mental stimulation, it is very common for behaviour problems such as barking, obsessive behaviour, howling, digging, destructive behaviour. There are many dogs that will become escape artists to get away from the home.
Health Issues or Pain
Sometimes, behavioral changes can be linked to underlying health problems or pain, and as dogs tend to hide pain, the owner may not even be aware. Dogs may become more irritable, withdrawn, or aggressive if they are not feeling well. Conditions like arthritis, dental pain, or even gastrointestinal issues can cause changes in a dog's behavior.
Fear or Traumatic Experiences
Dogs that have experienced past trauma or are exposed to frightening stimuli may develop fear-based behaviors. This could include aggression, excessive barking, cowering, or avoiding certain situations or people. Rescue dogs or dogs with a history of abuse may be more susceptible.
Changes in the Environment
Dogs are creatures of habit, and changes in their environment—such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new family member, a new dog neighbour, a family members stay in hospital, or even changes in daily routines—can lead to stress and behavioral problems. They may exhibit signs of anxiety, increased barking, become clingy, or become more territorial.
Genetics and Breed-Specific Traits
Certain dog breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours. For example, herding dogs may have a strong instinct to chase or herd (even children), while guarding breeds might become more territorial. Some breeds are naturally more energetic, independent, or tend to be clingy than other breeds, which may lead to behavioral challenges if their needs aren’t met, due to them having ended up at an owner who is not able to supply, or really understand, what the dog needs.
We do find, in general, that owners with small and miniature breeds do not take these pups to puppy school - unfortunately it is these small and mini breeds that tend to need the socialization, basic training and structure, more than larger dogs. Owners often accept behaviour from these Little One's, that would never be tolerated in a larger dog, more's the pity - whether a Minpin or a St. Bernard - teeth are teeth!
Taken away from mother and litter mates too early
A pup should never be taken away from it mother or litter mates before 8 weeks of age, and unfortunately, pet shops and many unscrupulous commercial breeders, will let a pup go between 4 - 6 weeks.
This means that the pup was not exposed to the early and critical social stimulation from mom and littermates, which 99% of the time, results in a pup that is totally insecure and needy - pups such as this often exhibit aggressive behaviour, over dependency, fear behaviours, separation anxiety etc.
Insufficient (or no) Early Socialization
Pups that do not go to puppy school, or are only exposed to other dogs in the family, or do not meet a lot of different people, are at a distinct disadvantage from the social viewpoint. The first 16-18 weeks of a pups life is known as the Critical Learning Period. During this time, the pup can be easily introduced (in a positive manner), to other dogs, different people, different locations, with virtually no problem. After that period, it becomes harder for the pup to accept new people and animals into their lives. This is why the socialization that the pup is exposed to at puppy school is of such importance, and, ideally, the socialization should go on for several more months.
Only Pups / Single Pup Syndrome, or Singleton Pup
A pup taken away from its mother and littermates too young as we mention above is bad enough, imagine the disadvantage the pup has if it never has littermate. Even worse, is when mom may have died, and this little one ends up with no littermates and no mother.
Due to people feeling sorry for the pup, people tend to give them far too much attention, plus pups such as these are very needy - as you can imagine, this can lead to multiple behaviour problems as mentioned previously, including aggression. We have found, over the years, that owners seldom bring Singleton pups to puppy school, unless they know of what the end result could be, and work at the pup becoming independent asap.
Poor Diet or Nutritional Deficiencies
What your dog eats can directly impact their behaviour. A poor diet or nutritional deficiencies can cause irritability, hyperactivity, or lethargy. Some dogs may also have food sensitivities or allergies that contribute to behavioural changes. It is very important, especially for the first year of the pups life (longer in large and giant breeds), that you give the very best food you can afford.
Additionally, in a multi dog home, it is not uncommon for fights to break out around feeding time, unless the dogs are fed totally separately, as hunger, due to nutritional deficiencies is not uncommon.
Punishment-Based Training Methods
Using harsh or punishment-based training methods can have negative effects on a dog’s behavior. It can cause fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Dogs that are punished harshly may also become confused about what is expected of them, leading to a breakdown in communication. Yes, these methods can work until the dog has had enough - it is obeying out of fear, rather than working 'with' the owner, and the dog can lash out - maybe not at the owner, due to fear, but at another person.
The Last Peep
The good news is that many of these problems can be resolved or mitigated with patience, understanding, and the right approach and training methods.. If you're struggling with behavioural issues in your dog, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer, behaviourist or veterinarian. With the right support, your dog can thrive and develop into a well-behaved companion.
Lack of Basic Training
One of the most common reasons for behaviour problems in dogs is a lack of basic training, especially in the home environment. Dogs need to understand what is expected of them, and they rely on clear communication and consistent reinforcement-when you are inconsistent, not only do you confuse the dog, inconsistency can actually worsen the problem. Without basic training, they may develop unwanted habits such as excessive barking, jumping on people, or even destructive chewing.
Separation Anxiety Relating to Humans
Dogs are pack animals, and they often form strong bonds with their human companions. Additionally, when the dog was not taught Alone Time when a puppy, and somebody was with him most of the time, they find the being left alone very hard to cope with.
When left alone for long (sometime shorty) periods, some dogs can develop separation anxiety, which manifests in behaviours such as excessive barking, howling, destructive chewing, or even accidents in the house. It is not uncommon for dogs with separation anxiety to run away from home, even just to the neighbour next door, who may have a dog, or the person is known to the dog.
Insufficient Physical and Mental Stimulation
Dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If a dog is not getting enough physical activity or mental engagement, it may start acting out in undesirable ways, such as becoming hyperactive, anxious, or destructive.
Insufficient Social Stimulation in Home Environment
As mentioned above, dogs are social animals. If the dog is not getting sufficient social stimulation from the owner/s especially a dog that is left alone most of the day without enough physical or mental stimulation, it is very common for behaviour problems such as barking, obsessive behaviour, howling, digging, destructive behaviour. There are many dogs that will become escape artists to get away from the home.
Health Issues or Pain
Sometimes, behavioral changes can be linked to underlying health problems or pain, and as dogs tend to hide pain, the owner may not even be aware. Dogs may become more irritable, withdrawn, or aggressive if they are not feeling well. Conditions like arthritis, dental pain, or even gastrointestinal issues can cause changes in a dog's behavior.
Fear or Traumatic Experiences
Dogs that have experienced past trauma or are exposed to frightening stimuli may develop fear-based behaviors. This could include aggression, excessive barking, cowering, or avoiding certain situations or people. Rescue dogs or dogs with a history of abuse may be more susceptible.
Changes in the Environment
Dogs are creatures of habit, and changes in their environment—such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a new family member, a new dog neighbour, a family members stay in hospital, or even changes in daily routines—can lead to stress and behavioral problems. They may exhibit signs of anxiety, increased barking, become clingy, or become more territorial.
Genetics and Breed-Specific Traits
Certain dog breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours. For example, herding dogs may have a strong instinct to chase or herd (even children), while guarding breeds might become more territorial. Some breeds are naturally more energetic, independent, or tend to be clingy than other breeds, which may lead to behavioral challenges if their needs aren’t met, due to them having ended up at an owner who is not able to supply, or really understand, what the dog needs.
We do find, in general, that owners with small and miniature breeds do not take these pups to puppy school - unfortunately it is these small and mini breeds that tend to need the socialization, basic training and structure, more than larger dogs. Owners often accept behaviour from these Little One's, that would never be tolerated in a larger dog, more's the pity - whether a Minpin or a St. Bernard - teeth are teeth!
Taken away from mother and litter mates too early
A pup should never be taken away from it mother or litter mates before 8 weeks of age, and unfortunately, pet shops and many unscrupulous commercial breeders, will let a pup go between 4 - 6 weeks.
This means that the pup was not exposed to the early and critical social stimulation from mom and littermates, which 99% of the time, results in a pup that is totally insecure and needy - pups such as this often exhibit aggressive behaviour, over dependency, fear behaviours, separation anxiety etc.
Insufficient (or no) Early Socialization
Pups that do not go to puppy school, or are only exposed to other dogs in the family, or do not meet a lot of different people, are at a distinct disadvantage from the social viewpoint. The first 16-18 weeks of a pups life is known as the Critical Learning Period. During this time, the pup can be easily introduced (in a positive manner), to other dogs, different people, different locations, with virtually no problem. After that period, it becomes harder for the pup to accept new people and animals into their lives. This is why the socialization that the pup is exposed to at puppy school is of such importance, and, ideally, the socialization should go on for several more months.
Only Pups / Single Pup Syndrome, or Singleton Pup
A pup taken away from its mother and littermates too young as we mention above is bad enough, imagine the disadvantage the pup has if it never has littermate. Even worse, is when mom may have died, and this little one ends up with no littermates and no mother.
Due to people feeling sorry for the pup, people tend to give them far too much attention, plus pups such as these are very needy - as you can imagine, this can lead to multiple behaviour problems as mentioned previously, including aggression. We have found, over the years, that owners seldom bring Singleton pups to puppy school, unless they know of what the end result could be, and work at the pup becoming independent asap.
Poor Diet or Nutritional Deficiencies
What your dog eats can directly impact their behaviour. A poor diet or nutritional deficiencies can cause irritability, hyperactivity, or lethargy. Some dogs may also have food sensitivities or allergies that contribute to behavioural changes. It is very important, especially for the first year of the pups life (longer in large and giant breeds), that you give the very best food you can afford.
Additionally, in a multi dog home, it is not uncommon for fights to break out around feeding time, unless the dogs are fed totally separately, as hunger, due to nutritional deficiencies is not uncommon.
Punishment-Based Training Methods
Using harsh or punishment-based training methods can have negative effects on a dog’s behavior. It can cause fear, anxiety, and even aggression. Dogs that are punished harshly may also become confused about what is expected of them, leading to a breakdown in communication. Yes, these methods can work until the dog has had enough - it is obeying out of fear, rather than working 'with' the owner, and the dog can lash out - maybe not at the owner, due to fear, but at another person.
The Last Peep
The good news is that many of these problems can be resolved or mitigated with patience, understanding, and the right approach and training methods.. If you're struggling with behavioural issues in your dog, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a professional dog trainer, behaviourist or veterinarian. With the right support, your dog can thrive and develop into a well-behaved companion.