The 7 Most Common Dog Behaviour Problems - and How to Fix Them Using a Balanced Approach

Joyful Moments in the CountrysideStephen Gardner relishes a happy time with his dog during a lively walk in the countryside. As they wander along the picturesque trails, his dog joyfully darts between his legs, bringing a sense of amusement and camaraderie to their outing. The connection between them is clear as they enjoy this charming moment surrounded by nature.

It's common for dog owners to feel frustrated when dealing with persistent behaviour issues. These problems aren't usually signs of a "bad dog," but rather a sign of miscommunication or a lack of clear, consistent structure.

At SG Canine Adventures, I specialise in addressing these challenges using a Balanced Training Approach. I don’t just address the symptoms; I apply my core values of Clarity, Consistency, and Fair Leadership to resolve the root cause, creating a calm, well-mannered dog and a happy owner.

Here are seven of the most common issues I address and how my balanced approach provides the solution.

1. Leash Pulling (Manners on the Walk)

This is the most common issue, often making walks stressful and unenjoyable.

• The Root Cause: Lack of Clarity. The dog has learned that the pressure on the lead means "keep going."

• The Balanced Fix: I use tools (like a correctly fitted slip collar or in rare cases a pinch collar or E-Collar) combined with the concept of Accountability. I teach the dog that any pressure on the lead causes the walk to stop immediately, and the walk only continues when the lead is slack. This clear consequence encourages the dog to make the better choice—walking politely beside you.

2. Leash Reactivity (Lunging/Barking at Triggers)

This highly stressful behaviour stems from fear, frustration, or over-arousal towards other dogs, people, or traffic.

• The Root Cause: The dog is emotionally over their threshold and often feels they must defend themselves or create distance.

• The Balanced Fix: This requires heavy application of Fair Leadership. I manage the environment (as discussed in my Structured Walks guide) to ensure the dog is below their threshold. I then teach the dog an active coping mechanism (like an extended heel command) that replaces the lunging. This combines positive reinforcement for calm behaviour with fair, clear feedback when they try to react.

3. Excessive Barking (Alert or Attention-Seeking)

Barking is natural, but when it’s constant, it disrupts the home environment.

• The Root Cause: Dogs lack Accountability and often receive inadvertent rewards (you rush over, you yell, you look at them).

• The Balanced Fix: Consistency is key here. For alert barking, I use a clear interruption command followed by rewarding quietness. For attention-seeking, I completely ignore the barking (removing the reward) and only provide attention or praise when the dog is quiet and settled.

4. Separation Distress/Anxiety

This manifests as destructive behaviour, barking, or pacing when the dog is left alone.

• The Root Cause: Over-dependence on the owner and a lack of belief in the owner's Fair Leadership, the dog feels responsible for keeping the pack together.

• The Balanced Fix: I focus on structured boundaries. This means using crates or pens for enforced relaxation, teaching the dog that time alone is safe and predictable, and removing highly charged greetings/departures. I build independence incrementally, pairing time alone with positive, low-value rewards.

5. Jumping Up

An irritating, often frantic behaviour used for greeting or attention.

• The Root Cause: The dog is seeking attention, and people rewarding the jump (even by pushing the dog off) reinforces the behaviour.

• The Balanced Fix: Absolute Consistency across all people. The only reward is attention for four feet on the floor. Every time the dog jumps, all attention is withdrawn immediately (turn your back, step away). When the dog sits or settles, attention floods back instantly.

6. Resource Guarding (Food, Toys, Space)

When a dog guards items from people or other pets, it is a serious issue requiring immediate intervention.

• The Root Cause: A deep lack of trust in the owner's Fair Leadership. The dog feels they must protect high-value items themselves.

• The Balanced Fix: This involves building trust and predictability. I teach the dog that a human approaching a resource means something better is coming (e.g., trading the item for a higher-value treat). It removes the dog's need to protect the item and replaces it with anticipation for a positive interaction.

7. Poor Recall (Coming When Called)

A dangerous problem that limits freedom and poses safety risks.

• The Root Cause: The dog has a low level of Accountability and has learned that coming back ends the fun.

• The Balanced Fix: Clarity is paramount. Recall must be a mandatory, non-negotiable command, not a request. I start in low-distraction areas and reward the dog with exceptionally high-value rewards and release them back to play (so coming back doesn't end the fun). I also introduce a 30-foot line to enforce the command safely until reliability is 100%.

Taking the Lead

Dealing with behavioural challenges requires dedication and the right methodology. My balanced approach, rooted in Clarity, Consistency, Fair Leadership, and Accountability, gives you the tools to become the confident, calm guide your dog needs.

If you are ready to stop managing symptoms and start building a truly well-mannered dog, explore my specialised one-to-one behaviour support and training services in Wiltshire today.