Yes, You Can Train a Dog with Behavioral Issues

First, no dog is perfect. Like humans, a canine’s personality is affected by their upbringing and environment. They are, at heart, resilient creatures who just want to be loved. This applies equally to purebreds, puppies, and rescues: No one type of dog is more likely to be less problematic than the other. So, if you adopt the doggie of your dreams and realize they’re not as perfect as they may have seemed, do not despair.

Behind any undesirable behavior is an awesome creature waiting to be coaxed out of their emotional cage. Once that happens, you’ll learn that common dog behavior issues such as barking are, in fact, perfectly natural and not deal-breakers after all. With a bit of training, you’ll see that your dog, who’ll reward your gentle persistence with affection and loyalty, is kind of perfect in their imperfection after all. 

Below, we break down some common dog behavioral issues alongside solutions that remind us to take a deep breath and remember that no problem is insurmountable.

Do all rescue dogs have behavioral issues?

No, not all rescue dogs have severe behavior issues — but they’re more common than most people realize. Whether a dog is a purebred or a rescue, it turns out that having behavior issues is actually very normal. A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that over 99 percent of dogs have behavioral issues. Yep, you read that right. The most commonly reported behavior problem? Separation and attachment problems — with 86 percent of dogs experiencing them at a moderate to serious level.

The good news? Dogs are very adaptable, so you’ll find that a little investment of your time and energy is worth the effort to get them on track to becoming your lifelong bestie. And if you need some help with that effort, reach out to the rescue where you adopted your dog (they’ll know a lot about their background) or a veterinarian (especially one who specializes in behavioral health).

Common dog behavior issues

No dog is inherently bad or broken. How you train and socialize your dog ultimately shapes the way their behavior unfolds. Choosing a breed or mix associated with your ideal personality fit may make sense, but at the end of the day, a pet parent’s imperative to reward good behavior through positive-reinforcement techniques plays a significant role in how they act.

It’s also worth noting that unrealistic expectations for our dog’s behavior can be an obstacle, too, so it’s important to adjust our own behaviors as pet parents. Below are some common dog behavioral issues many pet parents face.

General anxiety

Anxiety is a pretty common source of dog behavioral issues, even for the most well-adjusted ones. Anything from fireworks to being left alone (because they’re not just your bestie; you’re theirs as well) can trigger this. If your dog seems scared of everything, it’s likely due to anxiety. Your pup may act out by:

• Barking or whining 

• Pacing

• Trembling

• Urinating or having bowel movements indoors

What can help: Keeping your pup in a calm space and using positive reinforcement techniques such as gradual desensitization can help reduce anxiety.

Related article

Adopting an Anxious Dog: 10 Tips to Soothe an Anxious Pup

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Resource guarding

A dog who guards food, toys, or even their favorite spot on the couch isn’t trying to be mean. The instinct to protect their stuff can come from fear, insecurity, or just past experiences where resources were scarce. It’s often confused with general aggression, especially when people miss the signals their dog is giving, and it’s more common than you think. You might see them:

• Stiffening their body when you approach

• Growling or snapping

• Hovering over their prized possession

• Eating faster when someone’s nearby

What can help: Using safety management techniques in combination with resource guarding training (and a bit of help from a pro), you can work to ease your dog’s fears.

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Leash reactivity

Some dogs seem totally fine until they’re on a leash and spot another dog or even a squirrel, then it’s all chaos. The cause of their unexpected outburst could be frustration, overexcitement, or fear. You might notice:

• Pulling hard toward the trigger

• Barking or whining

• Jumping or lunging

• Fixating and refusing to move

What can help: Counterconditioning and positive reinforcement training are powerful tools that can help reduce frustration and fear responses. Begin training far away from their trigger. Reward your dog when they look at you before they react to foster a behavior change.

Related article

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Destructive behaviors

Chewing up your shoes, shredding the mail, and digging holes in the backyard aren’t acts of rebellion; they’re usually signs your dog’s needs aren’t fully met. Boredom, anxiety, or a surplus of pent-up physical or mental energy are often behind this behavior issue. Clues include:

• Chewing furniture or other off-limit items

• Digging indoors or outdoors

• Knocking over trash cans

• Destroying bedding

What can help: Providing your dog with a positive outlet for their pent-up energy through exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce destructive behaviors.

Related article

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything

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House training problems

Yes, adult dogs can have accidents, and the most common cause is a lack of thorough training. Other factors, such as stress, medical issues, and inconsistent routines, can all play a role. You might see:

• Frequent indoor accidents

• Marking territory inside

• Reluctance to go outside

• Going to the bathroom right after coming back inside

What can help: Try going back to house training basics. To house train a rescue dog, try frequent potty breaks outside with big rewards to help stop accidents around the house.

Related article

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Lack of socialization

Socialization is central to every dog’s emotional development. When a dog has been abused, neglected, abandoned, or simply undersocialized, they may need to learn how to interact healthily with humans and other animals. One study by Australia’s La Trobe University states, “Dogs that are appropriately socialized as puppies are less likely to exhibit behavioral problems as adults, including aggression and fearfulness.” 

People tend to associate rescues with behavioral issues, but studies show that dogs who are raised in puppy mills (and then purchased online or in pet stores) may actually exhibit more psychological issues — such as fear, compulsive behavior, and increased sensitivity to being touched due to their troubling, confined upbringing. 

The good news is that this can be corrected in dogs who are well past their puppy phase. Here are some signs that when exhibited towards humans or other dogs indicate your pup may require more socialization:

• Fear (hiding, shaking, tucking their tails between their legs)

• Reactivity (barking, lunging, jumping, being dominant)

• Anxiety (frequently while being groomed)

What can help: Introducing your dog to new sights, sounds, and well-socialized, non-reactive dogs in a gradual, positive way helps them build good associations.

Related article

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What to do if your dog has behavior issues

It’s completely normal to be affected by your rescue dog’s behavioral issues. But it is not okay to react to that frustration or fatigue by yelling at them, smacking them, or banishing them to the backyard. Instead, calm yourself as you keep in mind that the behavior you don’t like can be successfully adjusted over time through positive-reinforcement training. You just need to stay the course to get results. Here are a few tips to get you into that headspace, alongside solutions to improve your dog’s behavior.

1. Let them decompress 

After you welcome a dog into your home, more likely than not, they won’t be the fantasy pup you dreamed of. This is because you’re introducing them to a new setting. They’ll need time to sniff around, adjust to a routine, and learn to trust you and their environment.

When in doubt, abide by the 3-3-3 rule. During this period, expect your dog to possibly be withdrawn, have indoor accidents, and express some fear. Meanwhile, your job is to patiently and proactively earn their trust as they acclimate. You can achieve this by letting them come to you, sweetly petting them when they ask you for attention, and giving out lots of treats to reinforce desirable behaviors.

2. Come up with a game plan

Newsflash: Ignoring an ongoing behavioral issue will not make it go away. Thankfully, several effective strategies can help. Each should begin with (if possible) an attempt to eliminate or minimize whatever is triggering your rescue dog’s behavior issues. 

Here are some helpful guides offering practical solutions to common dog behavior issues.

• Too much barking: due to boredom, anxiety, and/or frustration

• Fear: for dogs suddenly afraid of the outdoors

• Stress: tips to calm your pup

• Destructive behavior: when the chewing isn’t cute anymore

• Separation anxiety: so your dog doesn’t have to panic when they’re alone

• Marking and peeing: curbing improper urination

• Attacking other dogs: teach them to play nice 

• Staring: so you can eat in peace

3. Train with patience and consistency

Creating change in your dog’s behavior is about balance. For instance, it’s completely normal for you to be sad and a little discouraged by your dog’s undesirable behavior. And it is fine to ignore your dog’s undesired behavior (as long as they won’t harm anyone else), but you must reward desired behavior. Positive reinforcement is key to success.

Your dog craves stability and consistency in their surroundings, and they will look to you for that. Positive reinforcement (petting them, giving them space, rewarding them with treats) will set the tone for this relationship. By showing your pup over time that you are their rock, they will trust you, listen to you, and follow your lead.

Change takes time. You’ve committed to raising this dog for their lifetime. One day you’ll look back, and these minor setbacks are going to seem like little bumps on an otherwise rewarding journey together.

4. Consider professional assistance

In rarer cases, some dogs may require more intensive, regimented training. Just don’t give up on them. Dog behavior issues, such as resource guarding, can improve. 

There are several organizations out there that can help. For instance, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers touts its “humane” practices, and the Animal Behavior College emphasizes “positive reinforcement dog training techniques as their primary training tool.” You can also ask a local rescue for suggestions (or help), a veterinarian for a referral, or a friend who’s used a trainer they trust.

The important thing is to choose a properly certified “force free” trainer and vet them to make sure they use positive-reinforcement methods. Forceful, strict methods are ethically iffy at best and can instill even more fear-driven behaviors, which benefits neither you nor your beloved pup.

5. Talk to your vet about sudden behavior changes

Certain behaviors, especially when they seemingly come out of nowhere, may be a sign that your pup is suffering from anything from a body ache or wound, to an allergy or GI issue, to a virus or infection. Visit your vet to rule out any illnesses if your dog suddenly exhibits any of the following:

• Irritability

• Antisocial behavior

• Aggressiveness 

• Lethargy

Behavior issues don’t have to lead to surrender

When a pet parent believes that they can no longer care for their dog, they may surrender them to a rescue or animal shelter. This should be considered a last-ditch move since 3.1 million dogs enter shelters each year, which has led to an overcrowding crisis. 

A person’s state of health or finances could motivate them to surrender or rehome their pet. But oftentimes, the root cause of relinquishment is frustration over a dog’s undesirable behavior by overwhelmed pet parents who don’t know how to adjust that behavior. But many of these behaviors can be addressed with a bit of time and patience, using these practical suggestions on how to help your dog. And don’t forget to reach out to your pet’s rescue or shelter, your vet, or connect with a pro.

What if none of this works? 

If you’ve done all you can, it’s important to remember that pets are individuals, and your home might not be the right fit. If you’re considering finding a new home for them, check out Rehome. It’s Adopt a Pet’s safe, simple program that lets adopters safely adopt a pet directly from their current pet parent or caretaker. So pets can find new loving homes without entering a shelter.

Commonly asked questions

How do you know if a pet has behavioral issues before you adopt them?

If you adopt, you’re already one step ahead because volunteers and staff who fostered or have spent significant time observing your pet can offer a wealth of insight into rescue dogs’ behavior issues. You’ll find them very helpful because they’re deeply committed to a fairy-tale ending: finding a pet parent who’s a good fit for the animal in need of a forever home. Additionally, many rescues and shelters offer free (or low-cost) behavioral training assistance to help you and your pup get off on the right foot.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dogs?

The 3-3-3 rule serves as a guide to help newly adopted dogs adjust to their new homes. It suggests three days for decompression, three weeks to establish routines and introduce basic training, and three months to build a positive relationship and start feeling comfortable at home.

How long do dogs stay in shelters?

One study of shelters in New York State found that most puppies stay in shelters for 23 to 33 days, while adult dogs tended to wait for 42 days before they were adopted. If a dog is senior, a bully breed, has special needs, or is black in color (yes, you read that right), that wait can drag on even longer. Dogs, like any other living being, can be adversely affected by stress. In the case of rescue pups’ behavior issues, their reactions may be shaped by loud, disorienting, and scary shelter surroundings in which they’re often confined to small spaces.

References

Adopting a “Problem Pet”: Behavior FAQs Answered

Behavior Counseling: Diagnosing a Behavior Problem

Behavioral Problems of Dogs

Common Dog Behavior Issues

Dealing with a Dominant Dog

Prevalence of 25 Canine Behavioral Problems and Relevant Factors of Each

A Review of Medical Conditions and Behavioral Problems in Dogs and Cats