How to Break Bad Habits: Excessive Barking, Chewing, and Digging
- Justine Mal
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Dogs communicate and explore the world in different ways, but sometimes their behaviors can become disruptive or destructive. If your dog won’t stop barking every sound, chewing on your furniture, or digging up your yard, don’t worry, these issues can be managed with the right approach. In this post, we’ll cover the reasons behind these behaviors and practical strategies to help those bad habits.
1. Excessive Barking: Why It Happens & How to Fix It
Common Causes:
Alert/territorial barking
Boredom or loneliness
Attention-seeking behavior
Anxiety or fear
Solutions:
Identify triggers – Observe when and why your dog barks to determine the cause.
Teach the "Quiet" command – Use positive reinforcement to reward silence. American Kennel Club offers additional tips for excessive barking.
Provide mental & physical stimulation – A tired dog is a quiet dog! Engage in
daily walks, puzzle toys, and training.
Desensitize to triggers – Gradually expose your dog to common triggers, rewarding calm behavior.
2. Chewing: Protecting Your Furniture & Belongings
Common Causes:
Teething (puppies)
Boredom or excess energy
Anxiety or stress relief
Hunger or nutritional deficiencies
Solutions:
Offer appropriate chew toys – Redirect their chewing to safe options like rubber toys, bones, or frozen treats.
Use deterrent sprays – Bitter apple spray or other safe deterrents can make furniture less appealing.
Provide plenty of exercise – Physical activity helps burn off excess energy that could lead to destructive chewing.
Crate train when necessary – If leaving your dog unsupervised, a crate can prevent destructive behaviors.
Destructive chewing is a common issue for dogs, but with the right training and strategies, pet owners can help redirect this behavior to more appropriate outlets. The Humane World for Animals offers resources to curb this common behavior problem.
3. Digging: Keeping Your Yard Together
Common Causes:
Instinctual behavior
Seeking cool ground in hot weather
Boredom or excess energy
Trying to escape
Solutions:
Create a designated digging area – If your dog loves to dig, provide a sandbox or section of the yard where digging is allowed.
Reduce boredom – Engage in interactive play, long walks, and training sessions.
Block access to favorite digging spots – Use deterrents like chicken wire or decorative rocks in problem areas.
Provide cooling options – If digging is heat-related, ensure they have shade, water, and cooling mats.
Behavioral issues can be frustrating, but with patience, consistency, and the right training techniques, you can guide your dog toward better habits. Understanding the root cause of these behaviors is key to effectively addressing them. If the problem persists, consider booking a consultation with 6 Paws Training Camp.
