Jumping on People
Dogs jump because it gets attention. Even pushing them down or saying "no" is attention. The fix: turn away and ignore your dog completely when they jump. The instant all four paws are on the floor, turn back and reward with calm praise. Ask guests to do the same. Consistency is everything.
Excessive Barking
Identify why your dog barks. Alert barking (at the doorbell) is different from demand barking (wanting dinner) and anxiety barking (when left alone). For alert barking, acknowledge the trigger, then redirect to a "quiet" command. For demand barking, never reward it — wait for silence, then reward. Anxiety barking requires addressing the underlying anxiety.
Counter Surfing
Dogs learn to check counters because they sometimes find food there. Prevention is the primary strategy: keep counters clear. Teach a solid "leave it" command. Reward your dog for having all four paws on the floor in the kitchen. Never leave food unattended if your dog has a history of stealing.
Destructive Chewing
Adult dogs chew out of boredom, anxiety, or habit. Ensure adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Provide appropriate chew toys and rotate them regularly. Manage the environment by keeping tempting items out of reach. If chewing only happens when you are gone, consider separation anxiety as the root cause.
