The 10 Most Common Ways Dogs Misbehave And What To Do

For most dog owners, your furry little friend isn't just a pet, it's a member of the family. Sometimes our fur-babies can be naughty. A website for dog owners called BarkPost.com has posted a list of the most common ways dogs misbehave and some solutions that might help.

Here are the top 10.

1. Barking - If they do it every time someone walks by your front door, distract them with something like a toy. If they just do it to get a reaction, ignore it. Yelling at them doesn't really help, because they basically just think you're barking too.

2. Jumping Up on People - You have to be consistent if you want them to stop. If you let them jump up on YOU, they'll think that jumping up on your 85-year-old neighbor is fine too. Instead of petting them when they jump up, ignore them.

3. Chasing Things - First make sure they know a few basic commands, like sit and stay. Then use them if they try to chase stuff while you're walking them. It also might just be a sign they need more exercise. A tired pup is a calm pup.

4. Chewing Stuff - It's a hard habit to break, because chewing if basicall hardwired into their DNA. You have to catch them in the act and say NO, and give them a chew toy instead. Again, a little more exercise might help too.

5. Begging - Don't even say no, just ignore them. Make sure you NEVER feed them from the table and make sure your kids don't either.

6. Digging Holes - It's another one that's kind of hardwired into their DNA. So your best option might be to give them an area they CAN dig in, like a sandbox.

7. Going Potty in the House - First, figure out why they're doing it. They might have separation anxiety when you're gone, or they might just need to go on more walks. It can also happen if there's some medical issue, so talk to your vet.

8. Nipping or Play Biting - It's usually to get your attention, and they learn it as puppies. the best way to stop them is to YELP so they think they're hurting you.

9. Growling At People - They're usually being protective, or they just haven't been around enough people to get used to it. So try to gradually make them comfortable around strangers. If they're actually BITING, yo need to see a professional.

10. Being Aggressive With Other Dogs -  Sometimes yelling or yanking their leash can make things worse. It's hard to break this habit so you may need to see a trainer. Before you do that, try walking them on a leash, and instead of stopping when you pass another dog, keep the same pace and go right part it. The way your dog learns other dogs aren't a huge deal.