New Study Says Your Dog Probably Has a Behavioral Problem

New Study Says Over 99% of Dogs Have Behavioral Problems

Turns out your dog isn’t “just being a goof”—they’re part of a national trend. A new study surveying over 43,000 dog owners found that more than 99% of dogs in the U.S. have at least one moderate to serious behavior issue, ranging from chewing up the couch to full-on separation meltdowns. That’s right—basically every dog is at least a little bit naughty. So if you came home today to a shredded pillow and a guilty face? Congratulations, your dog’s perfectly normal. 

We read the study, it’s legit, and published in a reputable journal. It literally says this, and only this, as the conclusion:

The biggest issue? Separation and attachment behavior, with nearly 86% of dogs acting out when left alone. We’re talking dramatic pacing, clingy shadowing, anxiety howls, and treating your shoes like chew toys. Aggression (56%), fear/anxiety (50%), and house soiling (a modest but smelly 4%) were also on the naughty list. Oh, and only 110 dogs in the whole survey were considered problem-free—basically the valedictorians of Good Dog School.

Here’s a list of the top 10 behavioral issues in dogs:

1. Separation Anxiety: A significant number of dogs experience distress when left alone, leading to behaviors such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, and attempts to escape.

2. Aggression: This includes behaviors directed towards humans or other animals, such as growling, snapping, or biting. Aggression is considered one of the most serious behavioral issues in dogs. 

3. Excessive Barking: Dogs may bark excessively in response to various stimuli, including noises, strangers, or when seeking attention. This behavior can become problematic if not addressed appropriately. 

4. Fear and Anxiety: Many dogs exhibit fear-related behaviors, such as trembling, hiding, or attempting to escape, often triggered by loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or specific situations.

5. Destructive Chewing: Dogs may chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items, which can result from boredom, teething, or anxiety.

6. House Soiling: Inappropriate urination or defecation inside the home can be due to incomplete house training, medical issues, or marking behaviors.

7. Jumping Up: Dogs may jump on people as a form of greeting or seeking attention, which can be undesirable or dangerous, especially with larger breeds. 

8. Leash Pulling: Many dogs tend to pull on the leash during walks, making the experience challenging for both the dog and the owner.

9. Resource Guarding: Some dogs exhibit protective behaviors over food, toys, or other possessions, leading to growling or snapping when approached. 

10. Pica: The consumption of non-food items, such as rocks, plastic, or fabric, can pose health risks and may indicate underlying behavioral or medical issues.

Have a misbehaving pup and want to find a solution, here you go…

Helping your dog overcome behavioral issues can take patience and consistency, but it’s absolutely achievable. Here are some of the most effective, science-backed approaches to remedying common behavioral problems in dogs:

🧠 1. Understand the Cause

Most behavioral issues have an underlying cause—boredom, fear, anxiety, medical conditions, or lack of training. A vet or certified behaviorist can help rule out medical causes before you move forward with behavioral solutions.

🐾 2. Positive Reinforcement Training

Rewarding desired behaviors (treats, praise, toys) encourages dogs to repeat them. It’s more effective and humane than punishment-based methods, which can increase fear and aggression.

• ✅ Do this: Reward calm behavior when guests arrive.

• ❌ Avoid this: Yelling or using punitive tools like shock collars.

📆 3. Consistency & Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Regular feeding times, walk schedules, and training sessions provide structure, which helps reduce anxiety and confusion.

🦴 4. Enrichment & Exercise

Many issues—like chewing, barking, or pacing—are symptoms of boredom. Mental stimulation and physical activity go a long way:

• Puzzle toys

• Sniff walks

• Play sessions

• New tricks or commands

🧘 5. Desensitization & Counter-Conditioning

Gradually exposing your dog to triggers (like other dogs or being alone) in a controlled, positive way can help reduce anxiety or fear-based reactions.

🩺 6. Talk to a Vet or Veterinary Behaviorist

If behaviors are extreme (e.g., severe aggression or separation anxiety), professional guidance is essential. A behaviorist may also recommend short-term medications alongside training.

🏠 7. Management Tools

Sometimes the solution is environmental management:

• Use baby gates to prevent access to problem areas

• Crates or playpens for safe alone time

• Bark collars (citronella or vibration only) under vet guidance

👨‍🏫 8. Enroll in Professional Training

Working with a certified professional dog trainer—especially one with experience in positive reinforcement—can fast-track success and teach you how to better communicate with your dog.

Veterinarian and study lead Bonnie Beaver says this isn’t about shaming pups—it’s about getting help. Most owners either tolerate bad behavior, don’t know it’s a problem, or don’t realize vets can help. But unaddressed issues, especially aggression, are a big reason dogs end up in shelters. So next time your dog eats a sock, maybe don’t yell—schedule a behavior consult. After all, mischief is practically a rite of passage… but early intervention might save your couch and your sanity.

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