How To Reduce Behaviour Problems

Dealing with a dog that’s constantly barking, chewing, or bouncing off the walls? Yeah, it’s exhausting. But here’s the deal, most behaviour problems come down to one simple issue, your dog is bored, frustrated, or confused about what’s expected of them.

The good news? You don’t need to be a professional trainer to turn things around. With a few daily changes and consistency, you’ll start seeing improvements in as little as two weeks. Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Stop Winging It—Create a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. If their day is unpredictable, they don’t know when they’ll get exercise, food, or attention—so they fill the gaps by chewing, barking, or zooming around your house like a lunatic.

Here’s how to set up a basic daily structure:

✔ Morning – Mental stimulation (puzzle toy, scent game, or training)

✔ Midday – Physical exercise (walk, fetch, tug-of-war)

✔ Evening – Calm bonding time (chew toy, massage, or slow sniff walk)

The goal? Same time, every day. Your dog should know what to expect so they’re not creating their own fun (a.k.a. destroying your couch).

PRO TIP: Keep feeding times consistent too. A dog who knows exactly when food is coming isn’t as likely to beg, whine, or get cranky.

Step 2: Channel That Energy Before It Becomes a Problem

If your dog is acting out, they’re probably under-stimulated. So instead of just yelling "No!" when they misbehave, set them up for success with productive ways to burn energy.

Try 3-4 activities daily, rotating between these categories:

🐶 Mental Workouts (Tire Their Brain Out!)

Lick Mats & Snuffle Mats – Engages their natural foraging instincts.

Treat Scatter Games – Toss kibble into the grass and let them "hunt" for it.

Short Training Sessions – Reinforce basic commands or teach a fun trick.

🏃‍♂️ Physical Exercise (More Than Just a Walk!)

Structured Walks – Not just a bathroom break—let them sniff! Sniffing is mentally tiring and reduces stress.

Fetch or Tug-of-War – Quick ways to burn energy when you’re short on time.

Obstacle Course – Use household items to create a mini agility challenge.

Calm Time (Prevent the Evening Zoomies)

Frozen Kong or Chew Toy – Keeps them busy and satisfies the urge to chew.

Slow Massage or Gentle Grooming – Helps anxious dogs settle.

Scent Work – Hide a treat and let them find it. Engages the brain without over-exciting them.

PRO TIP: If your dog is a power chewer, give them a frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter. It keeps them busy and helps with stress relief.

Step 3: Fix Problems BEFORE They Start

Tired of constantly correcting your dog? Prevent the bad behaviour before it even happens. Here’s how:

If they chew everything: Give them acceptable chewing options (bully sticks, hooves, Kongs) before they go for your shoes.

If they jump on guests: Teach "Sit" as a default greeting before people arrive so they don’t need to jump for attention.

Most dogs act out because they don’t know what else to do. Give them a better option, and they’ll take it every time.

PRO TIP: Tired dogs don’t misbehave. If you’re correcting the same problem over and over, ask yourself: "Have I given them enough mental AND physical exercise today?"

Step 4: Track Progress & Adjust as Needed

Some activities will work better than others depending on your dog’s personality. Pay attention to what actually calms them down vs. what just hypes them up.

Adjust their routine based on these signs:

✔ If they’re calmer after a sniff walk → Add more scent games.

✔ If they still chew everything → Increase mental stimulation (puzzle toys, more training).

✔ If they still have zoomies at night → Try a longer walk earlier in the day.

Small tweaks can make a huge difference in behaviour. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Results

Most behaviour problems aren’t because your dog is “bad”—they just need a better way to release energy. With a structured routine, proper outlets, and actual consistency, you’ll see real improvements.

So, start today. Pick three activities, stick to a schedule, and watch your dog become more relaxed, focused, and well-behaved.

And hey, if nothing else, at least your shoes will finally be safe. 😉