OH NO!
Hey there, Barkers!🐾
Pull up a cozy blanket, grab a treat (for you or your dog, no judgment) and settle in. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of behavior issues before they ever have a chance to steal the spotlight in your home. Think of this as your guide to raising a well-mannered pup without the headache, the chewed-up shoe, or the neighbor judging you because your dog thinks the mailman is an arch-nemesis.
Let’s get ahead of the chaos before it becomes… well, chaos.
🤣Joke of the Week:
Q: Why did the dog enroll in obedience school?
A: Because he had too many barking violations on his record!
Training Tip: Tackling The 5 Most Common Issues.
The best way to fix a problem is to stop it before it starts and prevention is the gold standard of good dog guardianship. Here are the five most common behavior issues and how to nip them in the bud.
1. Excessive Barking
Why it starts: Boredom, alertness, or lack of structure.
Stop it early: Teach “Quiet” right after teaching “Speak” paradoxically, giving your dog permission to bark also gives you control to turn the volume off.
2. Leash Pulling
Why it starts: Excitement and lack of leash awareness.
Stop it early: Reward checking-in behavior. Every time they glance back at you, boom reward.
3. Jumping on People
Why it starts: Greetings, greetings, greetings.
Stop it early: Reward calm sits for every hello.
4. Chewing Everything Like It’s Their Side Hustle
Why it starts: Teething, boredom, or curiosity.
Stop it early: Redirect to an approved chew immediately every time.
5. Separation Anxiety
Why it starts: Over-attachment or sudden routine changes.
Stop it early: Practice micro-departures leave for 30 seconds, return like nothing happened.
📌Bark Tip: Keep your eyes open and stay attentive.
🩺Vet Corner: Behavioral Issues Link To Stress
Our trusted veterinarian partners remind us that some “behavior problems” aren’t attitude they’re stress signals in disguise.
Dogs under stress may show:
Pacing
Excessive licking
Suddenly ignoring cues
Hiding or clinginess
Increased barking or reactivity
Chronic stress in dogs can lead to long-term behavioral disruptions and even physical symptoms.
📌Bark Tip: Create a decompression zone a dog-only space with soft bedding, a chew, and zero foot traffic. A sanctuary works wonders.🦴
🐕Gear Pick: Interactive Toys
This week’s Bark Picks are all about prevention through enrichment because a busy dog is a well-behaved dog.
Top choices:
West Paw Toppl – For stuffing, freezing, and keeping that mind working.
Kong Classic – The OG enrichment king.
Benebone Chews – Durable and wildly satisfying.
Snuffle Mats – The sniff-powered boredom buster.
📌Bark Tip: Use interactive toys as part of your dog’s daily routine, not just when chaos hits. Make enrichment a lifestyle.
Bark Events This Week:
Sunday November 23rd : Paint With Pups. (New York, NY)
Saturday November 22nd: Doggie Run 4K/5K. (Los Angeles, CA)
Saturday November 22nd: Mighty Texas Dog Walk. (Austin, TX)
Saturday November 22nd: Caribbean Canine Pawty. (St. Petersburg, FL)
🐕Here’s A Bark From Our Sponsors:
Do you have a product or service that a dog lover would adore? Our readers are passionate pet parents who value trusted recommendations.
📢Pack Call: Share Your Tails!
Hey, Barkers!
I want you in the spotlight.
Send in your funniest training failures, biggest breakthroughs, cutest “before and afters,” or your favorite enrichment setup. Your story may just inspire the entire pack in next week’s issue.
Share your stories, photos, or training wins with us for a chance to be featured in next week’s issue! [email protected]. 📸🐶
Until next time, keep the treats flowing, the training fun, and the tails wagging.
You’re not just raising a dog, you’re raising a legacy of calm, confident canine companionship.🐾💙🧡
A Worthy Bark.
Where every bark has meaning and every reader's part of the pack.