The 2 Things Most Problem Dogs Have in Common
Like most trainers, the majority of dog owners who reach out to me are dealing with some kind of behavior problem. Their dog barks and lunges at other dogs. Their dog pulls so hard on leash it’s impossible to walk them. Their dog won’t come when called. Their dog runs the fence and barks at everyone who goes by. Some even snap at strangers—or their own owners.
I’ve seen these issues thousands of times. And there are two common threads in almost every single one of these dogs.
1. The dog is grossly underfulfilled.
One of the first questions I ask is: “What does your dog do for fun?”
Almost every time, I get a blank look. Sometimes people say things like:
“He plays with my other dog.”
“She chases squirrels in the yard.”
“We go to the dog park sometimes.”
“He gets a walk around the neighborhood a few times a week.”
I hate to break it to you, but that’s not enough. That’s not fulfillment.
What I want to hear is something like:
“We go on off-leash hikes so my dog can run for hours in nature.”
“I take him swimming in the river.”
“I play tug because that’s his favorite thing ever.”
“I throw the ball for her every evening because she lives for fetch.”
Those are fulfilling activities. They actively involve the owner. They are mentally and physically satisfying. And 99% of the problem dogs I see don’t have any of that. They’re bored, under-stimulated, and frustrated.
2. The dog has no boundaries.
The second thing I see all the time is this crippling fear owners have of setting rules.
I’ll ask: “Have you ever made it clear to your dog that this behavior isn’t okay? That barking, lunging, or biting is off-limits?”
Most people look horrified. They think telling their dog “no” is cruel.
Meanwhile, I’ve worked with multiple owners this month whose dogs have bitten them in their own bed—yet the dog is still allowed in the bed. That’s insane. Where are the boundaries? How is the dog supposed to know the behavior isn’t okay if it’s tolerated—or worse, rewarded?
I get it. This comes from love. But it’s misplaced love. Dogs without rules are stressed and confused. They don’t understand the job description. They need leadership, not endless coddling.
If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, start by asking yourself two things:
Is my dog truly fulfilled in a meaningful, engaging way?
Have I actually set boundaries—or am I avoiding it because I feel bad?
These two issues won’t solve everything, but addressing them is always a step in the right direction.