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Why Is My Dog So Annoying? 10 Irritating Behaviors & What To Do

Written by: Ed Malaker

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Dogster Team

border collie puppy barking

Why Is My Dog So Annoying? 10 Irritating Behaviors & What To Do

Dogs are wonderful companions, adding unconditional love, loyalty, and joy to our lives. That said, even the most devoted owners can’t deny that their pets can get a bit annoying from time to time and engage in behaviors that they wouldn’t want to tell wannabe dog owners. Still, if you are thinking about getting a dog, keep reading for a list of several undesirable things that you can expect and what you can do about it so you can prepare.

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The 10 Annoying Things Dogs Do

1. Barking Incessantly

The first thing that can shock you when you get a dog is that they can bark—loudly and frequently! Small dogs are famous for barking throughout the day, and a large dog barking can be terrifying. Either will likely bother the neighbors, so it can be a great source of stress for first-time pet owners.

What Can You Do About It?
If possible, try to determine what is causing your dog to bark, which can include being bored, seeking attention, or alerting you to perceived threats. Eliminating these might help. Also, try to help your dog get more activity throughout the day, which will enable them to burn off excess energy. Teaching your dog the “Quiet” command can help too.


2. Chewing Destructively

shiba inu dog chewing a kong chew toy
Image Credit: AlyssaRich, Shutterstock

A big problem for pet owners is when their dog starts destructively chewing. They can target your clothes and other belongings and might start to chew at the carpet, furniture, and even the walls.

What Can You Do About It?
Getting appropriate chew toys for your dog can curb their chewing behavior. Remember to keep rotating them out with other toys so your pet doesn’t get bored. It’s also a good idea to puppy-proof your house and keep your valuables out of reach.


3. Jumping Up

We’ve all been to a friend’s house where their dog keeps jumping up on you no matter what you do. It’s bad enough when it’s a small dog, but it can be a real bother when it’s a large dog digging their huge claws into your arm, even if it’s just because they are happy to see you.

What Can You Do About It?
If possible, try not to pay any attention to the jumping. Instead, turn your back to face away from them. Any reaction that you give is a type of reward for your pet, which will convince them to continue with the behavior. Getting attention only when they keep all four paws on the floor will help persuade them to keep them there. Consistent training will also help.


4. Begging at the Table

dog begging for food at the kitchen
Image Credit: TMArt, Shutterstock

Your dog begging at the table can be annoying to visitors to your home, but it can also be hard for you to resist. However, feeding table food to your pet can lead to obesity, and human food also contains many ingredients that can be harmful to your dog.

What Can You Do About It?
Feed your dog before you sit down to eat. They will be less likely to bother you if they are already full. Training your dog to stay in a separate area can help, and never give in and let them have any food, or they will come back.


5. Pulling on the Leash

When you are out for a walk, having a dog constantly pulling on the leash can be incredibly annoying. It can also cause injuries to your back, which can make it difficult to help your pet get the exercise that they need and bring down your quality of life.

What Can You Do About It?
 Using a harness instead of just a leash can help give you more control over your dog as you walk. You might also be able to train your dog to not pull by stopping every time they start pulling and refusing to move until there is slack in the leash. Consistency with this rule can be effective and can help make your walks more enjoyable.


6. Not Coming When Called

man running after his dog at the park
Image Credit: Benevolente82, Shutterstock

Not coming when called is frustrating and annoying when you need to go somewhere, and it can be dangerous to your dog’s safety, especially in a crowded environment.

What Can You Do About It?
 In a controlled environment, start training your dog when they are still a puppy to come when you call them, and reward them with treats or praise when they follow orders. This will help them understand what you want and give them extra incentive to do what you say. Getting mad or punishing the dog when they don’t behave will only make matters worse.


7. Digging Up the Garden

When your dog digs in the yard and especially in your garden to bury one of their bones or toys, it’s frustrating. It can also make your yard look bad, and the holes can become hazards.

What Can You Do About It?
Create a sandbox or a specific area where your dog is allowed to dig. Bury toys or treats there to encourage them to dig in that spot instead of in other areas of your yard, as digging is a natural behavior for many dogs. You can also try increasing activity to help them burn off any excess energy that might be causing the digging urge.


8. Exhibiting Separation Anxiety

dog waiting for its owner at the door

Image Credit: Lori Jaeski, ShutterstockIt’s sweet to know that our pets miss us when we are gone, but when their sadness turns to destructive behavior, it can be quite annoying, with many dogs resorting to chewing, digging, and barking while their parents are away.

What Can You Do About It?
 Slowly acclimate your dog to being alone by starting with short departures and increasing the time spent away as they get more comfortable. Ensure that your pet has a comfortable and safe space to retreat to while you’re gone if they feel anxious, and consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers and anxiety vests for dogs prone to severe anxiety.


9. Being Aggressive

A dog that behaves aggressively is not only annoying, but it can also cause strangers to see your pet as a threat. It can even prevent your mail and other deliveries from arriving, as most carriers won’t want to deal with an aggressive dog.

What Can You Do About It?
 Dogs that behave aggressively often need the help of a professional trainer or animal behaviorist. They can get to the root of the problem, which might be an earlier trauma, fear, or territorial behavior, in order to address it properly and get your pet to behave normally so there are no injuries or other problems. Rewarding non-aggressive behavior with treats and praise while ignoring bad behavior can also help your pet understand that you prefer them to behave non-aggressively.


10. Having Housetraining Mishaps

Even the best-behaved dogs may suffer from a few housetraining mishaps throughout their lifetimes, but it can be annoying when it happens frequently and can even damage the rug and give your home a bad odor, which is especially bad if you are a renter.

What Can You Do About It?
Always ensure that your pet has frequent bathroom breaks to minimize the risk of a mess. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of treats when they do their business outside, and if they have an accident, clean it up quickly with an enzymatic cleaner to help destroy it at a molecular level so it doesn’t leave behind any odor that might tell your pet to use that spot again.

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Summary

Dogs can be annoying in many different ways, but in most cases, you can curb their more frustrating behaviors with proper training and plenty of patience. Always pay extra attention to your pet when they are acting properly, and don’t respond when they are misbehaving (unless they’re in danger). Dogs thrive on attention, even yelling, and depriving them of it can quickly change their behavior. When all else fails, contact a professional trainer or animal behaviorist to get advice specific to your pet.


Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock

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