Breaking Dogs Bad Habits: How a Virginia Dog Trainer Can Help

breaking dogs bad habits

Dealing with bad behavior in dogs can be stressful, but the good news is that most habits can be changed with time, consistency, and the right training approach. Whether your dog chews furniture, barks excessively, or begs at the dinner table, you’re not alone. Many dog owners face similar challenges and wonder how to turn things around.

In this guide, we'll answer some of the most common questions about breaking dogs’ bad habits, explore why they happen, and explain how professional trainers in Virginia can help.

Why Do Dogs Develop Bad Habits?

Dogs don’t act out of spite. Most unwanted behaviors develop for one or more of the following reasons:

  • Boredom or lack of mental stimulation

  • Inconsistent boundaries or reinforcement

  • Anxiety, fear, or excitement

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Unclear expectations

A common thread in many cases is the absence of routine or training. When dogs don't know what's expected, they may form habits that are difficult to manage later. Breaking dogs’ bad habits begins with understanding why the behavior started in the first place.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing Everything?

Many dogs bark excessively when the doorbell rings, which can be a nuisance for the owners and the neighbors. To address this behavior, teaching the "quiet" command, desensitizing the dog to the sound of the doorbell, and rewarding a calm demeanor during doorbell ringing can help reduce barking over time.

What causes chewing?

  • Teething (in puppies)

  • Boredom or excess energy

  • Anxiety

  • Lack of appropriate chew toys

How can I correct it?

  • Offer a variety of dog-safe chew toys

  • Redirect chewing from inappropriate objects to toys

  • Praise your dog when they chew the right item

  • Supervise closely, especially when alone

  • Increase physical exercise and mental stimulation

If you're focused on breaking dogs’ bad habits, correcting chewing early is key to preventing long-term damage and frustration.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking at the Doorbell?

Many dogs bark the moment they hear a doorbell. While this behavior may be rooted in excitement or alertness, it can become excessive.

Why do dogs bark at the doorbell?

  • Alerting the family

  • Territorial instincts

  • Overstimulation or anxiety

What can I do?

  • Teach a “quiet” command using treats and repetition

  • Practice with recorded doorbell sounds to reduce sensitivity

  • Reward calm behavior during real visits

  • Create a routine that includes going to a specific spot when the bell rings

For dog owners in Virginia neighborhoods where visitors and deliveries are frequent, breaking dogs’ bad habits like doorbell barking can lead to a more peaceful home.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Digging Up the Yard?

Digging is a frustrating habit that can ruin your lawn and garden. But like most behaviors, it's often rooted in instinct or boredom.

Why do dogs dig?

  • Trying to cool off or make a den

  • Hunting for small animals

  • Boredom or lack of exercise

  • Seeking attention

How do I manage it?

  • Designate a safe digging area (like a sandbox)

  • Supervise playtime outdoors

  • Interrupt digging and redirect to toys or play

  • Increase exercise and problem-solving games

In some cases, digging is seasonal or breed-related. A trainer experienced in breaking dogs’ bad habits can help you manage yard behavior effectively.

How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Barking in the Car?

Barking during car rides can make even short trips stressful. Some dogs bark from excitement, while others are anxious.

Why does my dog bark in the car?

  • Anxiety from motion or past trauma

  • Excitement about the destination

  • Overstimulation from the environment

  • Protective behavior

How can I help them?

  • Use a crate or dog seatbelt to create a secure space

  • Start with short trips and reward calm behavior

  • Play calming music in the car

  • Avoid scolding—redirect and praise calmness

A professional can help desensitize your dog to car travel. For pet owners interested in breaking dogs’ bad habits like barking in transit, consistent exposure and reinforcement are key.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Begging at the Table?

Begging usually starts when dogs are fed table scraps. Once they learn that sitting near the table may lead to food, the habit sticks.

Why do dogs beg?

  • Reinforced by food given from the table

  • Lack of clear feeding routines

  • Curiosity or hunger

What’s the solution?

  • Never feed from the table—ever

  • Establish regular mealtimes

  • Send your dog to their crate or bed during meals

  • Use commands like “leave it” or “place”

  • Reward good behavior away from the dining area

Breaking dogs' bad habits often means retraining yourself and your family, not just your dog.

Why Is My Dog Marking Inside the House, and How Can I Stop It?

Urine marking is different from house soiling. Dogs mark to claim territory or respond to stress.

What causes urine marking?

  • Presence of other animals

  • New people or changes in the home

  • Anxiety or insecurity

  • Intact males or females in heat

How do I address it?

  • Clean with enzyme-based products to eliminate scent

  • Monitor and redirect marking attempts

  • Spay or neuter if not already done

  • Praise outdoor bathroom behavior

  • Restrict access to previously marked spots

A trainer who understands scent-based behavior can help create a customized plan for breaking dogs’ bad habits, like indoor marking.

What Should I Do If My Dog Steals Food From the Counter?

Counter-surfing isn’t just annoying—it’s potentially dangerous if your dog ingests toxic foods like chocolate or grapes.

Why do dogs counter-surf?

  • Past success in finding food there

  • Hunger or curiosity

  • Lack of boundaries

How can I prevent it?

  • Keep counters clear of all food and crumbs

  • Teach “off” and “leave it” commands

  • Block access to kitchen when unsupervised

  • Reward them for staying away from counters

Consistency is key in breaking dogs’ bad habits like counter-surfing. Once a dog learns they won’t be rewarded, the behavior typically stops.

How Can a Virginia Dog Trainer Help With Bad Behavior?

A professional trainer provides:

  • One-on-one behavior assessments

  • Custom plans tailored to your dog

  • Training for specific commands

  • Structure and accountability for the owner

  • Support with socialization and obedience

Whether it’s jumping, barking, or more complex issues, trainers guide owners through each step of the process. Virginia-based trainers understand local distractions and environments, making their approach even more effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing dog behavioral issues is both challenging and rewarding. Highlighting common problems like inappropriate chewing and excessive barking underscores the need for understanding and positive reinforcement.

The Trusted Companion is here to provide expert dog training support, guiding you and your pet toward overcoming these obstacles. With strategies like suitable toys, essential commands, and easing stress, we can help create a peaceful coexistence.

Contact The Trusted Companion today, and let's work together to transform your dog into a well-behaved, joyful family member.