Behavior Questions for Wetterhouns

Every dog owner has questions — and some come up more than others. Here are answers to the most common behavior questions we hear from pet parents.

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Separation Anxiety

How can you tell if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common issue, but it's more than just your dog missing you. True separation anxiety can involve destructive behaviors and even self-injury. It's an actual panic response — not your dog being "bad" or trying to punish you for leaving.

What behaviors indicate your dog might have separation anxiety?

Signs of separation anxiety include:

• Panic behaviors — pacing, panting, or trembling when they sense you're about to leave
• Destructive behaviors — damaging property, especially around doors and windows
• Inappropriate urination or defecation — even in house-trained dogs
• Excessive drooling or shaking
• Escape attempts — scratching at doors, chewing through barriers, or attempting to escape
• Self-harm — in severe cases, dogs may injure themselves trying to escape or cope

If you notice these signs, it's worth consulting with a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist. True separation anxiety often requires a structured behavior modification plan.

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Co-Sleeping

Can co-sleeping with your dog lead to behavioral issues?

Some dogs do well with co-sleeping, but for others, it may lead to behavioral challenges.

Successful obedience training relies on your dog looking to you for direction. A casual relationship — like sharing your bed — may sometimes result in:

• Your dog being less responsive to commands
• Less respect for personal boundaries (such as jumping up on furniture uninvited)
• Generally showing less obedience in other areas

This isn't universal — many dogs sleep with their owners without any issues. But if you're experiencing obedience challenges, evaluating sleeping arrangements is worth considering as part of your overall training approach.

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Jumping

Why does my dog jump up on me?

Jumping up is natural dog behavior, often seen when dogs interact with each other. Dogs usually jump on people due to:

1. Excitement — they're happy to see you!
2. Lack of training — they simply haven't learned an alternative way to greet

Puppies especially learn that jumping gets attention — even if it's negative attention like being pushed away. To them, any response is engagement.

How can you stop your dog from jumping on people?

You can train your dog not to jump by:

Option 1: Direct Training Consistently using rewards for correct behavior (four paws on the floor) and consequences for unwanted behavior (jumping).

Option 2: Alternative Behavior (Often Easier) Teach an alternative behavior, like sitting calmly. When your dog learns that "sit" is how they get attention, jumping becomes unnecessary.

Both approaches should:

• Begin with your dog on a leash for control
• Gradually increase the level of distraction
• Continue until their training outweighs their excitement

Consistency from everyone in the household is key — if one person allows jumping, training becomes much harder.

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Curious Behaviors

Why does my dog stare at closed doors?

Dogs staring at closed doors might be anticipating someone's arrival. Dogs have far sharper senses than humans and can often detect things we can't.

Consider that dogs can:

• Hear sounds at frequencies we can't detect
• Smell the approach of familiar people before they're visible
• Sense vibrations through floors that we miss entirely

Your dog may literally know someone is coming before you do! That fixed stare at the door might be your dog saying, "Get ready — company's almost here."

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Multi-Pet Households

Why does my cat chase the dog off of her dog bed?

Simply because they can!

Beds represent high-value territory, and typically, the most territorial pet will claim the softest, most comfortable spot — regardless of who technically "owns" it.

Cats are often more territorial than dogs about specific resting spots. Your dog may simply be deferring to the cat's confidence and assertion, even if the bed was purchased for them.

If this bothers you, consider:

• Providing multiple comfortable spots so there's less competition
• Placing the cat's bed in a higher location (cats often prefer elevated spots)
• Using positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to use their own bed

Sometimes, though, the simplest solution is to accept the household pecking order and buy your dog a second bed!

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Want to Learn More?

These everyday behaviors are windows into how your dog thinks and communicates. Understanding the "why" behind behaviors makes training more effective and strengthens your bond.

Explore our Academy modules on:

• Behavioral Issues — solving common challenges
• Fear & Anxiety — understanding and addressing anxiety
• Training — building reliable obedience