Behavior & body language

Behavior & body language: common questions

Why does my dog pull on the leash?

Because pulling works — it gets them to the next smell faster. The fix is making a loose leash the only thing that produces forward motion: stop when the leash tightens, move when it slackens, and reward heavily in the position you want. Consistency matters more than equipment here.

How do I stop my dog barking at the window or doorbell?

Manage first, then train. Block the visual trigger with film or a gate, then pair the doorbell sound at low volume with food so it predicts good things rather than an intruder. Add a trained alternative, such as going to a mat, once the emotional response has softened.

Is my dog's behavior anxiety or a training problem?

Look at the body, not the behavior. Anxiety shows up as panting, pacing, drooling, trembling, destruction focused on exits, or an inability to take food. Those signs mean the dog cannot learn in that moment, and the plan should start with reducing the trigger's intensity — often with your vet involved — rather than adding obedience.

How long should I leave a dog alone?

Four to six hours is a reasonable maximum for most adult dogs, less for puppies and dogs with separation distress. Build up in short absences and record what happens in the first fifteen minutes, since that is when distress behavior peaks and where the plan needs to start.