How to Control Unwanted Puppy Behaviors

Puppy behavior modification entails modifying the puppy’s behavior to decrease unwanted behaviors. Unlike obedience training, which trains a puppy to perform specific actions when requested, behavior modification aims to change a puppy’s reaction to a situation, person, or object.

Puppies will thrive in an environment where they are provided with clear structure and communication. Desirable behaviors are rewarded, and undesirable behaviors are no longer reinforced. Modern science-based puppy training and behavior modification focuses on teamwork and creating a harmonious relationship between you and your puppy.

For Behavior Modification to work effectively, your puppy must know some basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, and leave it. Through positive reinforcement, we focus on what we want the puppy to do, rather than trying to change the puppy’s behavior. 

Behavior Modification for serious behavior issues such as aggression, fear, and anxiety is a very intense and detailed process that requires a unique skill set and years of education and experience to get results.  There would have to be another very long book on how to work with these severe behavior issues, so it will not be covered in this chart.

However, I will discuss how to use behavior modification techniques for minor puppy behavior issues such as jumping, barking, and chewing, which are the most common for young puppies. 

I use preventive methods to help control minor behavior issues in puppies. I do not suggest focusing on stopping the behavior once it’s started. My suggestions include stopping the reinforcement of the bad behavior and offering your puppy an alternative behavior, as listed in the chart.

“Remember to focus on the behaviors that you want, not what you don’t want.”

Use the chart below to help identify unwanted behaviors and teach a replacement behavior. Practice reinforcing the replacement behaviors while avoiding reinforcement of the undesirable behaviors.

Unwanted Behavior	Replacement Behavior	Training Needed
Jumping	Down-stay	Teach and practice down-stay 25 times per day for 30 days.
Barking	Lie calmly on the bed	Down-stay on bed, with relaxation techniques and mental stimulation toys.
Chewing Furniture	Chewing toy or bone	Manage the puppy's space to prevent access to furniture and provide an alternative chew toy or bone.
Play Biting on People	Biting on their toys	Interrupt the behavior and provide a toy for the puppy to bite. Stop overstimulating the puppy and putting your hands near their face.
Going Potty in the House	Going potty outside	Manage the puppy's space by using a crate and a leash. Take the puppy out every hour to potty and reward that behavior.
Crying in the Crate	Sleeping in the crate	Get the puppy accustomed to the crate to associate a positive experience with it. Reward the puppy for being calm in the crate.
Zoomies in the House	Calm in the house	Ensure the puppy receives sufficient sleep, exercise, and mental stimulation. Reward the puppy for being calm and relaxed.

“When you focus on the problems, you will have more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you will have more possibilities.”

Disclaimer: The advice in this chart on Behavior Modification is to offer tips for resolving your puppy's unwanted behaviors. We do not guarantee the puppy's behavior or that these tips will resolve your issues. These are just suggestions.  Ultimately, hiring a professional dog trainer is the best way to achieve your desired results. 

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