12 Common Dog Behavioral Issues and Conditions

This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff. 

Dealing with behavior problems in pets can be tough for any pet owner. Whether it’s a dog that won’t stop barking, or a cat that’s being a little too destructive, figuring out how to handle these issues is key to keeping things peaceful between your furry friend and their surroundings.

Let’s dive into the most common behavioral conditions in dogs and cats, including expert insights from dog trainer Wesley Swainston (aka @forthedogs). 

1. Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues in dogs, particularly in breeds that thrive on human companionship and hate being left alone. Dogs with separation anxiety often struggle to cope when their owners leave, even for short periods. 

This anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as:

• Nonstop barking
• Destructive chewing of furniture or household items
• Accidents in the house (even if your pooch is potty-trained)

These behaviors are not acts of defiance but signs of distress, as the dog feels overwhelmed and uncertain without their trusted human nearby. Addressing this issue often requires a combination of training, patience, and in some cases, professional support. 

“Anxiety is the most common behavioral condition we treat at my practice, and is the root of many different behavioral conditions. There are also many types of anxiety including separation anxiety, fear based aggression, resource guarding, or PTSD from previous trauma.” 

-Dr. Stephanie Liff

2. Fear of loud noises

Many dogs are scared of loud noises, which makes sense given their super-sensitive hearing and natural survival instincts. In fact, approximately 25% of dogs are reported to be fearful of loud noises. 

Thunderstorms, fireworks, or even everyday household sounds can set them off, causing stress or even panic. These reactions aren’t just tough for your dog—they can lead to bigger health problems if not addressed, such as chronic anxiety or high blood pressure.

You can try a few simple things at home to help your pet feel less afraid of loud noises. Dr. Liff advises, “A thunder shirt and setting up a cozy, safe spot—like a quiet corner, room, or crate, preferably in a soundproof area—can make a big difference. Pheromone sprays and diffusers, like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats, can also help. 

That said, when pets are really struggling with a fear of loud noises, it’s often a true panic attack, and medication is warranted and required.” 

3. Destructive chewing

Puppies and young dogs chew because they’re teething or exploring their world—it’s how they learn. But when an adult dog chews destructively, it’s often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or excess energy. 

Why do they do it? Chewing can help dogs self-soothe when stressed or burn energy if they lack exercise.

There are a few things owners can try to curb this unwelcome behavior, such as:

• Providing physical and mental stimulation with regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys like puzzles
• Identifying anxiety triggers (e.g., being left alone, loud noises) and work on desensitization
• Redirecting chewing to appropriate toys—experiment with different textures to find their favorite—and praise positive behavior
• Trying crate training or use baby gates to block off problem areas

If the behavior persists, or you’re unsure what’s causing your pooch to exhibit this behavior, it’s likely time to consult a trainer or your vet for advice on next steps. 

4. Jumping 

A dog jumping up to say hello might seem cute at first, but it can get old fast—especially for guests or kids. Dogs jump to get your attention or show excitement, but if it’s not managed, it can lead to accidental scratches or even knock someone over.

Teaching your dog to greet people calmly means showing them other ways to behave, like the sit command, and staying consistent with rewarding them for the good behavior during greetings. 

Dog trainer Wesley suggests that having treats at the ready can be a powerful tool to curb this behavior in your furry friends. 

“Keeping a jar of treats near the door is a simple trick to redirect their focus away from jumping. When your dog runs up to greet someone, toss a few on the ground before they have a chance to jump. This encourages your dog to focus on the floor instead of the person. Another approach is to have guests hold a treat low and ask for a command like ‘sit’ or ‘down’ before giving it.”

-Wesley Swainston

5. Aggressive behavior

This can include growling, biting, or nipping, which are often caused by fear, lack of socialization, resource guarding, pain, or even frustration. Aggressive behavior in dogs can stem from a variety of triggers, such as:

• Feeling threatened
• Past trauma
• Lack of proper training during critical development stages. 

Handling canine aggression takes patience and understanding. Sometimes, it’s best to reach out to a certified behaviorist or professional dog trainer who can figure out what’s causing the problem and create a custom training plan to tackle it safely and effectively for both you and your pooch.

6. Food aggression

Food aggression is when a dog gets protective over their food, growling, snapping, or even biting if someone comes too close. It’s an instinct that helps wild dogs protect their food, but at home, it can create some stress and safety issues.

Dogs can develop this behavior for a few reasons, such as dealing with scarcity in the past, like in shelters, while others may just feel an extra need to protect something they care about. 

Whatever the reason, it’s important to handle food guarding calmly and in a positive way, such as: 

• Creating a calm, quiet feeding area where your dog feels safe and undisturbed. This can help reduce anxiety and prevent guarding behaviors.
• Gradually desensitizing your dog by standing a safe distance from your dog while they eat, then slowly moving closer as they get comfortable. Reward their calm behavior with praise or treats.
• Hand feeding your dog builds trust and helps them associate you with positive experiences. It also shows them you’re a provider, not a threat.
• Avoid punishing your dog for guarding behavior as this can increase fear and anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and patience.

Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re dealing with severe guarding issues, consulting with a professional can help tailor a plan to your dog’s specific needs.

7. Destructive digging 

Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become a challenge when it causes damage to your yard, garden, or even furniture. Dogs dig for many reasons, and certain breeds, like terriers or beagles, are especially prone to this behavior due to their hunting backgrounds. 

Understanding why your dog is digging is key to addressing the issue and helping them channel their energy in more appropriate ways, such as:

• Increasing your dog’s physical and/or mental stimulation with regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys if the cause is boredom.
• Trying more vigorous activities like running or agility training if your dog has excess energy.
• If your dog is digging due to instinctual behavior, try providing a designated digging area with sand or loose soil. Rewarding your pup for using this space can reinforce the behavior. 
• To help dogs struggling with digging as a stress or anxiety response, try providing your pooch with a calm environment, such as a quiet room or a crate. If the behavior continues, consult your vet

8. Excessive grooming

Grooming is a normal part of a dog’s daily routine, but if it gets out of hand, it could mean something’s wrong. If your dog is constantly licking, biting, or chewing their fur, it might be due to allergies, skin issues, stress, or even boredom. If left unchecked, this behavior can lead to bald spots, sores, and infections.

Pinpointing the cause can help you determine next steps:

• Physical triggers like allergies or parasites should be addressed with your vet. 
• Emotional triggers like anxiety can often improve with extra enrichment and calming strategies. If the behavior doesn’t change, you should check in with your vet to create a plan to address the behavior. 

9. Inappropriate elimination

Dealing with accidents at home can be frustrating, but there’s usually a reason behind inappropriate elimination. Puppies might have the occasional slip-up while house training, but older dogs could start going in odd places because of stress, marking behavior, or medical issues like infections or stomach troubles. 

If your dog’s having a tough time, the first thing to do is check in with your vet to rule out any medical issues. Getting back to a consistent routine and brushing up on house training basics can also help them get back on track.

10. Begging 

Begging might seem harmless at first—who can resist those adorable puppy-dog eyes? But it can quickly become an annoying habit. Dogs beg because they’ve figured out it works—if they’ve scored a treat before, they’ll keep at it. The problem is, giving in can lead to overfeeding and even health issues, such as pancreatitis, especially if your dog ends up eating something they shouldn’t.

Stopping your pup from begging starts with being consistent and setting clear boundaries. If your dog’s begging is getting a little out of hand, try these tips to help curb the habit: 

• Avoid feeding from the table: Make sure no one in the household gives your dog scraps during meals. Consistency is key—one indulgence can reinforce the habit.
• Set meal boundaries: Teach your dog to stay in a designated spot during your mealtimes, like a comfy bed or mat, and reward them for staying there.
• Stick to a feeding routine: Feed your dog their meals at the same times each day, preferably before your meals, so they’re less likely to beg while you eat.
• Ignore begging behavior: Begging thrives on attention—if your dog begs, avoid scolding or engaging. Instead, stay consistent in not giving them any reward for the behavior.

11. Excessive barking 

Dogs bark to communicate—whether they’re warning you about something, looking for attention, or just super excited. But if your dog is barking too much, it might mean they’re bored, anxious, scared, or feeling a bit threatened.

To prevent excessive barking, pet owners can take several steps:

• Identify triggers: Notice when and why your dog barks—are they alone, at certain times, or reacting to specific things?
• Exercise regularly: Keep your dog active to burn energy and reduce boredom. A tired dog is often quieter.
• Provide mental stimulation: Use puzzle toys, training, or interactive play to keep your dog engaged.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward calm, quiet behavior. Avoid yelling, as it can increase anxiety or excitement.
• Create a calming space: If barking is due to fear or anxiety, offer a safe, soothing environment. Try white noise or calming sprays.
• Encourage socialization: Gradually introduce your dog to new people, animals, and situations to boost confidence and reduce fear-based barking. 

Wesley suggests that a well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog can help minimize barking:

“Games like fetch or tug, sniffing walks, or puzzle toys can help fulfill their biological needs and reduce excess energy. A fulfilled dog is a well-behaved dog! ”

-Wesley Swainston

There isn’t a one-size fits all solution for excessive barking in dogs. Wesley recommends that patience and consistency are key, and that pet parents should not hesitate to reach out to a professional trainer for guidance if needed.

12. Eating non-food items 

Some dogs can’t resist chewing on socks, sticks, or other non-food items—a habit called pica. While chewing helps dogs explore, swallowing these objects can cause choking or blockages. Puppies often do this while teething, but older dogs may develop the habit from boredom, stress, or nutrient deficiencies.

To tackle this behavior, start by figuring out what’s causing it and guide your pup toward safer choices. Offering safe chew toys can help redirect their focus and satisfy their need to chew or teethe. It’s also smart to keep things like shoes and socks out of their reach to reduce temptation and keep your space pup-proof.

If they’re still getting into trouble, a chat with your vet or a trainer can help you pinpoint the issue and find solutions that work.

What are common cat behavioral issues? 

Cats are known for being pretty independent, but they can still have behavior problems. Telling the difference between a normal “cattitude” and a real issue usually takes a closer look.

Some common cat behavioral issues include:

• Urination or defecation outside the litter box: This might happen because of stress, not liking the litter box setup, or even health issues like a urinary tract infection.
• Destructive scratching: Cats scratch furniture or walls to mark their territory, keep their claws in shape, or just to relieve stress. But without good scratching posts or fun activities, it can become a more severe problem. 
• Aggressive behavior: Cats might lash out because they’re scared, feeling territorial, or startled by loud noises. Look out for signs of aggression like hissing, scratching, or biting.
• Attention-seeking behaviors: This can include constant meowing, knocking things off tables, or pawing at family members. It might seem cute at first, but it can quickly turn into behavior you don’t want to encourage.
• Hiding or avoiding interaction: Cats that hide frequently may feel stressed, scared, or unwell, especially if this behavior appears suddenly.

Can my vet help treat my pet’s behavioral issues? 

Absolutely! While vets primarily handle physical health issues, they’re also well-equipped to evaluate behavior problems. 

Having concerns about your pet’s behavior? Dr. Liff recommends scheduling an appointment with your regular vet for a consultation as a first step. During the consultation, your vet may suggest ruling out a potential medical issue that can present as a behavioral change. 

“Once an underlying medical issue is ruled out as the cause of your pet’s behavioral change, your vet can advise you about medication and non-medical therapies that can help in your pet’s situation. Addressing behavioral issues typically involves a combination of treatment methods, and typically includes a combination of medications, training, and desensitizing your pet to their triggers.” 

-Dr. Stephanie Liff

What does a pet behaviorist do? 

Pet behaviorists are experts who tackle tricky behavior problems that might be too much for a vet or dog trainer to handle. They focus on understanding your pet’s environment, triggers, and reactions. Behaviorists then create personalized plans to help work through those issues.

Check out what sets a behaviorist apart from regular dog training or veterinary care: 

• Behavior analysis: Behaviorists study the reasons behind your pet’s behavior, including environmental stimuli and responses. 
• Customized behavior plans: They develop strategies involving positive reinforcement or other approaches. 
• Collaboration with your vet: Many behaviorists collaborate with your vet to adjust training based on any medical conditions. 

A certified behaviorist can be particularly useful if your pet has severe aggression, fear, or persistent bad habits that traditional training hasn’t resolved. If you think your pet might need help from a certified behaviorist, it’s best to consult your vet first to figure out a plan.

Does pet insurance cover behavioral conditions in pets? 

Good news for pet parents—pet insurance can often help cover the costs of treatment for behavioral conditions for dogs and cats. For example, Lemonade pet insurance offers an optional behavioral conditions add-on in most states*, which can take a bite out of costs related to treating your furry friend’s behavioral issues.

What does Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on cover? 

Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on can help cover the costs of diagnostics and vet-recommended treatments and therapies related to eligible behavioral conditions, including

• Veterinary examinations and therapy sessions 
• Prescription medications (if vet-recommended) 
• Specialized training by licensed behaviorists 

Keep in mind: The behavioral conditions add-on is subject to your base policy’s co-insurance and annual deductible, and has a separate annual limit of $1,000. The add-on will not provide coverage for general training (such as puppy or obedience training), training equipment, or pre-existing conditions. 

What pet behavioral conditions could Lemonade’s behavioral conditions add-on cover?

Here’s a quick look at some common issues this coverage can help with.

Conditions covered by the behavioral conditions add-on
Aggression (against people or animals)	Compulsive grooming/licking	Coprophagia	Destructive behavior (such as chewing)
Destructive scratching	Fireworks anxiety	Food guarding	Generalized anxiety
Inappropriate barking/meowing	Inappropriate elimination/marking (urine, stool)	Overgrooming/barbering/hair loss	Pica
Resource guarding (toys)	Self-trauma	Separation anxiety	Storm anxiety

How can I find a behaviorist for my pet? 

When you add the behavioral conditions add-on to your Lemonade pet insurance policy, you could get reimbursed for vet-recommended treatment by a licensed behaviorist. 

In order to be eligible for coverage, your vet must recommend that your pet should see a behaviorist, and the behaviorist has to be one of the following:

• A Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
• Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC)

Here are a few sites to help narrow down your search:

• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists (CAAB) Directory of the Animal Behavior Society
• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Directory
• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Directory

Before we go… 

We hope that you and your furry companions are never in a situation where they may struggle with behavioral issues, but it’s a good idea to be prepared. Covering your pet with Lemonade pet insurance, and including the Behavioral Conditions add-on, can help set your furry friend—and your wallet—up for success. 

Ready to get started? Click below to get your free quote today. 

*Not available in New Jersey or Florida

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.