Dog Behavior | Best Friends Animal Society

Dog Behavior

83 results

Tips for Taking a Dog in Public

Taking your dog in public should be a positive experience for everyone: you, your dog, and those around you. Learn tips to make that possible.

a dog in public being walked on leash on a sidewalk

Dog Counter Surfing: Prevention and Deterrents

Does your dog jump up on the counter when you aren't looking to steal food? Here are effective deterrents for dog counter surfing.

dog counter surfing with their front paws up on the counter

How to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

Chewing is a natural and healthy dog instinct. However, our canine pals don’t always chew on appropriate things. Here’s how to stop destructive dog chewing.

Two puppies chewing on shoe laces, an example of destructive dog chewing

How to Relieve Dog Car Anxiety and Fear of Car Rides

Learn step-by-step instructions and tips to help with dog car anxiety and fear of car rides to help your dog relax and enjoy going for a ride.

dog going for a car ride

Bringing a New Dog Home: What to Know

Bringing a new dog home requires some forethought and preparation to make the transition smooth from day one. Here are some tips.

person cuddling with smiling dog

Promises to My Dog

Here are 12 'promises to my dog' that you make when you bring a dog into your life. Life with a dog is a joyful commitment.

Woman making promises to her dog, the most important of which is to love him

Dog Muzzles: How and Why to Use Them

A dog muzzle can be a helpful tool to keep everyone safe while you’re working to improve a dog’s social skills or manage aggressive tendencies.

Close-up on a black-and-white dog's smiling face

Managing Barrier Reactivity

Some dogs behave aggressively when behind a fence. They may bark, growl and lunge. Learn prevention and counter-conditioning strategies.

German shepherd behind a fence

'Look at That' (LAT) Training for Reactive Dogs

Teaching a dog to look at you is especially helpful for reactive dogs and can help all dogs in scary or exciting situations when they are distracted. Follow this step-by-...

Dog in a dog training class learning to look at his person

How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other

Introducing dogs to each other can be stressful, but it need not be. Here are tips for how to introduce dogs successfully.

Two brindle dogs who have been successfully introduced to each other are standing side by side outdoors in snow.

How to Teach a Dog to Speak and Be Quiet

To teach a dog to speak, it is usually best to teach the dog the 'quiet' cue first. Here's how.

Woman teaching a dog to speak (bark)

How to Train Your Dog to Come

Teaching a dog to come should involve rewards. Give praise, treats, affection, and/or toys. Make it a party every time your dog comes.

Woman who is teaching this dog to come

How to Teach a Dog to 'Leave It'

The 'leave it' command can prevent a dog from being hurt or even save their life. Here's how to teach a dog to 'leave it.'

Black-and-white dog learning the leave it command

How to Teach a Dog Their Name

Learn tips for how to teach a dog their name — plus information on choosing a name for a dog.

person sitting next to black-and-white dog

Training Shelter Dogs

Training shelter dogs helps get them ready to be adopted. Since many haven’t lived in a home, we work to prepare them for a home environment.

Woman using positive reinforcement to train a shelter dog

Well-Behaved Dog: Training, Play, Socialization

Daily interaction in the form of training, play, socialization, and down time are important for fostering a well-mannered and well-behaved dog.

Well-behaved dog walking on a leash with person's legs showing