Pet Behavior Analysis Tool

How this behavior analysis works

The same behavior can have very different causes. A dog barking at the window and a dog barking when left alone need completely different plans. The tool asks what your dog does, when it happens, and whether it’s new. Those three answers usually point to the most likely cause.

It follows the approach behavior professionals use: rule out medical causes first, understand the motivation, manage the environment so the behavior can’t keep being rewarded, then teach an alternative behavior with positive reinforcement.

Track progress, not perfection

Behavior change is gradual, and it’s easy to lose heart on a bad day. After your analysis, use the progress tracker to log how many times the behavior happens each day. After four days you’ll see whether it’s improving, staying the same, or temporarily getting worse (often a normal “extinction burst” when an old habit stops working). Your log is saved privately in your browser. You can also print your plan with a 14-day log sheet to stick on the fridge, so everyone in the household follows the same rules.

Common dog behavior problems explained

🗣️ Barking a lot

Barking is communication. The fix depends on what your dog is trying to say.

• At people, dogs or noises outside: Alert or territorial barking. Your dog thinks they’re guarding the home.
• When they want something from me: Demand barking. It worked before, so your dog keeps trying.
• When I leave the house: Possible separation-related distress.
• Seemingly at nothing / out of boredom: Under-stimulation. Barking is self-entertainment.

How to stop excessive barking →

🦘 Jumping up or over fences

Jumping is usually excitement or a quest for something on the other side.

• On people when greeting: Excited greeting. Dogs greet face-to-face, and jumping gets attention.
• Over or at the fence: Escape motivation: boredom, chasing wildlife, seeking other dogs, or fear of something in the yard.
• On counters and tables: Counter-surfing. It has paid off with food at least once.

How to stop your dog from jumping →

🦷 Biting or nipping

Puppy mouthing is normal. Biting in an adult dog needs a closer look.

• Puppy nipping hands and clothes: Normal play and teething. Puppies explore with their mouths.
• When touched, handled or near food/toys: Resource guarding or discomfort with handling, sometimes pain.
• At strangers or other dogs: Usually fear: the dog wants the scary thing to go away.

How to stop a dog from biting →

🧦 Chewing things

Chewing is a natural need. The goal is to point it at the right things.

• Puppy under 1 year: Teething and exploration.
• Mostly when left alone: Boredom or separation-related stress.
• Random household items any time: Lack of appropriate chew outlets or attention-seeking.

How to stop a dog from chewing →

🕳️ Digging

Many dogs, especially terriers and northern breeds, are born to dig.

• Shallow holes all over the yard: Entertainment, or hunting insects and rodents.
• Under the fence: Escape motivation.
• Cool holes in the shade on hot days: Temperature regulation.

11 ways to stop your dog digging →

😢 Whining

Whining signals a need: attention, excitement, stress or pain.

• In the crate or at night: Needs a toilet break, or isn’t yet comfortable in the crate.
• For attention or food: Learned demand behavior.
• When stressed, or with no obvious reason: Anxiety or possible pain.

Why dogs whine and how to stop it →

💩 Eating poop

Coprophagia is gross but common, especially in puppies.

• Their own, or other dogs’: Often habit, scavenging instinct, or learned from cleaning up as a puppy. Sometimes diet-related.
• Cat litter box: Cat feces are high in protein and very attractive to dogs.
• Wildlife or horse poop on walks: Scavenging. It smells like food.

How to stop a dog eating poop →

🐾 Licking paws

Occasional licking is grooming. Constant licking usually has a cause.

• Red, brown-stained or smelly paws: Likely allergy or skin/yeast infection.
• One paw only, or limping: Possible injury, splinter, broken nail or cyst.
• Healthy-looking paws, licks when bored/alone: Boredom or anxiety licking.

Why dogs lick their paws (and how to stop it) →

🚽 Peeing or pooping indoors

Indoor accidents are about training, marking, stress or health.

• Puppy or newly adopted dog: Incomplete house training.
• Small amounts on vertical objects: Urine marking.
• House-trained adult suddenly having accidents: Often medical: urinary infection, kidney issues, diabetes, or age-related.

The complete potty training guide →

🦮 Pulling on the leash

Dogs pull because pulling gets them where they want to go.

• Constantly, from the start of the walk: Pulling has been reinforced, and humans walk slowly!
• Lunges at dogs, people or cars: Reactivity, often fear or frustration.

Leash training a puppy →

😟 Fearful or anxious

Fear is an emotion, not disobedience. Build confidence and safety first.

• Loud noises (fireworks, storms): Noise sensitivity. See our fireworks anxiety guide and sound desensitization player.
• New people, places or dogs: Limited socialization or genetic shyness.
• Being left alone: Separation-related distress.

Separation anxiety in dogs: step-by-step plan →

⚠️ Growling or aggression

Growling is a warning, so don’t punish it. Find out what it’s about.

• Around food, bones or toys: Resource guarding.
• When touched or picked up: Pain or handling sensitivity.
• Toward other dogs or strangers: Fear or frustration.

How to stop a dog from biting →

When to get professional help

• Any bite that breaks skin, or aggression toward children
• A sudden change in behavior, especially in a senior dog
• Behavior combined with physical symptoms such as limping, vomiting, changes in thirst or appetite, or hiding
• Self-injury, such as licking until sores form or breaking teeth on a crate
• No improvement after 2–3 weeks of consistent training

This tool offers general education, not a diagnosis. Your veterinarian is always the best first stop for a sudden or worrying change.