Problem Behaviors Archives

An dog finds something to dig for in her backyard. Learn how to help stop your pet from putting holes throughout your lawn and garden.

All About Dogs

How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Digging?

Hi Cesar, My boyfriend and I have three dogs. Two are Rottweilers (three years old and one-year-old), and one is a Labrador retriever (nine months old). Our dogs love to dig, and now our backyard is in shambles. We tried burying their poop in the holes so they would not dig anymore, but that didn’t stop them. We are moving to a new house and want to break them of that habit. Is there something else we can do to stop the digging? Please help!Sincerely,Cindy Kozma Cesar Millan’s Answer: Hi Cindy, We know that digging can be harmful to people’s

May 26, 2023 No Comments

A dog on the beach chases and bites her tail to relieve itching from fleas. Learn to help your pup break this behavior if the tail chasing becomes obsessive.

All About Dogs

Dog Chasing Tail Obsession

Dear Cesar:We have a ten-year-old lab/pit bull mix. He is housebroken and can do a few tricks. The only problem is he LOVES to chase his tail. Whenever someone comes into the house, or even if there is any loud noise, he chases and chases and chases until he catches his tail. He can walk down the hall with it in his mouth and climb into his chair.He came from the shelter about eight years ago, and I thought this was a behavior he did there to keep himself occupied. Can you help?Lois Harvey Cesar Millan’s Answer:Dear Lois,For dogs, some

February 10, 2023 No Comments

Two dogs engage in a friendly game of wrestling on a summer afternoon. Learn how you can tell the difference between aggressive play and good play behavior.

Dog Behavior

Good and Bad Play Behavior

I am a Cesar fan and have a question regarding dogs at ‘play.’ My first obvious thought is that if your dogs have the energy to play, they need more exercise, correct?’ In any event, what types of play do you allow in your pack? I have a very playful two-year-old, high-energy Doberman named Klohee.’ She gets along well with other dogs: play bows, lays down to bait them to play, etc., but is quite obnoxious at times about playing, i.e., does not know when to stop.’ Even after exercise, she always has enough energy to play with other dogs.’

January 23, 2023 No Comments

A German Shepherd on a walk with his owner barks because he senses danger ahead. The body posture also suggest he is ready to attack the threat.

Barking and Howling

Why Dogs Bark

Dogs use a variety of cues to communicate with each other and humans. They verbalize thoughts, feelings, or opinions through growls, whines, or barks that can be loudest when it’s time for them to take action on something they don’t want you doing! If your dog barks, there is a reason why. It may be simply a response to a stimulus, like a jogger running by the house—or it may be your dog’s way of asking for help. It would be best if you found out why dogs bark to stop them from barking. Some Reasons Dogs Bark Barking is

September 2, 2022 No Comments

A puppy has collected his owner’s shoes while she is away at work. Separation anxiety is causing the dog to chew on items that are forbidden.

Cesar Milan Dog Nation

Steps to Stop Dog Chewing

It’s happened to all of us. We come home from a long day at work, and our dog is excited to see us. But when we enter the door, we realize that our house has been turned into a disaster zone. Chewed-up furniture, shredded pillows, and god knows what else… It’s enough to make you never want to leave your dog alone again. But don’t worry – there are ways to stop your dog from chewing everything in sight. This post will outline tips and tricks for preventing your pup from ruining your favorite things. Understand Why Your Dog is

August 17, 2022 No Comments

Small dog barks at others on a walk in the grass.

Agression

How To Stop Barking

Dogs have a natural need for barking. It is their primary way of communicating after expression and body posture. Dogs will bark as a warning to protect their pack and territory. They will also bark to express excitement. Those forms of barking are rarely a nuisance and don’t last long. That is why nuisance barking almost always has the same cause and the same solution. When a dog barks excessively, it’s telling you that it is bored and is looking for stimulation or a challenge. Pack Leadership Inevitably, excessive barking indicates there is a problem with the human, and not

July 18, 2021 No Comments

Cesar Millan

Why Cesar Millan Created The Funny Muzzle

What do you think about when you hear the word “muzzle”? Do you picture a dog wearing one of those devices that prevents them from biting? A muzzle is designed to stop dogs from biting and acting out, but many people believe that muzzles are cruel and hurtful to the animal’s overall health. This article will discuss the problems with traditional muzzles and why they can cause physical and mental harm on your pet. Then we will talk about how Cesar Millan created an alternative with his Funny Muzzle for your pup! The Problem with Traditional Muzzles Appears Scary to

June 12, 2021 No Comments

spay and neuter world of difference - cesar’s way

All About Dogs

How to Approach a Fearful Dog

Approaching a fearful canine can be an intimidating experience for both you and the dog. Whether it’s your own pup that is fearful or a dog you just met in the neighborhood, approaching a fearful dog requires attentive awareness and an understanding of the dog’s behavior. If you’re unsure how to approach a fearful dog, you have come to the right place. Today, we’ll cover the details on how to help a fearful dog gain trust in you and how to stay safe in the process. We’ll also share a helpful video from Cesar that explains how to approach a

April 21, 2021 No Comments

a dog is timid and fearful even in her own surroundings

All About Dogs

Persistent Dog Anxiety And Fear

Cesar, I have a two-year-old Pomeranian who is afraid of everything; and so worried about things falling on him. Although since I’ve had him (about one year), nothing has fallen on him. He even approaches his food dish as if a snake will attack at any minute. Drinking water is the same, he is always prepared to run away. I have tried to show calm and assertive direction and a matter-of-fact attitude. Is there anything more I can do? Alice Jackson Read Cesar’s Advice Below Dear Alice, This sounds like a self-esteem problem, so you must approach it delicately. We want

October 26, 2020 No Comments

Barking and Howling

Barking Up The Wrong Tree?

I get questions about barking almost every day, and unlike other common behavior problems, with barking it’s almost always the same problem and solution. What I tell people is this – barking is natural! It’s one of the most important ways dogs communicate. Energy is their main form of communication, but some barking is normal. It can be: 1) A form of warning or protection. 2) A warning letting others know “this is my territory.” 3) A form of excitement, such as when a dog barks when he wants a ball. The bottom line is simple–as the pack leader–you should

October 5, 2020 No Comments