DOG BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: 5 FAST FIXES FOR PET PARENTS (AND HOW DOOR BUDDY CAN HELP!)
By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 30 October 2025
We adore our dogs like family, they’re loyal, hilarious, and full of personality. But when your pooch starts barking at nothing, chewing the furniture, or raiding the cat’s litter box like it’s a snack bar, it’s time to face the truth: you’ve got a few pet behavior problems on your hands.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. From dog anxiety to door drama, here are five of the most common dog behavior concerns and how to fix them fast (sometimes with a little help from Door Buddy).
1. EXCESSIVE BARKING
Pain: You’re on a Zoom call, and your dog’s auditioning for The Voice.
Why It Happens: Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons, boredom, fear, excitement, guarding instinct, or even dog compulsive disorder (yes, that’s a thing!). Sometimes they’re just anxious and need reassurance.
Fast Fix: Try more walks, interactive toys, or basic dog anxiety training. You can also teach the “quiet” command with positive reinforcement. If you need help to stop barking dogs, try desensitizing them to noises that trigger barking.
How Door Buddy Can Help: Sometimes the barking (or chaos!) starts because your dog can’t resist invading the cat’s private space, whether it’s the litter box, the food bowl, or that sunny nap spot. Door Buddy gives your cat the peace they deserve by keeping curious pups out without closing doors or installing bulky gates. No tools, no tantrums, just harmony at home.
2. DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING
Pain: You’re on a Zoom call, and your dog’s auditioning for The Voice.
Why It Happens: Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons, boredom, fear, excitement, guarding instinct, or even dog compulsive disorder (yes, that’s a thing!). Sometimes they’re just anxious and need reassurance.
Fast Fix: Try more walks, interactive toys, or basic dog anxiety training. You can also teach the “quiet” command with positive reinforcement. If you need help to stop barking dogs, try desensitizing them to noises that trigger barking.
How Door Buddy Can Help: Sometimes the barking (or chaos!) starts because your dog can’t resist invading the cat’s private space, whether it’s the litter box, the food bowl, or that sunny nap spot. Door Buddy gives your cat the peace they deserve by keeping curious pups out without closing doors or installing bulky gates. No tools, no tantrums, just harmony at home.
3. JUMPING ON PEOPLE
Pain: Guests get greeted like WWE opponents.
Why It Happens: Excitement, lack of impulse control, or simply not knowing better.
Fast Fix: Ignore jumping (no eye contact, no touch) and reward calm greetings. Encourage visitors to do the same. With time and consistency, your pup will learn that keeping all four paws on the floor earns more love.
How Door Buddy Can Help: Need a breather before letting guests in? Door Buddy gives you a way to manage space without completely closing the door. It’s great for dogs who get scared or overstimulated by new people - helping you train an anxious dog to stay calm during greetings.
4. PULLING ON THE LEASH
Pain: Every walk feels like an upper-body workout.
Why It Happens: Dogs pull because walks are the highlight of their day, new smells, sights, and adventures.
Fast Fix: Stop moving whenever the leash tightens. Reward loose-leash walking. It’s not instant, but consistency pays off. And remember: tired dogs pull less, so regular playtime helps.
Pro Tip: After all that exercise, your dog might need a good clean! Wondering how often to wash a dog? Most pups do well with a bath every 4-6 weeks. Use a gentle shampoo and a tub for washing dogs or a handheld sprayer. Don’t forget to wash the dog bed and dog toys occasionally; it helps prevent dog skin issues like itchiness and irritation.
5. SEPARATION ANXIETY
Pain: Whining, howling, and door scratching - it’s heartbreaking.
Why It Happens: Separation anxiety in dogs often stems from changes in routine or too much togetherness (looking at you, work-from-home life).
Fast Fix: Try short departures and gradually increase the time away. Offer puzzle feeders or calming toys. If your dog whines, don’t rush back immediately; that only reinforces the anxiety. Calm energy = calm dog.
How Door Buddy Can Help: Create a safe, cozy “den” where your dog can relax in peace. Door Buddy keeps your dog’s space quiet and secure, allowing him to see you while keeping out unwanted visitors.
BONUS: THE LITTER BOX BANDIT
Pain: Your dog’s been… eating the cat’s “snacks.”
Why It Happens: Dogs are scavengers by nature, and cat litter smells (and tastes) appealing to them. It’s one of the most common dog behavior problems in multi-pet homes.
Fast Fix: To stop your dog eating kitty litter, you need a barrier that allows your cat in but keeps your dog out.
How Door Buddy Can Help: Problem solved! Door Buddy is the ultimate tool for keeping the dog out of the litter box. It’s super easy to install, and it lets cats come and go freely while dogs stay out. Whether you’re wondering how to keep dogs out of kitty litter box or just tired of cleaning up “litter confetti,” this is your answer.
DOOR BUDDY = PET PARENT SANITY SAVER
You can’t train away every pet quirk, but Door Buddy helps you manage them like a pro.
Here’s why pet parents love it:
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Keeps dogs out of the litter box while letting cats in.
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Keeps toddlers away from pet food and water bowls.
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Installs in seconds, fits any door.
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Perfect for multi-pet homes and baby proofing for cats.
Pet Parent Win:
“If you're someone like me with both cats and dogs, then you NEED this. My dogs are always trying to sneak into the cats room and get into their litter box. I was over putting a baby gate up everyday and stepping over it and tripping on it. Now that I installed door buddy I don't need the baby gate. My cats can use their litter box in peace and the dogs can no longer enter their room!”
Ally C.
CONCLUSION: DOG BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
Dogs will be dogs, they’ll bark, chew, whine, and occasionally roll in mud. But with patience, a bit of dog behavior training, and clever tools like Door Buddy, your home can stay calm, clean, and chaos-free.
Ready to stop the madness?
Explore the Door Buddy range and discover how easy multi-pet life can be.
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