Why do dogs misbehave?
Most common dog behavior issues arise due to the lack of proper pack structure and ineffective dog/human communication techniques. Dogs tend to sense when there is no authority figure present so they take over this roll within the family or "pack." There are often misunderstandings, lack of consistency with regards to guidance, or lack of persistence on the part of the owner. Any of these problems can lead to a dog feeling anxiety or stress. Stress can be exhibited in many ways and is relieved through erratic behavior such as chewing, excessive barking, or even self-mutilation, among others. This erratic behavior often causes stress within the family; this in turn feeds back to the dog causing a cycle of problems.