5 Signs Your Dog Needs Professional Training

Bringing a dog into your life can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also come with challenges, especially when it comes to behavior. From non-stop barking to selective hearing, behavior issues can disrupt not only your life but also the bond you share with your dog. While some behaviors are normal, others may indicate that your dog needs professional training to address underlying issues. Here, we’ll discuss five common signs that could mean it’s time to enlist the help of a professional trainer, and explore how ignoring these issues could impact your life.

Sign #1: Persistent Barking, Chewing, and Destruction

Barking, chewing, and general destruction are natural for dogs, but when these behaviors become excessive, it’s a red flag. Constant barking can annoy neighbors and disrupt your daily peace, while chewing on furniture or personal items can become an expensive habit. Beyond the frustration and financial impact, such behaviors often signal that your dog is understimulated, bored, or even stressed.

"Boredom, separation anxiety, frustration, lack of socialization, and being overtired are some of the most common reasons dogs develop destructive behaviors," says our trainer, Emily Komer, CPDT-KA.

Why This Matters to You: Persistent barking or chewing can make your home feel chaotic and might lead to confrontations with others who interact with your dog. Addressing these behaviors early with professional training can restore a sense of calm and save you from constantly monitoring your dog's actions around your belongings.

Sign #2: Poor Manners When Meeting People

Dogs are naturally social creatures, but not every greeting goes smoothly. If your dog jumps on guests, lunges at strangers, or is overly enthusiastic when meeting people, this can create uncomfortable situations. This is especially true if your dog is large or excitable, which can scare or even unintentionally harm someone. 

Why This Matters to You: Poor social manners can make outings stressful and may lead you to avoid taking your dog to public places or social gatherings. Training can help your dog learn calm greetings and prevent you from dreading interactions with others. Shelby Semel Dog Training uses techniques that focus on teaching polite behavior to improve your dog’s interactions with others, allowing you to relax and enjoy social situations. "Reactivity to someone coming into the apartment, excessive barking at the doorbell/knocking, excessive jumping, and not being able to calm down are all signs that may indicate a need for professional training," explains Komer.

Sign #3: Difficulty Following Basic Cues

Basic cues like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are essential for keeping your dog safe and comfortable. If your dog struggles to consistently respond to these commands, especially in distracting situations, it might be time for extra support. Difficulty with basic commands is often a sign that there may be deeper issues with how you are communicating with your dog. 

"Regression in cues and behavior due to a dog being in their adolescence phase is something I see often," says Komer. Training during this stage can prevent bad habits from forming and help reinforce good behaviors.

Why This Matters to You: A dog that ignores cues can become a safety risk and a source of constant frustration. Professional training can reinforce basic obedience, making it easier to communicate and enjoy everyday activities without repeated commands and stress.

Sign #4: Signs of Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety in dogs can manifest as shivering, hiding, excessive licking, or aggression. Anxiety issues often need to be managed with professional support because, left untreated, they can lead to further behavioral problems like biting or severe avoidance behaviors. Training can help alleviate fears by using gradual exposure techniques to build confidence.

Why This Matters to You: Living with an anxious dog can be emotionally draining and limit your ability to travel, entertain, or even walk through busy areas. Training programs designed for anxious dogs can give both you and your dog tools to manage fear and promote a calm, balanced environment at home.

Sign #5: Inconsistent or Poor Recall

Reliable recall, or your dog coming when called, is essential, particularly for off-leash activities. If your dog ignores you when you call, this can be a dangerous issue, especially in public settings or near traffic. Inconsistent recall can mean your dog isn’t fully tuned in to your commands or feels overly distracted by their environment.

Why This Matters to You: The inability to trust your dog off-leash limits where you can take them and the experiences you can share. Professional trainers use proven methods to teach recall, helping you build a trusting bond where your dog responds reliably, allowing you more freedom and flexibility in your activities.

Signs of a Bigger Problem

While some behavior issues are normal, patterns of consistent behavioral challenges, aggression, or stress point to a deeper problem. Sometimes these behaviors stem from past trauma, a lack of socialization, or even medical issues. If left unchecked, what may seem like minor annoyances can turn into long-term, ingrained habits that become harder to change.

"An owner can differentiate between normal dog behavior and needing professional help by learning what a dog's body language looks like when they are calm versus in a stimulated state," explains Komer. "I always suggest starting by observing your dog when they are relaxed and comfortable. Then compare that to when your dog is excited, fearful, over-aroused, etc. If your dog is in that aroused, excited, fearful state more often than not, it may be time for some professional intervention to help determine what is going on."

Why This Matters to You: Behavioral problems don’t just go away on their own. Over time, they can worsen, creating an environment that’s stressful for both you and your dog. Investing in professional dog training sooner rather than later can prevent issues from escalating, improving your quality of life and your dog’s wellbeing.

How Unaddressed Training Issues Impact You

Ignoring your dog’s training needs can have significant repercussions on your daily life. Persistent problem behaviors may result in restricted lifestyle choices, limiting your ability to travel, host guests, or even relax in your own home. Moreover, untrained dogs may inadvertently harm other animals, children, or even adults, resulting in potential liability issues for you.

Letting behavior problems linger can also strain the emotional bond you share with your pet. You may find yourself resenting your dog’s behavior or feeling frustration, rather than joy, at their presence. Professional training can transform this dynamic, leading to a more harmonious and stress-free relationship.

Proactive vs. Reactive Training

Many dog owners fall into a cycle of reactive training, only addressing issues as they arise. However, proactive training—addressing potential issues before they escalate—leads to a better long-term relationship with your dog. Proactive training isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about building a foundation for good behavior that will last.

Why This Matters to You: Proactive training can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Instead of constantly managing problems, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-behaved dog who listens, understands boundaries, and knows how to behave in various situations.

How We Can Help

If your dog displays any of the signs above, it might be time to consider professional training. Shelby Semel Dog Training specializes in positive reinforcement techniques that don’t just address undesireable behavior but also build confidence and trust. Our experienced trainers work with you to understand your dog’s unique personality and develop a customized training plan that targets both immediate issues and long-term success.

From tackling specific behavior challenges like recall and social manners to addressing anxiety and obedience, Shelby Semel Dog Training offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of dogs and their owners in New York City. We understand the challenges of raising a dog in an urban environment and provide training solutions that are realistic, compassionate, and effective.

Don’t wait until behavior issues become overwhelming. By taking action now, you can create a happier, more balanced life for both you and your dog.