How often does your dog bark excessively for no reason or growl at complete strangers? Luckily, the most common canine misbehavior's are easy to fix, as long as you know how to handle them. Just like humans, dogs aren’t perfect and chances are, no matter how well behaved your canine is, your pet has at least one bad habit you’d like to break. So if you have a dog that acts up every now and again, take the time to work on the problem before it gets out of hand.

Check out this list of bad behaviors and find out what you can do to help fix them:

Excessive Barking

For most dog owners, appropriate barking is a good thing. It gives us peace of mind to know that our dog is always on the lookout. However, too much barking can drive just about anyone crazy.

To rectify excessive barking, consider your dog’s situation. Many dogs bark out of sheer boredom. If you are leaving your dog alone in the yard for hours on end, your pet will start barking just to amuse itself. Trying spending more time with your canine or hire a dog walker to take your pet out for a stroll in the middle of the day to help relieve boredom and get rid of excess energy.

If your dog barks even when it has other things to do, try correcting this behavior with a firm "no" and a squirt of water. To stop your barker when you aren’t home to correct the behavior, consider purchasing a citronella collar designed for problem barkers. The collar will squirt citronella (a scent that dogs hate) in the air whenever you dog barks, thus discouraging barking for no good reason.

The Notorious Chewer

Some dogs are voracious chewers, especially when they are young. If you have a dog that chews on anything and everything in your home, you need to redirect your pet’s chewing instincts. Provide chew toys while keeping other items out of reach. Keep your dog confined to an area where it can’t have access to items it shouldn’t chew on, such as table legs and shoes. It’s important to teach your pooch that chewing on its toys is okay by letting your pet get in the habit of gnawing only on these designated items.

Not Responding When Called

It can be annoying when your dog won’t come when called, but it can also be dangerous for your pet. This is a misbehavior that needs to be fixed.

Start teaching your dog to come when you say its name, followed by the word "Come!" Tie a clothesline to your dog’s collar in your backyard, call your dog, and reward your pet with treats and lavish praise when it comes to you. If your dog ignores you when you call it, reel your pet in with the clothesline and reward with praise, but no treats. Your canine will eventually learn that it must come in order to be rewarded with treats.

Practice this often, and remember to only call your dog when you can reinforce your command. Your dog must learn that it has to come when called, each and every time.

Growling at Strangers

Most people want a dog that will protect them and their property if threatened. However, some dogs are too protective and growl at people that they shouldn’t.

If you accept a stranger into your home, your dog should too. If you have a dog that growls at people despite the fact that you have invited that person into the house, your dog is out of line. Since aggression is a serious problem, enlist the help of a professional trainer to deal with this misbehavior. Address the problem now before it gets out of hand and your dog bites someone.

With the right amount of basic training, just about any canine misbehavior can be fixed. Be patient and consistent with your dog to get the best results. And don’t hesitate to call in a professional if you need more help.

Information courtesy of The Hartz Mountain Company.