Training builds trust, not just obedience
Training your pet is essential to building a respectful and joyful bond — and most "problem behaviours" are really just a dog communicating a need in the only language it has. Here is how we approach the most common ones.
Excessive barking
First, identify the trigger — boredom, territorial alerting, or anxiety each need a different fix. Boredom barking improves with more physical and mental exercise before the barking window (often evenings). Territorial barking at the door responds well to teaching a "place" or "settle" command so the dog has a job to do instead of reacting.
Leash pulling
Pulling happens because it works — the dog reaches the smell/person/dog faster by pulling. Break the pattern by stopping the moment the leash goes tight and only moving forward when it slackens. It is slow at first but very consistent long-term, and does not require any aversive equipment.
Jumping on guests
Most jumping is over-excited greeting behaviour. Ask guests to ignore the dog completely (no eye contact, no touching) until all four paws are on the ground, then reward calm. Practising a "sit for greeting" cue with the household first makes this far easier with visitors.
Destructive chewing
Chewing is normal, especially for puppies and adolescent dogs — the goal is redirecting it, not eliminating it. Provide appropriate chew toys, rotate them to keep novelty, and increase exercise; a tired dog chews far less destructively than a bored one.
Separation anxiety
True separation anxiety needs a gradual desensitisation plan — very short absences that slowly increase in length, paired with a calm departure and arrival (no dramatic goodbyes or greetings). For dogs with significant anxiety, working with a professional behaviourist alongside this process gives much faster, safer results.
When to bring in a professional
If a behaviour is worsening, involves aggression, or is not improving after a few consistent weeks, it is time for hands-on help rather than more trial and error. Our trainers at Gravity Pets Home work with dogs individually in a dedicated training space, building programs around your dog's specific triggers rather than a one-size-fits-all routine — because the fastest fix is always the one built around the actual dog in front of you.
