Top 5 Dog Behavior Problems in Ottawa (And How to Fix Them)
- BetterDog
- Jul 14
- 3 min read

Struggling with Dog Behavior Problems in Ottawa?
You’re Not Alone.
Some days with your dog feel like magic. Others feel like meltdown.
It’s not because your dog is broken. It’s not because you failed. It’s because living with an animal — especially one who’s unsure, overstimulated, or struggling to adapt — brings stress that no training book prepares you for.
If you're dealing with barking that won't stop, leash battles, or a home that feels more chaotic than calm…You're not alone. And you're not doing anything wrong.
These are the five most common behavior problems we see in Ottawa homes — and the calm, structured ways BetterDog helps families move through them.
🐶 1. The Bark That Never Ends
It starts as a warning — a knock at the door, someone walking by, a sound on the stairs.
But it doesn’t stop.
Your dog explodes at every little thing. The windows stay shut. Your nerves stay fried.
Why it happens: In most cases, it’s not confidence — it’s stress. The dog feels it’s their job to monitor the world. You’re not in charge — so they are.
What we change: We shift that responsibility. We teach your dog:
“You don’t have to sound the alarm. I’ve got this.”
Through calm communication and trust-building, we remove the need for the bark — not just the sound.
🪢 2. The Leash Puller That Drags You Through the Glebe
You've tried harnesses. You've tried stops-and-starts. Still, your dog lunges ahead like it’s a race.
Especially in high-traffic areas — downtown, the canal path, the ByWard Market — it becomes unwalkable.
Why it happens: Leash pulling isn’t about disobedience — it’s about disconnection.
Your dog isn’t ignoring you. They’re overwhelmed and ahead of you emotionally.
What we build: A walk that’s mutual. A rhythm that says,
“We’re in this together.”
That starts before you leave the house. It’s not a tool fix — it’s a relationship shift.

🐕 3. Jumping Up on Guests or Strangers
The doorbell rings and it’s chaos. Guests walk in, and your dog’s paws are on their chest.
Maybe it’s friendly. Maybe it’s too much. Either way, it’s not peaceful.
Why it happens: Dogs don’t learn calm by being told “no.” They learn it by experiencing what calm feels like in the presence of people.
What we practice: Neutral greetings. Calm arrival rituals. We show your dog that presence doesn’t equal frenzy — and affection follows peace, not excitement.
This isn’t discipline. It’s emotional maturity.
🍖 4. Guarding Toys, Food, or Beds
You reach for a bone, and your dog stiffens. You move toward the couch, and they freeze. Someone walks too close to the food bowl, and there's a growl. It’s scary — and often misunderstood.
Why it happens: Resource guarding isn’t about dominance. It’s about fear. Fear of losing control. Fear of not having enough.
What we reset: We reframe possession. We show your dog:
“You don’t need to defend this. You’re already safe.”
Through structure and emotional clarity, we remove the tension — without taking things away.
🕰 5. The Dog Who Panics When You Leave
You grab your keys, and your dog starts to pace. You step out the door, and they bark nonstop. Or worse — you come home to damage, stress, or silence.
Separation issues are real — and harder than they look.
Why it happens: Most dogs with anxiety aren’t addicted to you — they’re unpracticed in solitude. They don’t know how to settle without input.
What we offer: We don’t jump to crates or gadgets. We start slow. Structured. Safe.
“You’re okay. You can handle this.”
That becomes a truth your dog carries — whether you’re gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours.
🤍 These Are Common. You Are Not Alone.
We work with dogs all over Ottawa who bark, pull, guard, panic, or jump.Not because they’re untrained — but because they’re unsure. Confused. Emotionally stuck.
Our approach doesn’t rely on treats or tech. It’s built on experience.On 600+ dogs and their families. On presence, structure, and clarity.
If your dog is struggling — and you’re tired, confused, or losing hope — let’s talk.
Not to “fix” your dog. But to rebuild the relationship.
One calm day at a time.