Fixing Common Behavior Problems: Jumping, Barking, and Chewing Solutions for Missoula Dog Owners
As spring kicks into gear across Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley, dogs are spending more time outside—and for many owners, that means dealing with an increase in unwanted behaviors. If your dog is jumping on guests, barking at everything that moves, or chewing on things they shouldn’t, you’re not alone.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we help local dog owners tackle these exact issues every day. The good news? These behavior problems are fixable, and often faster than you think.
Let’s break down what causes these behaviors and how you can fix them using proven strategies tailored for dogs living here in Western Montana.
Why Spring Can Trigger Behavior Issues
Spring brings a change in routine and stimulation:
Longer walks and more activity
More people and dogs out and about
Open windows with outdoor noises
New smells, sights, and distractions
All of this can overwhelm your dog’s senses, especially if they lack structure, exercise, or clear boundaries.
3 Common Behavior Problems (and How to Fix Them)
1. Jumping on People
Why it happens:
Excitement and lack of impulse control
Reinforcement from people giving attention
No clear rule about how to greet
How to fix it:
Ignore the behavior completely – No eye contact, no talking, no touching.
Reward calm greetings – Wait until your dog has four paws on the floor, then reward.
Teach a replacement behavior – Ask for a sit or place command as guests walk in.
Use leash control – For excitable greeters, keep your dog on leash at the door.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, we practice guest greetings in controlled settings so dogs learn to stay calm even when excited.
2. Excessive Barking
Why it happens:
Boredom or lack of stimulation
Alerting behavior (common in window watchers)
Attention-seeking or anxiety
How to fix it:
Identify the trigger – Are they barking at passersby, other dogs, or just for fun?
Correct + redirect – Interrupt the bark, then give a job to do (like “place” or “down”).
Avoid unintentional reinforcement – Yelling “quiet!” may sound like you’re barking too.
Increase exercise and structure – Barking is often a symptom of mental/physical under-stimulation.
If your dog is barking at everything during springtime walks, we can work on neutrality training and impulse control so they stay focused.
3. Destructive Chewing
Why it happens:
Teething (for puppies)
Boredom or anxiety
Lack of supervision or appropriate outlets
How to fix it:
Puppy-proof your space – Keep shoes, cords, and valuables out of reach.
Provide the right outlets – Rotate durable chew toys, frozen Kongs, etc.
Use crate time wisely – Prevent bad habits from forming while unsupervised.
Catch and correct – Interrupt unwanted chewing and immediately redirect to a toy.
We help both puppies and adult dogs learn what’s “theirs” and what’s not, using clear communication and consistency.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried to correct these issues on your own and nothing seems to stick, it’s time to bring in a pro.
At Off Leash K9 Training Missoula, our private and board & train programs are designed to fix:
Jumping, barking, and chewing
Pulling on leash
Reactivity and anxiety
General disobedience or lack of structure
We train both in-home and in real-world environment helping dogs succeed in everyday situations.
Real Solutions for Real Montana Dogs
Whether you live in a quiet neighborhood or near the busier streets of downtown Missoula, your dog is going to encounter new people, dogs, and distractions this spring. Now is the perfect time to fix those annoying habits and replace them with calm, respectful behavior.
Ready to Fix Those Behavior Problems?
We’ll help your dog learn how to:
Greet people politely
Stay quiet when told
Chew on appropriate toys only
Focus on you in any environment
Contact Off Leash K9 Training Missoula today or fill out the form below to schedule a consult. Let’s fix those frustrating behaviors—before summer fun really begins!
