Common Behavioral Challenges: The Leadership Gap

Most “behavioral problems” are actually symptoms of a bored, under-exercised, or confused dog. As a leader, it is your responsibility to fulfill their needs so they don’t have to find their own outlets.

Destructive Chewing and Digging: Chewing on furniture or digging up the yard is almost always due to boredom and a lack of physical and mental exercise. A dog with a drained battery and a clear job to do doesn’t have the restless energy to be destructive. If you aren’t leading them into productive activity, they will lead themselves into trouble.

Separation Anxiety: This is often a state of panic rooted in a lack of leadership. When a dog believes they are the pack leader, they feel they must protect you. When you leave, they lose control of their “resource” (you), which can lead to howling, pacing, or destructive behavior. Teaching them that you are the leader allows them to finally relax when you are away.

Leash Reactivity and Barking: lunging on the leash or barking at passersby is often a sign that the dog doesn’t trust your ability to handle the environment. If they don’t see you as the one in control, they feel they must handle the “threat” themselves. By remaining calm and assertive, you show the dog that you are the one looking out for the pack.
Jumping and Space Claiming Jumping or trying to climb into your lap and get in your face—which Great Danes love to do—is a way for a dog to claim your space and demand attention. When we allow this or pet them for it, we reward their lack of respect for boundaries. A leader claims their space and decides when to interact, waiting for a calm, seated state before offering any affection.