January is widely recognized as National (and International) Train Your Dog Month, making it the perfect time for pet parents in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress, and West Houston to reflect on their dog’s behavior and overall well-being. Training isn’t about perfection or strict obedience; it’s about communication, confidence, and helping dogs navigate the human world successfully. When I share these 5 signs your dog may need training, I am not judging. I am basing my assessment on my decades of experience working with dogs, and the amazing results I’ve seen after the right dog trainer gets involved. Let’s discuss!
5 Signs Your Dog May Need Training
First off, I want to establish that even well-loved dogs can benefit from training or refresher sessions. Dogs that need training by no means represent a failure on their humans’ part.
All the dogs we care for at Animal Admiration are deeply loved; one might argue that they are wholeheartedly adored by their dedicated guardians. Still, dogs are dogs and, sometimes, they experience the world very differently than we do. They need our guidance, especially when life changes, dynamics change in the home, or a traumatic event happens. The catch is that we may not even know our dog experienced a transition or trauma; we may just see a behavior change and wonder, “What happened?!”
Below, I’m sharing 5 five signs your dog may need training. If you notice any of these, we highly recommend seeking a local or online trainer to help you navigate and modify these behaviors. Always, and I mean always, opt for a positive reinforcement trainer to ensure your dog’s wellbeing and long-term success!
1. Leash Manners Are a Daily Struggle
If walks feel more like a tug-of-war than an enjoyable outing, leash manners may be an issue. Pulling, zig-zagging, lunging, or refusing to move can make walks stressful for both dogs and humans. Proper leash training teaches dogs how to walk calmly and safely, making daily exercise more enjoyable and reducing the risk of injury.
Good leash skills are especially important in busy neighborhoods and shared community spaces throughout the Houston area. They also protect you against falls and injuries when the weather is bad.
The good news about leash manners is that there are online resources like this one to address this behavior using high-level treats. And, even better news, with our dog walking services, we can help your dog practice his or her skills while you’re at work!
2. Destructive Behaviors at Home
Chewing furniture, tearing up pillows, scratching doors, or getting into trash cans often aren’t signs of a “bad dog.” These behaviors are commonly linked to boredom, excess energy, anxiety, or lack of structure.
Training helps dogs learn appropriate outlets for their energy and teaches impulse control, both of which can dramatically reduce destructive habits at home. A dog trainer may also want to start with crate training to keep your dog safe from injury or ingestion during training.
Because destructive behaviors at home can escalate, I recommend contacting a local dog trainer for these kinds of issues, especially if your dog cannot be safely crated or restrained.
3. Reactivity Around Other Dogs
Reactivity can show up as barking, growling, lunging, or freezing when a dog sees another dog. This behavior can happen whether leashed or unleashed, out in the neighborhood or in a fenced-in yard. This behavior is often rooted in fear, frustration, or overexcitement rather than aggression. But it can be dangerous (and scary) for your dog and the people and dogs in your community.
Training for reactivity focuses on helping dogs feel more comfortable and confident around other dogs while teaching handlers how to manage situations safely. Addressing reactivity early can prevent escalation and make walks far less stressful. But, you have to start as soon as possible because, again, the more negative interactions your dog perceives, the worse his or her behavior may get.
I recommend working with a local dog trainer for reactivity around other dogs.
4. Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may vocalize excessively, pace, attempt to escape, or engage in destructive behaviors when left alone. This condition can be distressing for dogs and challenging for families. One of the tell-tale signs of separation anxiety is when your dog greets you overexcitedly, even if you’ve only been gone a short time. That may feel like simple enthusiasm, but it could actually be relief.
Training, often paired with gradual behavior modification, helps dogs learn to feel safe and secure when alone. A professional trainer can guide families through structured routines that support emotional regulation and independence.
The foremost leader in separation anxiety in dogs, Malena DiMartini, was a guest on my friend Isabel’s podcast, Covered in Pet Hair. Listen to the episode here. And, check out Malena’s website for the many resources she and her team offer pet parents who are dealing with separation anxiety in their dogs.
5. Socialization
Socialization is most critical during puppyhood, but it’s never too late to benefit from positive exposure. Puppies need safe, controlled experiences with new people, environments, sounds, and other dogs to grow into confident adults.
Adult dogs also benefit from refresher socialization, especially if routines change, new family members are introduced, or past experiences have limited exposure. Ongoing socialization supports adaptability and reduces fear-based behaviors.
For socialization, puppies do great in group puppy classes, while older dogs may do better matched with a dog of similar size, age, and temperament. No matter what your dog needs, socialization has to be done locally, at least until our dogs learn to use the internet!
Training Supports a Better Life for Dogs and Families
Training isn’t about fixing dogs or making their families feel like failures; it’s about setting everyone up for success. Clear communication, consistency, and positive reinforcement help dogs feel secure and understood. Proper manners, calm behaviors, and well-adjusted pets restore harmony to homes that often feel chaotic because pets are acting out.
During Train Your Dog Month and beyond, investing in training can lead to calmer walks, happier homes, and stronger bonds. When dogs have the skills they need to navigate daily life, everyone benefits, even us, your dog walkers and pet sitters, because your dog will be more confident and comfortable in our care.
If you hire a dog trainer and want us to continue working on your dog’s new skills during visits, please let us know. We would be delighted to support you and your dog in training!
The Best Dog Walkers in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
At Animal Admiration Pet Care, we offer customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. We care for all pet species, breeds, and ages, to ensure pets in Katy and neighboring communities receive the best care.
To join the Animal Admiration family, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
